The CASA Voice
The CASA Voice is your source for inspiration and education on all things CASA and child welfare! Check it out for spotlights on the life-changing work of Texas CASA, the CASA programs, and our partners, sponsors and supporters.
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Your Dedication Inspires Us to Achieve Great ThingsYour Dedication Inspires Us to Achieve Great ThingsDear friends,During this holiday and giving season I want you to know how deeply grateful everyone at Texas CASA is for your steadfast support. You inspire us to achieve great things....November 17, 2023 -
New podcast episode on partnering with attorney ad litemsNew podcast episode on partnering with attorney ad litemsWhat can CASA advocates do to build effective working relationships and increase collaboration with attorney ad litems? For this conversation, we’re honored to be joined by the deeply insightful Lori...November 9, 2023 -
The Community Margaret Is BuildingThe Community Margaret Is Building“Margaret is going above and beyond every single day to impact the quality of training that CASA volunteers deserve. She is listening to the trainers and working hard to give...October 31, 2023 -
Giving Tuesday November 28thGiving Tuesday November 28thSave the date for Giving Tuesday on November 28, 2023! Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a global day of generosity dedicated to inspiring hundreds of millions of people...October 25, 2023 - November Is National Adoption MonthNovember Is National Adoption MonthNovember is National Adoption Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the many children in foster care in America who are currently awaiting adoption. There are over 117,000 children...October 23, 2023
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74th CASA Program Announcement74th CASA Program AnnouncementWe are beyond excited to announce that the 74th Texas program of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is calling Milam County home this fall! CASA of Milam County will recruit,...October 20, 2023 -
Texas CASA Hosts New Executive Director UniversityTexas CASA Hosts New Executive Director UniversityTexas CASA was honored to host the first in-person New Executive Director University (New ED U) in September. Celeste Prather, Texas CASA’s Program Operations Director, brought together 13 Executive Directors...October 5, 2023 -
CASA Anti-Child Trafficking: Full Framework Now AvailableCASA Anti-Child Trafficking: Full Framework Now AvailableBack in 2021, Texas CASA began developing the CASA Anti-Child Trafficking framework known as CASA ACT in order to provide resources, training and coordination of services. Youth who have been...September 29, 2023 - Knowing How to Advocate for Vulnerable PopulationsKnowing How to Advocate for Vulnerable PopulationsDomestic Violence Awareness is recognized throughout the month of October in an effort to end domestic violence. During this month, survivors of abuse, victim advocates, allied professionals and vested community...September 28, 2023
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The Impact of the Legacy Leadership CircleThe Impact of the Legacy Leadership CircleOn behalf of everyone at Texas CASA, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Legacy Leadership Circle for their commitment, leadership and tremendous support. Over the past two years, contributions...September 27, 2023 -
Inspired Facilitation: A Reading Collective for Fearless FacilitatorsInspired Facilitation: A Reading Collective for Fearless FacilitatorsLast month, Texas CASA’s Learning and Development Manager for Pre-Service Training, Margaret Halpin, shipped out 35 boxes for a new professional development series Inspired Facilitation: A Reading Collective for Fearless...September 26, 2023 -
Introducing the Texas CASA Volunteer CouncilIntroducing the Texas CASA Volunteer CouncilTexas CASA is honored to present the newly developed Volunteer Council that will serve as an advisory group working in collaboration with Texas CASA’s Chief Network Service Officer, Deedra Baker,...September 26, 2023 - Improving Educational Outcomes for Youth in Foster Care: New CASA on the Go Podcast EpisodeImproving Educational Outcomes for Youth in Foster Care: New CASA on the Go Podcast EpisodeAs the families we walk alongside embark on a new school year, let’s pause to reflect on how CASA advocates can have a powerful impact on increasing educational stability and...September 5, 2023
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Special Delivery from the Texas CASA CFE Team!Special Delivery from the Texas CASA CFE Team!Last month, the Texas CASA Collaborative Family Engagement team came together to assemble 219 Visitation Toolkits for the local CASA programs! Thanks to the generosity of The Meadows Foundation and...August 31, 2023 - The Positivity You Share Could Save a LifeThe Positivity You Share Could Save a LifeSeptember was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, September has been designated as a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness and...August 30, 2023
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Clergy, CASA & Community Growth Made Possible by Blue Bell CreameriesClergy, CASA & Community Growth Made Possible by Blue Bell CreameriesTexas CASA’s Clergy, CASA & Community (CCC) initiative seeks to build a network of faith communities and leaders who will commit to speaking up for children in foster care and...August 23, 2023 -
