Back-to-school season is here and for those of us in the CASA network, we are continually reminded of the dispiriting challenges for children and youth in the child welfare system when it comes to educational success. Children who grow up in the child welfare system face a number of obstacles and challenges related to their ability to access a high-quality education and attain their educational goals. This situation is due to many factors, including:

• Frequent school changes as children move from home to home and sometimes community to community,
• Cross-system breakdowns that prevent smooth transitions between homes and schools,
• ...and more. 

CASA Volunteer Spotlight Story: Bill Brewner

William “Bill” Brewner has been with CASA of Trinity Valley since February 2010. During his time with their program, he has been assigned 52 cases for a total of 123 children. Program Director Penny LaPlant said, “He does not shy away from large sibling groups, accepting as many as 11 children at one time. Of the children Bill has represented, 88 have either been reunified with parents or a family member. These numbers speak to the value Bill adds to our program; Bill is an inspiration to us all!”

Legislative Advocacy During the Interim

Since the end of the 88th Legislative Session, Texas CASA’s Public Policy Team hosted trainings, created resources and sent newsletters to support the local CASA programs and Legislative Advocacy Teams. The Public Policy Team prioritizes keeping local programs up-to-date and informed as the child welfare system continues to evolve and new laws are implemented. In the link below, learn about several of the Legislative Advocacy Teams who have gone above and beyond in their advocacy efforts during the legislative interim.

New Anti-Child Trafficking Video: Survivor's Perspective

Our newest CASA ACT — Anti-Child Trafficking — resource follows the harrowing journeys of Crystal Sepulveda and Sara Nellis as they share their stories of overcoming sex trafficking and navigating foster care. The video Experiences of Youth Affected by Sex Trafficking: Survivors' Perspectives is an invaluable resource for CASA volunteers and child welfare advocates working to uplift survivors of trafficking.

Registration Opens Aug. 13 for the Texas CASA Conference

Join us for our 3-day Texas CASA Conference in Galveston on October 23-25. This year’s theme All Aboard: Mapping Uncharted Waters focuses on how we can learn to ride the waves of the changing child welfare system and provide the best advocacy for children and families. Registration is $400 per person and opens August 13 and closes September 20. Lodging is $169 per night plus tax. Start planning which sessions you want to attend with this worksheet and check out the conference website for an overview of the entire schedule.

TXB Stores & McCraw Oil and Propane pass $1 Million Fundraising Milestone for Local CASA Programs 

The Doyce Taylor Memorial 28th Annual Fishing and Golf Tournament, hosted by TXB Stores and McCraw Oil and Propane in May, raised a total of $130,000 for 16 local CASA programs. TXB Stores and McCraw Oil have generously supported the CASA network’s mission since 2008, and this year in May, their collective donations to CASA programs in Texas have surpassed more than $1 million! We are so appreciative of TXB and McCraw’s long-term generosity, and their commitment to supporting our advocacy on behalf of families and children involved in the child protection system across the state.

The Fix Featuring Executive Director of Generation Serve Stephanie Bazan

On this episode of The Fix, Executive Director of Generation Serve Stephanie Bazan discusses how the organization provides volunteers to other nonprofits in Texas and how each of its eight service opportunities can impact young volunteers as they grow up. Bazan also highlights opportunities for young people to serve those in the child welfare system, like creating unique celebration boxes for children and youth to open on their birthday.

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