Bluebonnet puts spotlight on Child Abuse Prevention Month

Bluebonnet’s five member service centers will be lighted blue in April to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Sarah Beal photo

March 1, 2024

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative's five member service centers will shine blue at night throughout April to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month and the region’s organizations that support families impacted by abuse and neglect. Keep an eye on the cooperative’s social media pages this month for information on resources, ways to get involved and community events.

In the Bluebonnet area, three Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, programs, cover 11 counties and work to help children in the state’s welfare systems.

The Children’s Advocacy Center, which serves Bastrop, Lee and Fayette counties, offers care, support and services to children who have been abused. The SAFE Alliance nonprofit, which operates in eastern Travis County, supports children, adults and families who have experienced abuse.

These local organizations welcome both volunteers and donations.

At CASA, volunteer adults undergo a rigorous screening process, which includes a pre-screening interview and background check, and a comprehensive 30-hour training program to assist children in the foster care system. CASA volunteers also gain experience through courtroom observation. Once approved, volunteers may be appointed by judges to work on specific cases, advocating for one child or a set of siblings at a time. Get more information at texascasa.org.

The Children’s Advocacy Center team, along with SAFE Alliance volunteers, are devoted to providing comprehensive services to eradicate violence.

To report suspected child abuse, call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400, or submit a report online at txabusehotline.org. In case of immediate danger to a child, call 911 to contact local law enforcement.

About the region’s abuse assistance agencies

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Bastrop, Lee and Fayette counties supports children by providing specially trained community volunteers appointed by juvenile and family court judges to represent the interests of children who enter state custody after being removed from their families by Child Protective Services.

507 Water St., Bastrop

Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

512-303-2272

On the web: casabfl.org

Email kristi.bauer@casabfl.org

Children’s Advocacy Center

Children’s Advocacy Center, serving Bastrop, Lee and Fayette counties, provides a safe, child-friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, court prosecution, and medical and mental health professionals can share information and develop strategies to meet the needs of each case and child.

59 TX 150 Loop, Bastrop

Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

512-321-6161

On the web: childrensadvocacycenter.org

Email info@CACBastrop.org

CASA for Kids of South Central Texas

CASA for Kids of South Central Texas, serving Austin, Colorado, Waller and Washington counties, supports children by providing specially trained community volunteers appointed by juvenile and family court judges to represent the interests of children who enter state custody after being removed from their families by Child Protective Services.

1500 S. Day St., Brenham

Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

979-277-0088

On the web: wespeak4kids.org

Email info@wespeak4kids.org

CASA of Central Texas, Inc.

CASA of Central Texas, Inc., serving Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays counties, supports children by providing specially trained community volunteers appointed by juvenile and family court judges to represent the interests of children who enter state custody after being removed from their families by Child Protective Services.

2725 Hunter Road, San Marcos

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Phone: 830-626-2272

On the web: casacentex.org

Email info@casacentex.org