The CASA network makes a difference in the lives of children and families each and every day. During the month of July for National Make a Difference to Children Month, we get the chance to put extra emphasis on the difference a CASA can make while also celebrating the major wins for children and families made during this past legislative session. The goal of National Make a Difference to Children Month is to raise awareness about the various issues children around the world are facing such as child labor, poverty, human trafficking, neglect and abuse, as well as to celebrate and recognize those who are making a positive impact in the lives of children. Texas CASA is proud to be a leader, convener, highly effective advocate and responder to system changes affecting the child welfare system and advocacy for children.
During the 88th Legislative Session, Texas CASA worked hard alongside the Legislative Advocacy Teams (LATs) across the state to bolster effective changes that will support, uplift and make a difference in the lives of Texas children and families. The 88th Legislative Regular Session and Governor’s Veto Period have officially ended, and we are excited to announce that there were several historic investments made to improve the child welfare system.
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Child Welfare & Texas CASA 88th Legislative Session Outcomes
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The final day of the 88th Regular Legislative Session in Texas was Monday, May 29. Texas CASA tracked over 438 child welfare bills, testified before committees 11 times, and registered in support of 76 bills. Texas CASA is very thankful for our local Legislative Advocacy Teams (LATs) for their hard work and advocacy with their local legislative offices. The LATs participated in over 145 meetings with legislative offices and responded to 92 Action Alerts from Texas CASA. A considerable amount of Texas CASA’s success this session was due to the continued support of our network’s LATs.
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Texas CASA continues to explore issues in the foster care system that need fixing. Through our video series, The Fix, we’re proposing creative solutions to these issues by elevating the voices and opinions of child welfare experts, social workers and former foster care youth in five minutes or less.
Our latest guest is Texas CASA’s Director of Public Policy Sarah Crockett. She discusses the work her team has been doing during the 88th Legislative Session, what lawmakers accomplished and what still needs action when it comes to the foster care system.
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Welcome New Texas CASA Board Members
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Our Board of Directors play an important role in governance, financial stewardship and ensuring that Texas CASA has the resources to fulfill our work and mission.
“We are honored that Jessica, Tracey, Elena, Mike, Mandy and Debbie have chosen to bring their time and expertise to Texas CASA, and welcome their strategic leadership as we work to create a safe, positive future for all Texas children.” - Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs.
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Thank You to Southwest Airlines
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We are honored to give thanks to our friends at Southwest Airlines for awarding Texas CASA with 50 round-trip flight passes valued at $20,000! These passes allow us to expand our reach and assist CASA programs across the state in facilitating travel for volunteers who play a crucial role in the lives of children in need.
The partnership between Southwest Airlines and Texas CASA began in 2022 during our #FosterCareMonth campaign.
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Spotlight on CASA of Tarrant County Volunteer Sarah Hopp
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Since she began volunteering for CASA seven years ago, 35-year-old Sarah Hopp has been an inspirational child advocate who supports kids in the foster care system. Serving for CASA of Tarrant County’s Young Professional Council, Hopp helps fundraise for the program as well as encourages others to become advocates for children in foster care. Child advocates like Hopp emphasize the importance of work done by the CASA programs in TEXAS. Read Hopp’s profile in the Fort Worth Report to learn more about her work and the drive behind her advocacy.
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