Meet Judge Hofmann: Distinguished Speaker Series Premieres Soon!Meet Judge Hofmann: Distinguished Speaker Series Premieres Soon!Meet Judge Hoffmann on September 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. CTJudge Rob Hofmann recently began a fourth term as judge of the 452nd Judicial District in five Hill Country counties....August 21, 2023 -
James' Story by Sarah Goggans, Program Director of Lake Country CASA: Spotlight on Suicide Awareness & PreventionJames' Story by Sarah Goggans, Program Director of Lake Country CASA: Spotlight on Suicide Awareness & PreventionMy CASA journey started in 2014. I was so excited to become a CASA volunteer and help kids in my community who were going through an unimaginable experience. Their world...August 21, 2023 -
The Fix - Episode 15 with Kate Black from Disability Rights TexasThe Fix - Episode 15 with Kate Black from Disability Rights TexasFor Disability Pride Month in July, Texas CASA was honored to feature Kate Black, an attorney with Disability Rights Texas (DRT), in the latest episode of The Fix. In this...July 31, 2023 - Bystander Intervention & Educational AdvocacyBystander Intervention & Educational AdvocacyAugust is nationally recognized as Bystander Awareness Month, and during this month we are taking the opportunity to explore what being an engaged bystander actually means. Many people think witnessing...July 31, 2023
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Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair & Beauty supports Texas CASA this AugustJanet St. Paul Studio for Hair & Beauty supports Texas CASA this AugustWe are honored to announce that Janet St. Paul, owner of Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair & Beauty, has stepped up again to raise funds for the vital work...July 31, 2023 -
What is Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE)?What is Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE)?The CASA network strives to be at the forefront of emerging challenges in child welfare and in an effort to address these challenges head-on, Texas CASA, in partnership with the...July 28, 2023 -
Aging Out ResourceAging Out ResourceInternational Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12 in an effort to raise awareness about youth-related matters and acknowledge the value young people contribute around the world. In honor...July 27, 2023 - CASA on the Go: Continuing Education for CASA VolunteersCASA on the Go: Continuing Education for CASA VolunteersCASA volunteers know how critical it is that parents and family members have access to the information and support needed to successfully navigate what can be a complex and overwhelming...July 24, 2023
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Distinguished Speaker Series is Back!Distinguished Speaker Series is Back!The Distinguished Speaker Series is back for the last time in 2023! This year’s series Advocacy from the Bench features four honorable judges from across Texas. The Distinguished Speaker Series is a...July 24, 2023 - Historic Investments Made to Improve the Child Welfare SystemHistoric Investments Made to Improve the Child Welfare SystemThe CASA network makes a difference in the lives of children and families each and every day. During the month of July for National Make a Difference to Children Month,...June 30, 2023
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Thank You to Southwest AirlinesThank You to Southwest AirlinesWe are honored to give thanks to our friends at Southwest Airlines for awarding Texas CASA with 50 round-trip flight passes valued at $20,000! These passes allow us to expand...June 27, 2023 -
Child Welfare & Texas CASA 88th Legislative Session OutcomesChild Welfare & Texas CASA 88th Legislative Session OutcomesThe final day of the 88th Regular Legislative Session in Texas was Monday, May 29. Texas CASA tracked over 438 child welfare bills, testified before committees 11 times, and registered...June 20, 2023 -
Welcome New Texas CASA Board MembersWelcome New Texas CASA Board MembersOur Board of Directors play an important role in governance, financial stewardship and ensuring that Texas CASA has the resources to fulfill our work and mission of supporting local CASA...June 14, 2023 - A Closer Look at Normalcy and Mental HealthA Closer Look at Normalcy and Mental HealthThe month of June marks the beginning of summer – a time of sunshine and celebration. As children and youth celebrate the ending of the school year, Texas CASA encourages...June 5, 2023
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88th Legislative Session Update88th Legislative Session UpdateThe final day of the 88th Regular Legislative Session in Texas was Monday, May 29. Texas CASA tracked over 438 bills, testified before committees 11 times and registered in support...June 5, 2023 -
Foster Care Month Fundraiser RecapFoster Care Month Fundraiser RecapThank you to everyone who helped us recognize National Foster Care Month in May! Our incredible donors contributed more than $14,000 to support our innovative programs and public policy efforts....June 2, 2023 -
Texas CASA's 2022 Impact Report Now AvailableTexas CASA's 2022 Impact Report Now AvailableWe are excited to announce that Texas CASA’s 2022 Impact Report: Learning from Lived Experiences is now available! This report serves as an overview of Texas CASA’s services and dedication brought...June 2, 2023 -
2023 CFE Symposium Success2023 CFE Symposium SuccessTexas CASA, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Child Protective Services (CPS), Community-Based Care contractors and local CASA programs came together this past month in Denton, TX, for...May 26, 2023 -
