In 1977, Judge David Soukup of Seattle made a decision that would change the course of child advocacy in this country. He had grown increasingly troubled by cases in which the most vulnerable individuals—children in foster care—were appearing in court with no one to speak solely for them. While lawyers and caseworkers handled procedural matters, the unique needs and voices of these children were often lost in the shuffle. Judge Soukup believed that needed to change. 

After hearing too many stories of vulnerable kids whose futures were decided without a strong advocate, he launched the first Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program in Washington state. His goal was simple—train volunteers to stand up in court for the safety and well-being of children in the foster care system. These advocates would be consistent, focused and, most importantly, present—when so many others in a child's life were not.

 

The program was quickly endorsed by a committee from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and it was recognized as a new model for protecting the rights of children in foster care. The CASA movement gained momentum rapidly. In 1982, the first Annual CASA Conference was held in Nevada. This event marked a turning point, leading to the establishment of the National CASA Association. By the end of that year, 88 CASA/GAL programs were already operational across the United States. By 1983, the reach of CASA/GAL had expanded to twenty-nine states, and by 1984, the National CASA Association was officially formed in Seattle. That same year, the association entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, securing crucial funding that continues to support the organization to this day.

 

Locally, in 1993, Williamson County CASA was established by The Honorable Jane Crockett Franks. A mother of twelve and a judge with a deep commitment to protecting children, she recruited local leaders to serve on the Williamson County CASA Board of Directors. She worked closely with the National CASA Association to train volunteer advocates. Despite the misconception that child abuse and neglect did not occur in affluent communities like Williamson County, Judge Franks worked tirelessly to educate the community on the need for CASA services and to involve them in the cause. Her advocacy raised awareness and helped build the strong local program we have today.

 

Since then, CASA volunteers in Williamson County have assisted with thousands of cases involving abused or neglected children. As unsettling as it may be, the demand for CASA volunteers and services has grown each year. With our area's population growing, the caseload of the legal system continues to rise, as do instances of neglect and abuse involving local children. Every one of those cases represents a child who needs someone standing beside them—not just with legal knowledge but with compassion, time, and an unwavering sense of duty. CASA volunteers fill that role.

 

These advocates come from all walks of life. They are teachers, retirees, business professionals, parents. They are united by a belief that every child deserves a safe, stable, and permanent home—and that no child should face the courts alone.

 

On May 1^st, Williamson County CASA will host its annual Voices for Children fundraising event. The evening promises a meaningful experience, with a full dinner, drinks and a high-energy live auction—all supporting the CASA mission. Guests will hear firsthand stories from local advocates and families and come together to celebrate this year's community impact. One of the night's highlights will be the presentation of the 2025 Community Service Award to Mustaches For Kids, a group that's used creativity and heart to raise critical support for children in need.

 

This event is more than a fundraiser. It's a call to action. It's a chance for our community to rally around the idea that no matter how successful or affluent a place may seem, children can still fall through the cracks—and it's up to all of us to make sure they don't.