The Texas CASA Public Policy team is planning to host three webinars in July covering the 85th Legislative Session, legislative outcomes and the specific impact of legislation on CASA programs and child advocacy.
An Overview & Update on Priorities for the 85th Legislative Session | Thursday, July 6, 2017 – 12-1 p.m.
In this webinar, the Texas CASA Public Policy team will provide participants with a general overview of what occurred this session, including information on the political and financial context of the session. The team will give an overview what happened with each of the CASA funding and legislative priorities, as well as discuss a major change to funding for kinship caregivers and a bill that made the Department of Family and Protective Services a standalone agency.
Major Child Welfare Reform Bills Passed in the 85th Session | Tuesday, July 11, 2017 – 12-1 p.m.
In this webinar, the Texas CASA Public Policy team and Tina Amberboy, Executive Director of the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission, will give an overview of three major child welfare reform bills (SB 11, HB 7, HB 1549) that passed in the 85th Session, including a bill that moves case management responsibility for children in foster care to private contractors. Each of these bills changes the child welfare system in a profound way, and each one has implications on the work and role of CASA staff and volunteers across the state.
Child Welfare Bills Impacting Children & Youth in Foster Care | Thursday, July 13, 2017 – 12-1 p.m.
Texas CASA will be joined by advocates from One Voice Texas and Texans Care for Children to discuss some of the many important child welfare bills that passed during the 85th Legislative Session. From reforming the Preparation for Adult Living program, to creating a new ombudsman office for everyone impacted by child welfare, to religious conscience legislation, you won’t want to miss hearing about these important bills!