Inside CASA
Inside CASA is Texas CASA’s up-to-date source of training opportunities, best practices, tips, news and announcements and more to help local CASA program staff and board members in their day-to-day operations and advocacy.
SUBSCRIBE
- Federal Lawsuit UpdatesFederal Lawsuit UpdatesDuring the most recent Federal Lawsuit Hearing in June, the plaintiffs representing Texas children asked the court to hold the State in contempt for continuing to violate court orders and...November 9, 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
- Meet Sub Uppaluri, New Texas CASA Data ManagerMeet Sub Uppaluri, New Texas CASA Data ManagerWe are excited to announce that Sub Uppaluri has joined the Texas CASA team as Data Manager. He comes to us with over 18 years of IT experience having previously...November 7, 2023
- Together We Can! Meeting AnnouncementTogether We Can! Meeting AnnouncementMany programs have shared the worsening conditions of foster care and the severity of abuse and neglect. As a network, we have an urgent need to serve all children in...November 6, 2023
- CASA Program Wishlist UpdateCASA Program Wishlist UpdateCalling all local CASA programs! Texas CASA will be sending out a request to our external audience to support your program this holiday season. We have compiled a wishlist page...November 6, 2023
- New Monthly Feature: Recruitment Bounty - A Treasure Trove of TipsNew Monthly Feature: Recruitment Bounty - A Treasure Trove of TipsWe are excited to showcase a new feature in Inside CASA, Recruitment Bounty: A Treasure Trove of Tips, which will be included in the first edition each month. This section...November 3, 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
- STAR Presents "Finding Your Resilience"STAR Presents "Finding Your Resilience"Advocate Supervisors, please join us for the last STAR monthly zoom for the year on November 27 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. for a presentation on resiliency with special guests,...October 30, 2023
- Media Release Template & Other Resources for National Adoption MonthMedia Release Template & Other Resources for National Adoption MonthNovember is National Adoption Month, and Texas CASA has created a media release template for programs to use to raise awareness for CASA in their communities. Download the November media...October 30, 2023
- CASA and TBRI(R) Learning OpportunityCASA and TBRI(R) Learning OpportunityCASA of Hancock County in Mississippi and Child Advocates of Montgomery County in Texas have teamed up to launch an on-going collaborative dialogue for those who are applying TBRI® within...October 27, 2023
- Community-Based Care UpdatesCommunity-Based Care UpdatesTexas CASA recently published the 3rd Edition of our Community-Based Care Guide. This guide is a resource that is available to all CASA programs whether you are a part of the...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
- Advocating for Older Youth through the Collaborative Family Engagement LensAdvocating for Older Youth through the Collaborative Family Engagement LensWe are excited to share a new resource available on the Texas CASA program portal page, Advocating for Older Youth through the Collaborative Family Engagement Lens.This site includes many resources...October 23, 2023
- Fundraising Resources from Texas CASAFundraising Resources from Texas CASAFundraising Strategies + Templates for CASA ProgramsThe end-of-year giving season is right around the corner and we want to make sure you have the fundamentals and templates that can help with...October 17, 2023
- Texas CASA Standards UpdatedTexas CASA Standards UpdatedTexas CASA Standards outline the rules and requirements for the operation and advocacy of local CASA programs. The FY2023 Texas CASA Standards for Local CASA/GAL Programs was approved by Texas...October 11, 2023
- Latino Grandfamilies ToolkitLatino Grandfamilies ToolkitNational Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and is a time to celebrate Hispanic + LatinX culture, heritage and contributions. Texas CASA believes that supporting all...October 11, 2023
- New Podcast Episode on Strengthening Supports for Teens and Young Adults in Foster CareNew Podcast Episode on Strengthening Supports for Teens and Young Adults in Foster CareIn this episode of CASA on the Go, we’re delighted to be in conversation with Laura Villarreal, the Neurodevelopmental Program Specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Laura...October 11, 2023
- Save the Date for Commercial Sexual Exploitation Identification Tool (CSE-IT) TrainingSave the Date for Commercial Sexual Exploitation Identification Tool (CSE-IT) TrainingIf you’re looking to expand your support for youth at risk of being trafficked, join Texas CASA on December 5 from 9-12 p.m. for the CSE-IT screening tool training. This tool...October 11, 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
- You are Invited to the COLLABORATION CONFERENCE: Caring for Children, Families and SelfYou are Invited to the COLLABORATION CONFERENCE: Caring for Children, Families and SelfRegister HereBACK TO INSIDE CASA HOMEPAGEOctober 4, 2023
- Moving Away from Anger Management as a Response to Domestic Violence: A Thought from Margaret Halpin to CASA VolunteersMoving Away from Anger Management as a Response to Domestic Violence: A Thought from Margaret Halpin to CASA VolunteersIn every case CASA is appointed to, volunteers can play a crucial role in ensuring families are connected to the most appropriate services available to address their specific needs and...October 2, 2023
- Sharpen Volunteer Skills for cultural advocacy!Sharpen Volunteer Skills for cultural advocacy!Texas CASA invites you to join Foster Advocacy, Training and Education (FATE) for their upcoming Muslim Cultural Sensitivity Training session on October 11 at 10 a.m. CST. The training will...September 29, 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
- CFE For All – STATEWIDE OFFERINGCFE For All – STATEWIDE OFFERINGThis event is running from 6 February 2024 until 15 May 2024. It is next occurring on October 18, 2023 9:00 amUpcoming Dates:October 18, 2023 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Feb 6, 2024...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
