Over the last month and a half, I’ve had the privilege of visiting CASA programs across Texas and hearing firsthand the stories of children whose lives have been changed by the presence of a CASA volunteer. Each visit left me inspired by the compassion and persistence of these teams and volunteers. Time and again, I saw how local CASA programs and their volunteers are stepping up to fill essential gaps in services. Here are a few moments and insights that stayed with me from our Tour of Texas conversations with local program leaders:
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With the continued transition to Community-Based Care in Texas comes the loss of decades of institutional knowledge. As people step into new roles, they are learning both the nuances of the system and the children they serve. CASA volunteers bring much-needed continuity to a child’s entire team by sharing critical background and knowledge that helps ensure each child’s needs and best interests remain front and center.
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Local program impact story: In the first four months of 2026, 54 CASA volunteers traveled more than 20,000 miles to ensure children remained connected, cases stayed informed, and the decisions made reflected each child’s best interests.
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Local program impact story: One child spent three weeks in intensive care without a single visitor, despite their CASA volunteer’s ongoing efforts to gain access. When the volunteer was finally able to see the child, they found out that no other caseworker had been to visit the child during their hospital stay.
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Across multiple programs, we saw that when children and families are unable to reach their caseworkers, especially after hours, CASA is often the one they call.
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Texas CASA’s Partner Agencies Train Volunteers to be a Voice and a Lifeline for Children in the Foster Care System
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"You just need to care deeply about children. I was a teacher for 25 years — I saw in the classroom children needed advocates, and I saw that children, especially children in need, really do need an adult to be able to stand up for them and say something," said Amanda Crepin, CASA volunteer with Child Advocates of Montgomery County.
Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs and Amanda joined Melanie Camp with KPRC Houston on Go Blue Day to highlight Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and describe how everyday people can make a HUGE impact in the lives of children in the foster care system.
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Local Program Spotlight: Child Advocates of Fort Bend
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Child Advocates of Fort Bend is proud to be celebrating ten years of Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE), a transformative approach that has reshaped child welfare by prioritizing relationships, family involvement, and shared accountability. After starting as one of three pilot programs for CFE in 2015, Child Advocates of Fort Bend has fully embedded CFE into its work with every child and family! In this special local program spotlight, you’ll get a glimpse into the powerful connections, reunifications, and healing made possible through this innovative approach. Click below to read the full article and explore the real-life impact stories that show how relationships can change everything for children and families.
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Strengths-Based Supervision In-Person Training Brings Network Together in Dallas
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Texas CASA recently brought together 51 supervisors from across the network for an engaging, in-person Strengths-Based Supervision training in Dallas, focused on building the skills needed to better support advocates and strengthen programs. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and shared learning, participants explored practical strategies for fostering confidence, improving retention, and navigating meaningful conversations with volunteers. The training also highlighted how strengths-based approaches and Collaborative Family Engagement principles contribute to long-term success. Read the full article to learn how this dynamic training is equipping supervisors with tools and insights to make a lasting impact across the CASA network.
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Staff Spotlight: Liz Woods, Program Specialist
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Liz’s journey with Texas CASA is rooted in a lifelong commitment to children, families, and service. As a Program Specialist with over 20 years of nonprofit experience and a decade of leadership within a local CASA program, she brings deep compassion, firsthand knowledge of the child welfare system, and a strong dedication to supporting programs across Texas. From her background as a U.S. Army veteran to her work in marriage and family ministry, Liz’s personal and professional experiences shape her mission-driven approach. In this feature, she shares what inspires her work, the impact of her role in strengthening CASA programs, and why helping children feel seen, supported, and valued remains at the heart of everything she does.
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Join Us in Making an Impact This Foster Care Awareness Month!
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This May, Texas CASA is sharing how our work strengthens the foster care system and helps make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Texas. Throughout the month, we’ll highlight our impact through staff messages and stories across email, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Help Texas CASA continue advocating for children and families in foster care and supporting the CASA network across the state. You can support this work by sharing our messages to spread awareness and making a donation.
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Additional Information of Interest |
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Texas Tribune: Texas’ Foster Care System is More Likely to Move Children Away from Their Communities
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Jaydan Martinez is the Son of Texas – and He is Forging a Future for Texas’ Foster Youth
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Learn How to Recognize the Signs of Child Abuse by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
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If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, ACT. Call 800-252-5400 or go to txabusehotline.org
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🛎️ Monthly Giving Tip
Many companies can match donations made by their employees, retirees, and employee spouses, doubling the value of their gift. To see if your employer participates, you can use the company search tool on our website to check!
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