Leadership for Equity and Diversity
The Leadership for Equity and Diversity (LEAD) Initiative is Texas CASA’s commitment to
proactive change in both our own organization and in the statewide CASA network. We recognize that significant disparities exist in all aspects of society, including the child welfare system.
The LEAD Initiative focuses on understanding and addressing four key areas: inequality and disparities experienced along lines of race, gender and sexual orientation, disability and poverty. This initiative is aimed at promoting greater equity and cultural competency, and addressing the root causes of these disparities through education, resources and policy work. We join in solidarity with the people most harmed by injustice, and pledge to listen to their voices and leadership as we strive to become better advocates for all children and families.
“The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.”
– Ijeoma Oluo, So You Want to Talk About Race
Texas CASA commits to destigmatizing issues faced by families within the child welfare system.
Texas CASA recognizes the significant trauma that children experience when they are in an environment where intimate partner violence is occurring. We also recognize the extreme danger that survivors of intimate partner violence encounter, especially as they weigh the risks of leaving an abusive relationship. Texas CASA believes in providing education around these issues, and promoting partnership with parents who are survivors of intimate partner violence to keep their children safely in their care whenever possible.
Texas CASA recognizes that substance use disorder is a disease. Texas CASA believes in compassionately standing by families that are working towards long-term recovery from substance use disorder.
Texas CASA recognizes that mental health is an equal partner to physical health, and that mental illnesses are treatable. Texas CASA believes that children and families deserve access to high quality advocacy, healthcare and treatment.
Texas CASA recognizes the historical and systemic causes of wealth disparity in our communities. Texas CASA believes in not equating poverty with a failure of character or parenting skill.