Spotlight on CASA of Tarrant County Volunteer Sarah HoppSpotlight on CASA of Tarrant County Volunteer Sarah HoppSince she began volunteering for CASA of Tarrant County seven years ago, 35-year-old Sarah Hopp has been an inspirational child advocate who supports kids in the foster care system. Serving...May 22, 2023 -
CASA On the Go: Advocacy for Children 0 to 5 Years Old and Their Families Featuring Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing (Part 1)CASA On the Go: Advocacy for Children 0 to 5 Years Old and Their Families Featuring Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing (Part 1)In part one of this two-part conversation, Margaret Halpin will be joined by the seasoned team of Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing from Child Advocates of Fort Bend to draw...May 17, 2023 - Strengthening Minds. Uplifting Families.Strengthening Minds. Uplifting Families.By Vicki Spriggs, Texas CASA CEOMay is National Foster Care Month, and the theme for this year’s campaign is Strengthening Minds. Uplifting Families. to highlight the need for a holistic...May 2, 2023
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Texas CASA Launched Statewide Mobile Truck Outreach TourTexas CASA Launched Statewide Mobile Truck Outreach TourIn honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Texas CASA launched a 13-city Texas tour to bring awareness of the need for more dedicated community members to become...April 28, 2023 -
88th Legislative Session Update88th Legislative Session UpdateWe are in heading into the home stretch of the 88th Legislative Session. The last day of regular session ends on May 29. The Governor then has until June 18...April 28, 2023 -
Texas CASA Hosts CFE Symposium to Grow Family Engagement in the Lives of Children & Youth in Foster CareTexas CASA Hosts CFE Symposium to Grow Family Engagement in the Lives of Children & Youth in Foster CareTexas CASA, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), Child Protective Services (CPS), and Community-Based Care contractors will meet starting Wednesday, May 3, at the Denton Convention Center for...April 28, 2023 -
Support Texas CASA During Foster Care MonthSupport Texas CASA During Foster Care MonthTexas has more than 38,000 children and youth in foster care out of the more than 391,000 children and youth in foster care in the United States. To support those...April 28, 2023 - CASA On the Go: Building Trust-based Relationships With Youth featuring Jordan BartlettCASA On the Go: Building Trust-based Relationships With Youth featuring Jordan BartlettHow can we support the youth we walk alongside in cultivating resiliency across the essential, interconnected domains of life? In the latest episode of CASA on the Go, we’re joined...April 28, 2023
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Upcoming Webinar: Overview of Treatment Foster Family CareUpcoming Webinar: Overview of Treatment Foster Family CareThe Children’s Commission will host “Overview of Treatment Foster Family Care,” a 90-minute webinar designed for judges, attorneys and other child advocates like CASA on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from...April 25, 2023 -
Books to Read During Autism Acceptance Month & BeyondBooks to Read During Autism Acceptance Month & BeyondApril is dedicated to Autism Acceptance Month to promote understanding, education and inclusivity toward the community it celebrates. It’s equally important to help make space for joy and celebration for...April 4, 2023 - Creating a Safe and Positive Future for All Texas ChildrenCreating a Safe and Positive Future for All Texas ChildrenBy Vicki Spriggs, Texas CASA CEOApril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we are highlighting the ways we work to create a safe and positive future for all Texas...April 3, 2023
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CASA Network Speaks Up for Children & Families at the State CapitolCASA Network Speaks Up for Children & Families at the State CapitolOn March 1, 2023, the CASA network rallied at the Texas State Capitol for CASA Day at the Capitol. The event brought together more than 280 members from 48 of...April 3, 2023 -
Help Make a Difference During Child Abuse Prevention MonthHelp Make a Difference During Child Abuse Prevention MonthThroughout April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Texas CASA and other groups will be sharing information and resources about preventing child abuse and neglect. The idea of preventing child abuse and...April 3, 2023 -
Fundraising Strategies for CASA ProgramsFundraising Strategies for CASA ProgramsJoin us for a powerful webinar that will equip you with the tools and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of children and families in Texas. Texas CASA...April 3, 2023 - 88th Legislative Session Updates88th Legislative Session UpdatesMarch 10 marked the 60th day of the 88th Legislative Session and the bill filing deadline. Until May 29, bills will continue to be heard in both the House and...April 3, 2023
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Introducing the Advocacy for Youth Affected by Sex Trafficking GuidebookIntroducing the Advocacy for Youth Affected by Sex Trafficking GuidebookTexas CASA is pleased to share a new resource and guidebook for CASA volunteers and staff on best advocacy practices for young people impacted by sex trafficking. The Advocacy for...March 27, 2023