Program Portal

Welcome to the Program Portal!

The Program Portal is a suite of resources for CASA staff and board members. It covers all things that support running a highly effective local CASA program, such as:

  • Trainings specifically targeted to CASA staff and board members;
  • Templates for documents, media releases, policies and procedures;
  • Texas CASA’s Standards for Local CASA/GAL Programs;
  • Resources for implementing Texas CASA-led practices and initiatives, such as Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) and Volunteer Coaching & Advocacy (VCA);
  • Guides to Texas CASA’s grants; Optima and the Online Data Manager (ODM);
  • And much more!

Stay Connected

Inside CASA is Texas CASA’s up-to-date source of training opportunities, best practices, tips, news and more to help local CASA program staff and board members in their day-to-day operations and advocacy. Sign up for the Inside CASA newsletter that goes out on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month or check out the blog posts here.

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Explore

Resources by Topic

Click on the topic you wish to explore to find resources, trainings and videos.

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Anti-Child Trafficking

Anti-Child Trafficking educates CASA volunteers on the system of child sex trafficking and the ways to capably advocate for youth in foster care who have been affected. By understanding the system, CASA volunteers will be better equipped to support survivors.  

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Board & Governance

Board & Governance gives CASA volunteers information on the role of CASA on the national, state, and local levels. Information on managing recruitment and training of board members in a CASA program is also provided.  

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Collaborative Family Engagement

Collaborative Family Engagement provides information for the CASA volunteer and the CASA child’s network including family and community members to be best equipped to support the development of the child in the foster care system. Working as a team with local CASA programs and CPS helps to provide a lifetime network for the child.  

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Data Management

Data Management allows local programs to submit data to Texas CASA, learn to manage company software, and review reports. 

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Dual-status

Dual-Status provides information on supporting youth that are involved in juvenile justice system and the child protective services system at the same time.

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Fundraising

Fundraising allows CASA programs to have support and continue to support youth in foster care. This portal provides instructions on how to increase efforts to receive funds for CASA programs.

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Grants

Grants that are administered through Texas CASA can be found on this page as well as request forms for grants that provide aid for local programs.

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marketing & public relations

Marketing and Public Relations provides CASA programs with information on how to create effective marketing campaigns for awareness and recruitment of CASA programs and CASA volunteers. Guides on branding standards allow CASA programs to have a similar design and tone across platforms.

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program leadership & administration

Program Leadership and Administration aids leaders of CASA programs to manage and expand their program by providing guides and resources on hiring and training employees. This ensures that all employees receive the help they need to succeed and allow the CASA programs to run efficiently.

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public policy & legislative advocacy

Public Policy and Legislative Advocacy helps CASA programs, CASA volunteers, and the CASA child’s network stay knowledgeable on legislative changes that could affect youth in foster care. CASA volunteers can better understand their role in the case and learn legislative advocacy skills.

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standards & qa

Standards and Quality Assurance allows Texas CASA Standards to outline the rules and requirements for the operation and advocacy of local CASA programs. Texas CASA worked with Regional Representatives and select local programs across the state to incorporate the new National CASA Standards as well as legal requirements of CASA programs and Texas-specific Standards.

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STAR – Supervisor Training, Assistance, and Resources

STAR (Supervisor Training, Assistance, and Resources) provides resources to help Supervisors train CASA volunteers on how to best advocate for a child in the foster care system. Helping the CASA volunteer understand their role and the roles of other people in the CASA child’s support network will allow them to be better equipped to help with their unique needs.