BRENHAM CASA ADVOCATE ADDRESSES LEGISLATORS

  

A Local CASA Volunteer Advocate has presented a progress report to state legislators.

Brenham resident Diane Black, a CASA Advocate, reported to legislators on how House Bill 915 proved beneficial for the treatment and long term care abused/neglected children, including the child in her own assigned case.

HB 915, passed in 2013, arose from growing concerns from the CASA network and other child welfare stakeholders that children and youth in substitute care were being over-medicated with psychotropic medications.

Officials say the medications often leadi to side effects and a lack of knowledge of how to treat the underlying issue.

The Bill was sponsored by local Rep. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham and Sen. Jane Nelson of Flower Mound, and passed with nonpartisan support.

CASA for Kids of South Central Texas advocates for children within Austin, Colorado, Waller and Washington counties and is currently serving 118 abused or neglected children.

CASA is in need of both volunteers and.  Anyone who would like to help, or get more information, can visit www.wespeak4kids.org or call 979-277-0088.