Inside CASA
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 every month or check out the blog posts.
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- New Reports from the Department of Family and Protective Services & Community-Based Care UpdateNew Reports from the Department of Family and Protective Services & Community-Based Care UpdateNew Reports from the Department of Family and Protective ServicesRider 39 Conservatorship CaseloadsThis report details the decline in conservatorship caseloads at the Department of Family and Protective Services. The 2nd Quarter...April 16, 2024
- Supporting Older Youth in Foster Care + CFE For All: Statewide OfferingSupporting Older Youth in Foster Care + CFE For All: Statewide OfferingSupporting Older Youth in Foster Care – May 7Are you and your volunteers aware of all the great resources that are available to support advocacy for older youth in foster...April 9, 2024
- Share Your Success StoryShare Your Success StoryDo you want to show off your extraordinary CASA volunteers and staff to supporters from all over the state?! The Texas CASA Communications team wants to tell stories of your...April 8, 2024
- VFC ROAR: A Volunteer-Match Program for Individuals Seeking Short-Term ProjectsVFC ROAR: A Volunteer-Match Program for Individuals Seeking Short-Term ProjectsVoices for Children’s Recruitment, Outreach & Advocacy Representatives program (VFC ROAR) is a volunteer-match program for individuals seeking short-term projects. The ROAR program consists of a team of volunteers & community...April 3, 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
- Community-Based Care UpdatesCommunity-Based Care UpdatesThe Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Office of Community-Based Care Transition (OCBCT) recently released Requests for Applications (RFA) for the next four community areas for Community-Based...March 22, 2024
- Two STAR Zooms in April and In-Person Training May 16-17Two STAR Zooms in April and In-Person Training May 16-17Understanding the DFPS Daycare Program in time for Summer Camp. Monday, April 15, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.Carol Morin and Jaqueline Bingham from the DFPS Daycare Program will join us to...March 19, 2024
- STAR Spring LineupSTAR Spring LineupWe have an exciting spring lineup for our STAR Monthly Zooms that Supervisors will not want to miss!! MARCH: Reasonable Efforts are now required by law. Monday, March 25, 12:00 –...March 12, 2024
- Upcoming Train-the-Trainer Workshop on LGBTQ+ AdvocacyUpcoming Train-the-Trainer Workshop on LGBTQ+ AdvocacyTraining CASA volunteers about LGBTQ+ best practices related to youth and families can be challenging. To empower CASA trainers to facilitate important conversations that maximize the feeling of safety for...March 11, 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
- Upcoming Austin (DFPS Region 7) & Houston (DFPS Region 6) Regional Convening of DV, Housing and Child Welfare AdvocatesUpcoming Austin (DFPS Region 7) & Houston (DFPS Region 6) Regional Convening of DV, Housing and Child Welfare AdvocatesMarth 6-7: DFPS Region 7 (Austin Area) Regional Convening of DV, Housing and Child Welfare AdvocatesWe are excited to announce the 2024 Regional Convening of Domestic Violence, Housing, and Child...February 27, 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
- Foster Care Ombudsman - RemindersFoster Care Ombudsman - RemindersAll children experiencing foster care have the right to report concerns to the Foster Care Ombudsman and the Texas Abuse Hotline at any time. When a child in foster care...February 21, 2024
- Recruitment Bounty: Tip of the MonthRecruitment Bounty: Tip of the MonthPartner with a local chef/restaurant, movie theater, zoo, etc. to host a bring-a-friend event. Invite current volunteers with the stipulation they must bring a guest that is not currently a...February 21, 2024
- FY25 Funding Formula UpdatesFY25 Funding Formula UpdatesPeriodically, Texas CASA reviews its VOCA and HHSC pass-through funding formulas. A recent formula review occurred in 2017. The review was completed by a cohort of 16 local CASA program...February 21, 2024
- Little People. Big Impact. Advocacy for Infants and Young Children Resources ReminderLittle People. Big Impact. Advocacy for Infants and Young Children Resources ReminderTexas CASA is grateful to Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) and The Meadows Foundation, for the opportunity to partner in the last fiscal year to develop CAFB’s infant and...February 8, 2024
- Legislative Priorities Survey Now OpenLegislative Priorities Survey Now OpenTexas CASA’s Public Policy Team invites you to participate in our Legislative Priorities Survey! The 89th Legislative Session will begin in January 2025 and it is time to gather feedback from...February 8, 2024
- New Continuing Education Podcast on Cultivating ResilienceNew Continuing Education Podcast on Cultivating ResilienceCASA volunteers and staff are often engaged in advocacy work that can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. So what are some tangible ways you can cultivate resilience and...February 6, 2024
- All Children All Families AwardAll Children All Families AwardTexas CASA is proud to announce that we’ve been recognized as a 2023 Innovator in supporting and serving LGBTQ+ Youth and Families by The Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The Innovative...February 6, 2024
- Dual Status FAQ HandoutDual Status FAQ HandoutChildren and youth who experience abuse or neglect are at a 47% greater risk of being involved with the juvenile justice system compared to the general population. Although prevalence is...February 6, 2024
- Learn About the Foster Care Ombudsman and How CASA Volunteers Can Help Youth Advocate for ThemselvesLearn About the Foster Care Ombudsman and How CASA Volunteers Can Help Youth Advocate for ThemselvesJoin us on Monday, February 26 from 12 – 1 p.m. to learn all about the Foster Care Ombudsman (FCO) for youth and children from our guest Raven Sowell, HHS...February 6, 2024
- Connect Our Kids Webinar Hosted by the Texas CASA CFE TeamConnect Our Kids Webinar Hosted by the Texas CASA CFE TeamCFE encompasses the use of engagement and connection tools. These tools are helpful for use with the child, parent or relative to learn about who they identify as important people...February 6, 2024
- FY23 Texas CASA Annual Survey Results & ResponseFY23 Texas CASA Annual Survey Results & ResponseWe are happy to share with you the results of and response to the Fiscal Year 2023 Texas CASA Annual Survey. The survey went out to Executive Directors, Program Staff...February 5, 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
- New STAR AnnouncementsNew STAR AnnouncementsWhat better time to learn, be inspired and be ready to act in preventing child trafficking and exploitation than in January, Human Trafficking Prevention Month?! Join us on January 29th...January 17, 2024
- Recruitment Bounty: Tip of the MonthRecruitment Bounty: Tip of the MonthSince word of mouth is our number one recruitment tool, think of how you can make it easy for current volunteers to spread the word to their social circles. Consider...January 11, 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
- CFE Mentoring Opportunity Info AlertCFE Mentoring Opportunity Info AlertTexas CASA is pleased to announce the launch of a new opportunity for CASA programs involved in CFE- CFE Mentoring! CASA programs will be partnered as Mentors and Mentees for...January 8, 2024
- Start 2024 off with STAR and special guest, Antonio GrateStart 2024 off with STAR and special guest, Antonio GrateStart your new year with an inspiring and empowering message from special guest, Antonio Grate. Antonio aged out of the foster care system in Chicago and has dedicated his life...January 4, 2024
- Virtual Pre-Service Training Facilitator Workshop: February 2024Virtual Pre-Service Training Facilitator Workshop: February 2024Texas CASA is excited to announce dates for our next virtual Art of Facilitation for Pre-Service Training workshop on Feb. 21, Feb. 23 and Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to...December 20, 2023
- 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
- 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
- CFE Tools App - Tell Your Friends!CFE Tools App - Tell Your Friends!The CFE Tools App: Providing an engaging way for tools to be completed while meeting people where they are at — on their phones. We launched the CFE Tools App...December 5, 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
- 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