The CASA Voice - January 2026

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time for reflection, education and action against one of the world’s most heinous crimes. Youth in the child welfare system are often the target of sex traffickers due to the circumstances of out-of-home placements. As advocates for vulnerable children and families, we play a critical role in raising awareness and fighting against human trafficking.

Did you know that Texas holds the unenviable position of ranking second in the nation for incoming tips on child sex trafficking? The National Foster Youth Institute also estimates up to 60% of child sex trafficking victims are, or have been, in foster care. Other national studies have put that number anywhere from 25% to 90% — a glaring testament to how this devastating public health and social justice issue continues to grow.

These statistics are not mere numbers; they represent lives in jeopardy, futures uncertain and innocence at risk. To battle this trajectory, Texas CASA takes proactive steps with the CASA Anti-Child Trafficking (ACT) framework. This initiative is designed to instill a call to action to “see something, say something,” and crucially, do something — to ACT.

Each year, countless individuals fall victim to exploitation, and it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and our communities about this urgent issue. This 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.

Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Youth Journal

The CFE Youth Journal: My Journey, My Journal was published in January 2025, and since then, 6,000 copies have been sent to local CASA programs, Child Protective Services staff and Community-Based Care providers in Texas! The journal is a creative, youth-centered tool designed for young people in foster care to express themselves freely and authentically. Through art, reflection and guided writing prompts, youth can explore their emotions, heritage, relationships and goals in a space that belongs entirely to them. The concept of the youth journal was created with input and artwork from young people who have experienced foster care themselves, making it a deeply personal and empowering resource. Check out the full blog post at the link below and hear directly from the journal's creator, CFE Coach Maria McCord.

Local Program Spotlight - CASA of the South Plains

This is the story of two siblings, Aaron and Ava, and their CASA volunteer, James. Shared by CASA of the South Plains, it recounts the frightening circumstances Aaron and Ava endured before entering the foster care system. This story highlights their journey and the vital role James played in helping locate an aunt and uncle who are now providing the safe, loving home Aaron and Ava deserved. Please note: The following material includes sensitive content that some readers may find distressing.

Understanding and Preventing Child Trafficking with Rhonda Kuykendall

In honor of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this CASA on the Go Podcast features former Anti-Child Trafficking (ACT) Consultant Rhonda Kuykendall. Rhonda discusses what advocates should know and can do when it comes to preventing child trafficking and supporting youth who have experienced the trauma of trafficking. Some trainings and resources mentioned in the episode can be found on the ACT page in the Texas CASA Learning Center.

All Rise for the Good of the Children Film

ALL RISE: For the Good of the Children takes you inside the courtroom of an unconventional judge in East Texas who takes a trust-based, trauma-informed approach to healing broken families in the child welfare system. Two families share how their lives were transformed through the support and intervention offered by Judge Carole Clark and her team of lawyers, mental health experts and child advocates. Learn more and watch the film at the link below.

All Rise: For the Good of the Children, is the property of the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University.

Our Hearts are Filled with Gratitude

As the new year begins, we pause to give thanks for the generosity that strengthened our mission at the close of 2025 and inspires the work ahead.

Southwest Airlines: We are especially grateful to Southwest Airlines for their additional support.  Southwest Airlines allows Texas CASA to support local CASA programs in visiting children and youth placed far from their community of origin and often out of state. Their generosity reminds us how powerful a partnership can be.

Principal Foundation: We were honored to receive a grant from Principal® Foundation in honor of our board President, Danny O'Connell, whose commitment to Texas CASA helps children and families in the foster care system across the state. Thank you, Principal Foundation, for this meaningful grant and for celebrating Danny’s commitment and dedication to our mission.

H-E-B Tournament of Champions: We are honored to be among the organizations supported by the H-E-B Tournament of Champions. Their continued commitment helps to build a brighter future for children and families in Texas.

End of Year Texas CASA Donors: To everyone who gave at the close of the year, thank you! Your generosity and belief in this work helps ensure children across Texas have a caring, consistent advocate by their side. Thanks to your generosity, we can invest in the tools, training and resources that keeps our work strong and effective.