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.
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August Social Media Calendar & Media Release TemplateWe have developed a social media calendar with Facebook and Twitter posts, as well as images, for programs to use. In addition, a media release template is available, centered on the back-to-school season and how CASA volunteers advocate for students in foster care.BACK TO INSIDE CASA HOME PAGEJuly 26, 2021 - Facilitating Courageous Conversations Workshop with Dr. Jessica Pryce Aug. 11-12Join us for a special, two-part workshop presented by Dr. Jessica Pryce focused on how to facilitate strategic and courageous conversations around race, equity and child welfare. While this workshop is intended for CASA program staff involved in training CASA advocates, other program staff are also welcomed to attend....July 26, 2021
- Joint CWOP Conversation Circles Aug. 19 & 24Back by popular demand, we will be hosting two more CWOP Conversation Circles, this time for CASA and CPS/SSCC together.This will be a time for the CASA community and CPS/SSCC staff to come together to discuss the CWOP situation. Your participation will be important, and please know that this...July 26, 2021
- 87th Legislative Session Bill Tracker & Outcomes PageWith the end of the 87th Regular Session, we have revamped the Bill Tracker to showcase which child welfare bills passed, organized by topic, and what each bill means for children and families in the system.Check It OutBACK TO INSIDE CASA HOME PAGEJuly 26, 2021
- Guide to the Family HelplineThe Family Helpline, a project of the Austin-based Texas Legal Services Center, was created to demystify the child welfare system by providing free, objective legal information, explanation and education for callers; as well as referrals to local resources.The Family Helpline is staffed by experienced attorneys who can explain the CPS...July 26, 2021
- National CASA/GAL Professional Development OpportunitiesNational CASA/GAL Association recognizes the importance of professional development. In response, they are offering a robust catalog of learning opportunities for all staff in the CASA/GAL network. These professional development opportunities, ranging from 1-day to multi-week, provide participants with high-quality, collegiate-level courses by Loyola University Chicago and Georgetown University...July 26, 2021
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Meet Texas CASA's New Board Members!Texas CASA welcomed six new members to our Board of Directors at our June 2021 meeting. Each new board member brings not only unique expertise and leadership, but commitment and passion for helping to create a better, brighter Texas.Meet our new board members below!Kristin Andersen - Georgetown, TXKristin Andersen...July 26, 2021 - Distinguished Speaker Series Launches Sept. 1!Texas CASA is excited to bring back the Distinguished Speakers Series, an advocacy-focused learning opportunity for the CASA network and other community partners involved in the child welfare system. The multi-part series features high-caliber speakers sharing their expertise on topics and issues impacting the child welfare system and how...July 26, 2021
- CVC Growth Funds Webinar This FridayTexas CASA has designated a portion of the annual CVC funding as the CVC Growth Funds to be awarded to programs with a demonstrated need for growth in children served by volunteers and a viable plan for growth. Applications will undergo a competitive evaluation process and must be submitted...July 13, 2021
- Praesidium Academy: Preventing & Responding to Child Sexual AbuseThose who work directly with children must pay special attention to the safety of children and be prepared to respond to any safety concerns. As part of that preparation, Texas CASA is pleased to provide a new series of free online trainings about preventing and responding to child sexual...July 13, 2021
- TexProtects Releases Child Welfare Trends ReportTexProtects recently released its report on child welfare trends in Texas.The report finds that since 2010, there has been an almost 10% growth rate in the number of children in Texas. It goes on to capture a wide range of yearly metrics on child outcomes for different stages of...July 13, 2021
- Texas CASA Guide to Grants: Updated June 2021The Guide to Grants has been updated for Fiscal Year 2022. This guide provides all the need-to-know information on grants that are administered through Texas CASA: Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC), Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Title IV-E (PSVT), Swalm Endowment, and License Plate Fund (LSP).To make the most of...July 13, 2021
- COVID-19 Waivers to CASA Standards Extended through September 2021Through the pandemic, Texas CASA has maintained two waivers regarding CASA Standards: Virtual visits may substitute for required face-to-face visits, and Virtual training may substitute for required 10 hours of face-to-face training.At their June 25 meeting, the Texas CASA Board of Directors made the determination that the waivers would...July 13, 2021
