Human Trafficking Prevention Month Events & Awareness

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time for reflection, education and action against one of the world’s most heinous crimes. As advocates for vulnerable children and families, we play a critical role in raising awareness and fighting against human trafficking. Each year, countless individuals fall victim to exploitation, and it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and our communities about this urgent issue. This upcoming month serves as a powerful reminder to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. By coming together as a caring community, we can inspire change, support survivors and prevent future exploitation.

Upcoming Sharpening Skills Webinar for CASA Volunteers

Join us on January 14 for the next quarterly webinar in our Sharpening Skills Webinar Series: Rooted — Being steady, thoughtful and grounded in the midst of a chaotic system. This year-long webinar series is designed to support CASA volunteers in staying centered and effective as they navigate the complexities of child advocacy. Each quarter, we’ll explore a different way to stay rooted — in the case, the child, yourself and your instincts. All webinars are free, virtual and open to CASA volunteers and staff. Check out all the quarterly topics and dates, and register at the link below. CEUs available upon completion. Stay grounded. Stay curious. Stay rooted.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool (CSE-IT) Training for CASA Staff

The upcoming CSE-IT trainings will introduce and train CASA staff on the CSE-IT screening tool, which is designed to improve the early identification of youth who are experiencing, or at risk for experiencing, human trafficking. This training includes introductory foundational information about human trafficking, an orientation to the tool, a description of CSE-IT indicators, scoring instructions and next steps. Understanding the CSE-IT tool is a critical part of Anti-Child Trafficking advocacy, and this training is only available to CASA Staff. Join the Texas Network of Youth Services for their next CSE-IT training on January 15, or view more offerings at the link below.

Updated Resources for Children with Incarcerated Parents

The STAR team recently updated our Incarcerated Parents toolkit, which includes an informational flyer and letter template. The tools listed and hyperlinked on the flyer explore the stigma children and families experience, and supportive ways to promote healing. The flyer also provides educational information to support children, along with tips for engaging in important conversations. The letter template is for CASA volunteers or staff to use when contacting an incarcerated parent. Access the toolkit in the link below or anytime in the STAR Program Portal.

CFE Top Ten Poster: Convene

Over the past decade, we've learned that how we bring people together matters. Convening family meetings with empathy and intention creates space for voices to be heard and solutions to emerge. This month’s featured Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) poster, “Top 10 Ways to Convene,” encourages us to rethink where and how we meet. Whether it’s at a park, around a shared calendar or seated in a semi-circle, these moments are about dignity and inclusion. During the holiday season, as families gather with loved ones, these gatherings take on even more meaning. It’s not just a meeting, it’s a meaningful step toward connection and understanding.

Recruitment Bounty: Tip of the Month

As we go into the holidays many familiar tunes are heard on the radio, in stores or just randomly playing in your head. Pick your favorite holiday song and turn it into a CASA celebration moment on social media and around town. CASA of Essex County in New Jersey turned the "12 Days of Christmas" into the 12 Days of CASA. Within the 12 days they've held a gift card drive, participated in a community run, honored a volunteer and more. Get inspiration from each of their days so far and continue to follow the 12 Days of CASA on their Facebook page.

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