- Texas CASA Annual Program Survey Now OpenTexas CASA Annual Program Survey Now OpenEvaluation of the services provided by Texas CASA informs our understanding, organizational planning, designation of resources and helps to identify areas for improvement. Please take a moment (average of 5 to...September 18, 2023
- New information on Qualified Residential Treatment ProgramsNew information on Qualified Residential Treatment ProgramsPlease join the STAR Team during our monthly Zoom on October 30th, from 12 to 1 p.m., when we will host the DFPS Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) Program Lead...September 15, 2023
- TBRI Childhood Trauma Impact ConferenceTBRI Childhood Trauma Impact ConferenceThe Montgomery County Trauma-Informed Task Force invites you to the 2023 Childhood Trauma Impact Conference on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Church Project in The Woodlands, Texas.This one-day conference is...September 13, 2023
- Enhancing the Experience for Parents Involved in Child Welfare Cases WebcastEnhancing the Experience for Parents Involved in Child Welfare Cases WebcastYou are invited to join the Children’s Commission on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. for a webcast entitled “Enhancing the Experience for Parents Involved in...September 13, 2023
- Periodic Review of Texas CASA ProtocolsPeriodic Review of Texas CASA ProtocolsProcedure for External Complaints and Grievances Regarding Texas CASA StaffTexas CASA is the membership organization for 73 independent, nonprofit CASA programs in Texas. As such, we strive for the best...September 13, 2023
- Community-Based Care UpdatesCommunity-Based Care UpdatesThe Department of Family and Protective Services awarded contracts in Region 3E (Metroplex East), Region 4 (Piney Woods), and Region 5 (Deep East) earlier this year. In a new effort...September 13, 2023
- Two-Part Self-Care Workshop for CASA SupervisorsTwo-Part Self-Care Workshop for CASA SupervisorsPlease join the STAR team (former VCA) in kicking off the FY24 Monthly Zoom Series with a September two-part workshop to discuss “What is Self-Care Anyway?!” Vicarious trauma and burnout...September 7, 2023
- New Training Announcement!New Training Announcement!The Texas CASA staff is thrilled to announce a new training to the CASA network — Strengthening Core Advocacy (SCA): Centering Well Being and Belonging for Children and Parents. This five...September 7, 2023
- Upcoming Community-Based Care WebinarUpcoming Community-Based Care WebinarTexas CASA is partnering with the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services and the Office of Community-Based Care Transition to host an informational webinar about Community-Based Care (CBC) on...September 7, 2023
- We’re in Our STAR Era! New Year, New Name for VCAWe’re in Our STAR Era! New Year, New Name for VCAThe Texas CASA Volunteer Coaching and Advocacy (VCA) Team is proud to announce their new name: STAR – Supervisor Training, Assistance, and Resources. “We feel this name clarifies what we...September 7, 2023
- FY24 Texas CASA Calendar Now AvailableFY24 Texas CASA Calendar Now AvailableThe FY24 Texas CASA Important Dates and Events Calendar is now available for download! The Calendar includes Signature Events, Quarterly Grant Performance Measures, Virtual Program Trainings, Program Webinars, Texas CASA...September 6, 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
- 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
- Only 2 Weeks Until the Distinguished Speaker Series PremiereOnly 2 Weeks Until the Distinguished Speaker Series PremiereWe are only two weeks away from the premiere of the Distinguished Speaker Series! The 2023 Distinguished Speaker Series is an opportunity for the CASA network and other community partners...August 17, 2023
- Upcoming Art of Facilitation for Pre-Service Training WorkshopUpcoming Art of Facilitation for Pre-Service Training WorkshopTexas CASA will be offering a virtual Art of Facilitation for Pre-Service Training workshop beginning September 12th, 2023. This training is designed to introduce participants to the foundations of engaging,...August 16, 2023
- Save the Date: CFE Community CallSave the Date: CFE Community CallThe Texas CASA CFE team is excited to invite you to four upcoming networking opportunities! The CFE Community Calls are for those involved in implementing CFE to come together and...August 16, 2023
- New Star Health Information for Program Staff & AdvocatesNew Star Health Information for Program Staff & AdvocatesAll program staff and advocates are invited to join us on August 28 for an engaging session with Jorge Gonzales, Executive Director of Star Health, and Anthony Ortega, Training...August 16, 2023
- Educational Advocacy GuidebookEducational Advocacy GuidebookTexas CASA’s Educational Advocacy Guidebook is a comprehensive resource that explores the intersection of the school and child welfare systems, empowering volunteers with the information and tools required to advocate...August 1, 2023
- Potential Federal Grant Opportunities for the CASA NetworkPotential Federal Grant Opportunities for the CASA NetworkTexas CASA is happy to be sharing two potential federal grant opportunities that may be a good fit for your program or related initiatives. These grants would require you to...August 1, 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
- Back to School ToolkitBack to School ToolkitThe National CASA/GAL Association created a comprehensive toolkit that provides helpful information on how to recognize the Back-to-School season (July – September). We encourage you to make use of these...July 25, 2023
- Infant & Toddlers Webinar Series: Working with ParentsInfant & Toddlers Webinar Series: Working with ParentsIn partnership with Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB), the Infant and Toddler program is a five-part webinar series on sharing expertise in advocacy for infants and toddlers with CASA...July 25, 2023