- Reminder: Executive Director & Program Director Quarterly Meeting July 9Communication and collaboration across the CASA network have never been more important! The next Executive Director and Program Director Quarterly Meeting is taking place on Friday, July 9, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. At this meeting, we will share timely updates, challenges and opportunities for the CASA network...June 21, 2021
- Listservs for CASA Program StaffTexas CASA hosts seven listservs, or group email discussion lists, for staff members of local CASA programs to share information, seek input from each other and build a strong, supportive network. Choose the list(s) that relate to your job role, and join in!Learn More & JoinBACK TO INSIDE CASA...June 21, 2021
- Request Education & Training Voucher (ETV) Training for Your CASA ProgramThe Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program helps young people age 16 and up who’ve experienced foster care by providing funding and supports to help them achieve their educational goals. The Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021’s Division X provision temporarily expands the cap for ETV funds from $5,000 to...June 21, 2021
- Media Release Template for Newly Hired CASA Executive Directors Now AvailableIn addition to our monthly media release templates around timely events, we’re now developing general media release templates for common CASA program happenings and announcements.Newly available: A media release template for announcing a new CASA Executive Director!Other templates currently available in the PR Toolkit: New CASA Volunteers Sworn In...June 21, 2021
- July Social Media Calendar & Media Release TemplateWe have developed a July social media calendar with Facebook and Twitter posts, as well as images, for programs to use.In addition, a media release template is available, centered on the importance of normalcy for children in foster care.Browse more resources in the PR ToolkitBACK TO INSIDE CASA HOME...June 21, 2021
- Final Report of the Task Force on Court-Appointed Legal RepresentationCourt-appointed legal representation is mandated by law in Texas for all children in the temporary managing conservatorship (TMC) of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and for their parents, if indigent. In May 2021, the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission released the Task Force on Court-Appointed...June 21, 2021
- Child Centered Attachment & Co-Parenting Training June 25On Friday, June 25, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Child Advocates of Fort Bend and Quality Parenting Initiative are partnering for a virtual event: Child Centered Attachment and Co-Parenting Training. This training will focus on a co-parenting model for caregivers and birth parents while children are involved in...June 21, 2021
- All About Optima Trainings July 16, July 30 & August 20Join Texas CASA Program Operations Director Celeste Prather and Hill Country CASA Executive Director/Texas CASA Contractor Stephanie Cash on Zoom for Optima Q&A sessions this summer!These Zoom sessions are designed for program staff to ask questions and seek technical assistance about using the Optima database system and reporting. There...June 21, 2021
- Peer Panelist Tips & Practices for Volunteer Retention & Advocacy During COVID-19At a recent VCA Zoom training, three CASA program representatives presented their program's successes for volunteer retention, engagement and advocacy during COVID-19.Even though many communities are now transitioning back to safe, in-person events and activities, we know videoconferencing will remain a powerful and highly utilized tool. With this in...June 21, 2021
- CWOP Conversation Circles with the CFE TeamIn response to the current crisis in Texas affecting children without placements (CWOP), Texas CASA’s Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) team will be holding Conversation Circles to discuss and share family engagement strategies and CFE tools that may be helpful for both CASA volunteers and CPS/SSCC workers in finding placements.Being...June 7, 2021
- Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool (CSE-IT) User Training & Next StepsTexas CASA will be offering a training for the Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool (CSE-IT) screening tool on June 23, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Central. The CSE-IT tool, combined with increased awareness and understanding of commercial sexual exploitation, enhances users’ ability to identify children and youth who have...June 7, 2021
- WATCH NOW: It Takes Family: An Online Community ForumLast month, The Advisory Committee on Promoting Adoption of Minority Children in collaboration with the Department of Family and Protective Services hosted It Takes Family, a powerful online community forum about relative adoption.When you hear the term adoption, you may think of the common scenario of a couple or...June 7, 2021
