Meet CASA Advocate Adrienne McCrady
Where did you first hear about CASA? 
My husband works for a company that is involved with supporting CASA of Dallas County. He told me I might be a good fit as a CASA advocate because of my experience as an educator, so I went to the CASA of Denton County website to learn more and eventually completed the steps necessary to become a CASA advocate. I’m so glad I did!
Why did you decide to become a CASA?
I’ve had a few different career paths where I have encountered children and families involved with the child welfare system. At one point in my career, I was the program director for an organization that served women and children who were experiencing homelessness. I have some knowledge of how it can all turn out. Some of those women and children have been involved in child welfare cases. As a former educator, I had adolescents in the classroom who had CASA advocates, and I knew what kind of role I could play in helping these kids have brighter futures.
What do you find rewarding about being a CASA?
I find it rewarding to be the stability that many children in child welfare cases need. For many children, their CPS caseworkers, schools, and foster placements may change many times, while I remain a consistent part of the child’s life throughout all of those changes. They need consistency and someone to hold their story and their history throughout the case.
Why do you think it’s important for our local community to support CASA?
Every child deserves an opportunity for a bright future. Community is where they can get that. There may be periods of time when that cannot come from a family member.
Is there anything you’d like to say to someone considering becoming a CASA advocate?
My journey with CASA shows that you can work full time, travel, and have responsibilities at home, and you can still be a great CASA. I was a high school teacher when I first became a CASA. Teaching doesn’t offer much flexibility with time off, but I could take half a day off for an important hearing and work with my casework supervisor for support when needed.
We sometimes hear that people hesitate to commit to being a CASA until they are retired, or until their kids are grown, or because traveling might prevent them from doing a good job. Have you ever felt like this?
I remember taking a call pertaining to my very first case while I was in Amsterdam about to tour the Anne Frank house. While serving on another case, I knew I would be teaching in Peru for three weeks during the case. There are so many opportunities to receive information and communicate with folks no matter where you are. And I know that my casework supervisor will always help me plan everything out and support me. You have to plan a little more carefully when you are working full-time or have other obligations, but I have always felt like it can certainly be done.
If you would like to learn about what it takes to become a CASA advocate, sign up for one of our one-hour