New Homes in Dallas County

Dallas, TX - The county courthouse in Dallas was a scene of multiple celebrations Saturday. CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates - organized a special event for National Adoption Day. Seventy-five children got new forever homes.

It's a day of tremendous celebration, " said Kathleen Lavalle, president of CASA. "The generosity and human spirit of families who are making their own families larger by embracing and giving security and love to children who have come through often times a very traumatic experience and have gone through a process that leads to today, and really a new chapter in their lives. A chance at a different future then they might have imagined."

CASA is a non profit group of volunteers who serve abused and neglected children in protective care. Gathering information to help judges decide where they can safely and permanently live. Children like 3-year-old Chance, adopted by Monica and Charles Strahan.

"It's been a three year process. We've had him since he was two days old, " said Monica. "My husband I were just trying to have another child on our own. God said, 'No.' Because he had another child waiting for us. So, I tell anybody that if there's a child out there that needs a family just go for it. It's been a complete life-changing experience. As well as a happy blessing."

"National Adoption Day started in the year 2000 and Dallas County was one of seven counties in the country that participated, " said LaValle. It's a coming together of a lot of different organizations. Child Protective Services helps to organize the day. The attorneys volunteer their legal services for today. And what makes it so special is that it's not just an every other day in the Courthouse. Every single hearing with our judges volunteering their time is an adoption. It's a celebration."

Dallas CASA hopes to become the largest nonprofit CASA program in the country to serve all abused children in protective care. To learn more about advocating for abused children, call 214-827-8961 or visit dallascasa.org.