- COVID-19 Waivers to CASA Standards Extended through June 2021In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Texas CASA has maintained two waivers regarding CASA Standards: Virtual visits may substitute for required face to face visits, and Virtual training may substitute for required 10 hours of face-to-face training.We recognize that making any predictions on the course of COVID-19 is very difficult....June 7, 2021
- Grants Annual Webinar June 29The Texas CASA Grants Department is holding our annual webinar on Tuesday, June 29, from 1:30 - 3:30 PM. In addition to the Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant applications that we cover each year, we will also discuss: ODM changes with the upgrade to Lightening...June 7, 2021
- Recordings of 5-Part Local Board Officer Development (LBOD) Training Now AvailableThis year, local program board members can complete Texas CASA’s required Local Board Officer Development (LBOD) training on their own schedule! LBOD for FY 2021 is a five-part, virtual training series which was recorded live and is now housed on the Texas CASA website for viewing.At least one member...May 25, 2021
- Changes in Grants Team Leadership: Thanking Glenn Brooks & Welcoming Tamea ByrdGlenn Brooks has been with Texas CASA since 2004 and has served as the director of the Grants Department for most of that time. As you may know, Glenn has announced his retirement effective at the end of May. Although we are sad to see him leave after 17...May 25, 2021
- June Social Media Calendar & Media Release TemplatesWe have developed a June social media calendar with Facebook and Twitter posts, as well as images, for programs to use. In addition, two media release templates are available, centered on LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Reunification Month.BROWSE MORE RESOURCES IN THE PR TOOLKITBACK TO INSIDE CASA HOME PAGEMay 25, 2021
- FY 2021 Q3 Performance Measures Due June 14Please note that Performance Measures for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 are due by close of business on Monday, June 14, 2021.Quarter 3 includes ONLY cases opened during the quarter itself (March 1, 2020 – May 31, 2021).IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FY 2021 QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE MEASURESPlease feel free...May 25, 2021
- Watch the CASA/GAL Volunteers' Day Virtual Celebration!On May 18, CASA programs nationwide celebrated the first-ever CASA/GAL Volunteers' Day, thanking CASA/GAL volunteers for their service and raising awareness of the need for more advocates for children and families in the foster care system.You can now watch the recording of the virtual celebration, which featured CASA/GAL volunteers and...May 25, 2021
- It Takes Family: An Online Community ForumJoin us Wednesday, May 26, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. for It Takes Family, an online community forum presented by The Advisory Committee on Promoting Adoption of Minority Children in collaboration with the Department of Family and Protective Services.Register NowWhen you hear the term adoption, you may think of...May 25, 2021
- New! General Media Release TemplatesIn addition to our monthly media release templates around timely events, we're now developing general media release templates for common CASA program happenings and announcements.Currently available: New CASA Volunteers Sworn In CASA Program Receives Donation CASA Program Celebrates AnniversaryComing soon: Announcing a new Executive Director or Board Member, a...May 25, 2021
- Register Now for Conversations of Change: Antiracism Language & Culture CultivationTexas CASA will be hosting a two-part webinar, Conversations of Change: Antiracism Language & Culture Cultivation, on June 1 and June 3 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Central presented by MJ Consulting Firm.Join presenters Maleeka “MJ” Jihad, MSW, chief executive officer, and Dominique Harris, LCSW, chief operating officer, as they dive into conversations around...May 11, 2021
- Foster Care Capacity Concerns in Legacy System & Community-Based Care RegionsRecent media articles by the San Antonio Express-News and The Dallas Morning News have raised concerns about overall foster care system capacity and the increasing number of children without placements, including in regions where Community-Based Care (CBC) has rolled out.Across Texas last month, 186 children spent at least two...May 11, 2021
- May 18 Is CASA/GAL Volunteer's Day!To acknowledge the commitment, time and compassion of CASA/GAL volunteers, National CASA/GAL is partnering with FosterStrong to host the first-ever CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day on Tuesday, May 18.National CASA/GAL has created a Volunteer's Day toolkit where you’ll find: CASA/GAL Volunteer’s Day Overview Objective Target Audiences Customizable Key Messages Planning Checklist Customizable...May 11, 2021
- Tune in for Legislative Update WebinarsThe Texas Legislature has entered the final stretch of the 87th Regular Session. If you would like to stay up to date on legislative activities, tune in every other Friday at noon - the Texas CASA Public Policy team will be providing updates on the status of CASA priority...May 11, 2021
