Texas CASA has developed the CASA Anti-Child Trafficking framework known as CASA ACTs to provide resources, training and coordination of services. Thank you for taking the step to expand your knowledge of the dynamics of child sex trafficking, and the ways to skillfully advocate for youth who have been affected. It is our deepest hope and belief that prevention is the cure: by strengthening the supports for youth and advocating for all of their needs to be met, we can interrupt the risk factors that create their vulnerability to traffickers. This page includes the CASA ACTs Program Guide, handouts from the Program Guide, the Advocacy for Youth Affected by Sex Trafficking Guide for CASA Volunteers & Staff in Texas, and the CASA Anti Child Trafficking Webinar.
CASA Anti-Child Trafficking Program Guide
Youth who have been affected by trafficking in foster care need CASA volunteers who are well-trained, connected and prepared to support their specialized needs. CASA ACT is a call to action for the CASA network in Texas. The aim is to do more than “see something, say something,” and to educate, protect and provide skilled support when youth have been exploited. With identification and consistent supportive intervention, the victims of child sex trafficking can begin to heal.
The CASA ACT Program Guide is available in digital and print format for use by the CASA network. The strategies and recommendations provided in this program guide can be used by local CASA programs that wish to be active partners in the anti-child trafficking and exploitation movement within their own communities.
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CASA ACTs Print Program Guide
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CASA ACTs Preventative Advocacy
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CASA ACTS Key Terms
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Advocacy for Youth Affected by Sex Trafficking
A Guide for CASA Volunteers & Staff in Texas
Texas CASA is pleased to share a new resource and guidebook for CASA volunteers and staff on best advocacy practices for young people impacted by sex trafficking. The CASA network of caring community members appointed as volunteers, and the local programs who support them, are an essential part of advocacy for youth in foster care who are affected by child sex trafficking. These youth need CASA volunteers who are well-trained, connected and prepared to support their specialized needs. By taking the steps to learn more, you are joining an effort to create a linked network of services across the state of Texas.
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CASA Anti-Child Trafficking Initiative Webinar
This webinar was presented by Candice Dosman and Rhonda Kuykendall to share the full CASA ACTs (Anti Child-Trafficking) framework for local CASA programs, which includes a newly launched Program Guide, and a Volunteer Guidebook. Watch the webinar to hear more about these important resources and how your program can get started, or move forward in this area.
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CASA Anti-Child Trafficking 101 Webinar
This webinar was presented by Rhonda Kuykendall to share the CASA Anti Child Trafficking plan, signs of trafficking, and steps to be good partners in the anti-trafficking community. She also discussed the ACT program and volunteer guide which are available on this page.
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Overview of CSE-IT Screenings Webinar
CSE-IT stands for Commercially Sexually Exploited Identification Tool. The CSE-IT is a validated screening tool designed to improve the early identification of youth who are experiencing commercial sexual exploitation of children and human trafficking. The Overview of CSE-IT Screenings is a one-hour webinar that details the what, why, and who of CSE-IT screenings, CASA best practices and protocols, and an overview of CSE-IT training. Chad Frymire will explain how their program implemented CSE-IT screens and will also share lessons learned and helpful advice. Tally Jorn with Allies Against Slavery will demonstrate Lighthouse, the database where CSE-IT screenings are located. Tally will also cover how to enter CSE-IT records into Lighthouse, focusing on confidentiality and a rollout plan for CASA programs across the state of Texas.
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The Why of CASA ACT Video
When 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 of Texas at Austin revealed that a quarter of youth in care were at risk of trafficking in 2022 alone. For Human Trafficking Prevention Month this January, learn how we’re taking proactive steps with our CASA ACT — Anti-Child Trafficking — framework by watching the new video featuring Texas CASA’s ACT Consultant, Rhonda Kuykendall.