Strengthening Texas’ Child Welfare System Through Partnership

Over the past two months, I’ve had the privilege of participating in two powerful gatherings that reinforced something we know to be true: meaningful change for children and families happens when we work together. 

At our annual Leadership Roundtable, representatives from 43 local CASA programs came together to learn, share ideas, and strengthen their leadership. Throughout the day, conversations centered on clarity, alignment, and commitment — three principles that help organizations navigate complexity while remaining focused on what matters most: improving outcomes for children impacted by the child welfare system in Texas. Leaders exchanged promising practices, explored challenges facing volunteer engagement, and reflected on how stronger partnerships across local programs and stakeholders in the child welfare system can create greater impact. 

That spirit of collaboration continued during our From Involvement to Partnership luncheon, which brought together leaders from CASA programs, Community-Based Care providers, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), and Texas CASA. More than 30 leaders participated in open and honest discussions about family engagement and the future of child welfare in Texas. One participant captured the importance of this work perfectly: “Families experience the system as one system. They feel every gap between us. Partnership requires shared responsibility, not just shared goals.” 

That perspective guided our conversations throughout the event. Together, we explored how collaboration can strengthen support for children and families, elevate family voice, and ensure that relationships remain at the center of our work as Texas’ child welfare system continues to evolve. The feedback afterward was encouraging, with participants highlighting the value of open dialogue and learning from partners at different points in their journey. 

What stood out to me across both events was the collective commitment to moving beyond individual perspectives and working together to create lasting, meaningful change for children and families across Texas. Whether strengthening leadership within CASA programs or building partnerships across the broader child welfare community, collaboration remains one of our greatest strengths. 

I am grateful to everyone who participated, shared their experiences, and invested their time in these conversations. The relationships built and strengthened through these gatherings will continue to benefit the children and families we collectively serve. 

Together, we can accomplish far more than any one organization can alone. 

With sincere thanks, 

Vicki Spriggs, CEO de Texas CASA