- Education Reach for Texans Conference June 1-2 & Regional Breakout OpportunityThe 2021 Education Reach for Texans Conference will be held virtually on June 1-2.While CASA programs are welcome to attend the entire conference, Education Reach is specifically asking for all CASA programs to send one staff member to participate in the Regional Breakout Sessions on June 2, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. In these sessions, staff...May 11, 2021
- New Family Finding Website LaunchedKevin Campbell, author of the Family Finding model, recently revamped his website FamilyFinding.org.As you may know, Texas CASA's Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) approach is based on the Family Finding model.According to the new website, Family Finding is: Seeing Parents. Seeing Children. Seeing Relatives. Seeing Community. Seeing Culture. Seeing Friendship. Seeing...May 11, 2021
- Free Training & Handbook: Human Sexuality for Child Welfare ProvidersThe Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing and UN|HUSHED are co-hosting a free, virtual training, An Intro to Human Sexuality for Child Welfare Providers, on Monday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Central.Attendees will have opportunities to discuss personal biases as they relate to human sexuality,...May 11, 2021
- DFPS Awards Community-Based Care Contract for Region 8bOn April 6, DFPS announced the new Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) in Region 8b would be BELONG, a division of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children - Texas Region, Inc (SJRC Texas). This expansion into Region 8b includes 27 counties in DFPS Region 8 except Bexar county.SJRC has over...May 11, 2021
- Guidance on Supporting Youth & Young Adults in Foster Care through the Pandemic with Division XIn December 2020, Congress enacted into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes a provision called Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic (known as “Division X”).Division X allows for increased, temporary funding and opportunities for extended foster care, return to care or participation in the Education and...May 10, 2021
- May Social Media Calendar & Media Release TemplatesWe have developed a May social media calendar with Facebook and Twitter posts, as well as images, for programs to use. In addition, two May media release templates are available, centered on Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.BROWSE MORE RESOURCES IN THE PR TOOLKITBACK TO INSIDE CASA...April 27, 2021
- Benefits Available through the Supporting Foster Youth & Families through the Pandemic ActDFPS has released two documents which outline the expanded benefits to provide additional support and assistance to young people through the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act: Pandemic Support for Foster Youth and Young Adults (targeting adults supporting youth) Help for Youth and Young Adults –...April 27, 2021
- Investing in Families 2-Part Webinar Series May 13 & 20How investing in families starts with shifting perspectives, challenging traditions and imagining bold solutions.This webinar series will share emerging research, explore economic interventions, and spotlight new practices that are challenging traditional practices and finding innovative methods for investing in families and producing better outcomes. The Institute for Family’s Matt...April 27, 2021
- Texas Tech University Releases Community-Based Care Process EvaluationThe Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) recently shared a process evaluation of Community-Based Care (CBC), completed by Dr. Wang of Texas Tech University. DFPS, the Public-Private Partnership, Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs), child placing agencies, general residential operations, CASA, families and youth all contributed to the research.The...April 22, 2021
- Opinion: Arresting Children in Foster Care Adds to Their TraumaOp-ed by Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs"For kids in foster care, one trauma-induced outburst can lead to a lifelong entanglement with the criminal justice system — a system that costs taxpayers billions every year. Many of these children have spent their lives at the mercy of circumstances beyond their...April 22, 2021
- Supporting Foster Youth & Families through the Pandemic ActSince the passage of the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act, which was enacted on Dec. 27, 2020, DFPS has been working through the legislation and how it relates to youth currently and formerly in foster care. With the March 9, 2021, release of additional instructions...April 13, 2021
- Texas CASA Welcomes Grants Management Specialist IWe are excited to welcome Benita Pekkattil to the Texas CASA team as our new Grants Management Specialist I!Benita will be responsible for the administration of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Advocate/Volunteer Travel, VOCA Background Check, Title IV-E, and License Plate grants, as well as other grant projects...April 13, 2021