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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- Message from the Board President - Foster Care MonthMessage from the Board President - Foster Care MonthDear friends,As we move into May and begin to bring focus to National Foster Care Month, we want to first take the time to spotlight Texas CASA CEO, Vicki Spriggs,...April 24, 2024
- May is National Foster Care MonthMay is National Foster Care MonthFor 35 years, Texas CASA has created connections and support in the CASA network through innovative programs, community collaboration, impactful resources and advocacy for systemic change. You can support our...April 24, 2024
- Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation DayChild Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation DayOn Friday, April 5, the Texas CASA team gathered at the south steps of the Texas Capitol for #GoBlueDay and Child Abuse Prevention Proclamation Day. This inspiring event began with...April 18, 2024
- Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention: What You Need to Know & What You Can DoChild Abuse & Neglect Prevention: What You Need to Know & What You Can DoJUMP TO A SECTIONWhat is prevention?Why does child abuse and neglect occur?How do prevention services work?What does the state of Texas do to prevent child abuse and neglect?What can I...March 31, 2024
- Will You Go From Awareness to Action?Will You Go From Awareness to Action?Dear friends,During Child Abuse Prevention Month this April CASA programs across Texas will be hosting events, reaching out to local media, ramping up grassroots recruitment efforts and more, with the...March 26, 2024
- Kristy Smith, CASA Advocate + Senior Grants Management SpecialistKristy Smith, CASA Advocate + Senior Grants Management SpecialistKristy Smith, Texas CASA senior grants management specialist, is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her optimistic attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and...March 25, 2024
- Unlocking the Recruitment Code at the 2024 Volunteer Power Unleashed SummitUnlocking the Recruitment Code at the 2024 Volunteer Power Unleashed SummitOn the morning of February 28, 2024 more than 100 CASA recruiters, volunteers and staff became detectives and set out on the ultimate two-day challenge: improve volunteer recruitment. Not only...March 22, 2024
- Social Workers are the Foundation of the Child Welfare SystemSocial Workers are the Foundation of the Child Welfare SystemDear friends,During National Social Work Month this March, we take the time to appreciate and celebrate the 725,000+ social workers across the nation who have devoted their careers to bettering...March 5, 2024
- Program Leadership Connect at Together We Can! Growth Strategy MeetingProgram Leadership Connect at Together We Can! Growth Strategy MeetingEarlier this year, Texas CASA brought together local program executive directors and board presidents for an important discussion on the state of the Texas child protection system and the challenges...March 1, 2024
- New Continuing Education Podcast Episode Featuring Joan UlsherNew Continuing Education Podcast Episode Featuring Joan UlsherIn our newest podcast episode we’re delighted to be joined by author, speaker and CASA advocate Joan Ulsher, a powerful voice for the mission and impact of CASA. Joan shares...February 27, 2024
- Sarah Crockett, MSW: Public Policy Director and CASA VolunteerSarah Crockett, MSW: Public Policy Director and CASA VolunteerSarah Crockett is the Public Policy Director at Texas CASA. Crockett grew up in Idaho and has a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Northwest Nazarene University and...February 26, 2024
- MiShon Landry, CDP, CDE: A Passionate Advocate for Children in Foster CareMiShon Landry, CDP, CDE: A Passionate Advocate for Children in Foster CareFebruary shines a spotlight on MiShon Landry, CDP, CDE, a dedicated member of Texas CASA’s Board of Directors. Recently featured on Texas CASA’s video series, The Fix, Landry addresses the...February 2, 2024
- Annual Report of the Health and Human Services OmbudsmanAnnual Report of the Health and Human Services OmbudsmanLast year, the 88th Legislature consolidated all existing ombudsman programs, including the Foster Care Ombudsman, administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which was established to provide...February 2, 2024
- Speaking Up for At-Risk Children and YouthSpeaking Up for At-Risk Children and YouthDear friends,During Black History Month, Texas CASA is taking the time to reaffirm our commitment to creating a brighter, more equitable life for all Texas children and families. We are...February 1, 2024
- New Video Featuring Texas CASA's ACT Consultant, Rhonda KuykendallNew Video Featuring Texas CASA's ACT Consultant, Rhonda KuykendallWhen we consider the child welfare system, a stark reality emerges: children are at an alarmingly high risk of falling prey to sex trafficking. A study conducted by The University...January 10, 2024
- A mission to combine a lived experience with serviceA mission to combine a lived experience with service“When I realized how uneducated many communities are regarding the realities of sex trafficking, I promised myself to become an advocate. I knew it was my mission to combine a...December 19, 2023
- New Report from the Texas Alliance of Child and Family ServicesNew Report from the Texas Alliance of Child and Family ServicesFour of the Single Source Continuum Contractors (Saint Francis, 2Ingage, Our Community Our Kids, and Belong) utilized funding appropriated by the 87th Legislature in collaboration with the Texas Alliance of...December 19, 2023
- Earn In-Service Hours and support families through survivor partnershipEarn In-Service Hours and support families through survivor partnershipJoin Texas CASA and SAFE for the next Sharpening Skills Volunteer In-Service Training: Domestic Violence Informed Practice, Supporting Families Through Survivor Partnership. On January 23 from 12-1 p.m. learn more...December 18, 2023
- Leading the Charge in Child Trafficking Prevention and Awareness EffortsLeading the Charge in Child Trafficking Prevention and Awareness EffortsDear friends,January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. While the term human trafficking has gained much more awareness in the past few years, there is still confusion around the term...December 14, 2023
- Federal Lawsuit Updates and Next Hearing InformationFederal Lawsuit Updates and Next Hearing InformationIn November, the plaintiffs representing Texas children filed this motion asking the court to hold the state in contempt, sanction officials, and consider putting parts of the foster-care system under...December 14, 2023
- Rainbow Room DonationsRainbow Room DonationsTexas CASA was full of holiday cheer last week after donating items to the DFPS Rainbow Rooms in Austin/Travis County! Rainbow Rooms are 24/7 resource centers usually located within local Child Protective...December 5, 2023
- Public Policy Tour of Texas RecapPublic Policy Tour of Texas RecapThe Public Policy Team has officially wrapped up their Post Session Tour of Texas! From August to November, the Public Policy Team traveled across the state to conduct eight in-person...December 1, 2023
- A Year in Review with Texas CASA StaffA Year in Review with Texas CASA StaffWe asked our extraordinary staff: What are you most proud of accomplishing with Texas CASA in 2023?Benita Pekkattil, Community Engagement Specialist: I am extremely proud of how far the Social...November 22, 2023
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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