The CASA Voice - November 2026

From Our CEO Vicki Spriggs: Creating a Safe & Positive Future for All Texas Children

November offers two important opportunities to reflect on what children need to thrive. Inspirational Role Models Month reminds us of the lasting impact caring adults can have in a child's life, while National Adoption Month calls attention to children and youth waiting for permanent, loving families. Both are reminders that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued — and to know there are adults who believe in their future.

For children in foster care, that support can be especially meaningful. Children often experience significant changes and uncertainty, from separation from their families to moving between homes, schools, and communities. Despite these challenges, a consistent, caring adult can provide stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. That is at the heart of what CASA volunteers do. They get to know the children they serve, listen to their needs, and work to ensure their voices are heard throughout the child welfare process.

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Local Program Spotlight: Child Advocates of Montgomery County

In this story from Child Advocates of Montgomery County, learn how one CASA volunteer’s relationship with a child’s caregiver led to an unexpected opportunity to help an entire family. When the caregiver faced foreclosure, the volunteer used her professional expertise and connected the family with community resources to help save their home. Her advocacy not only helped stabilize the child’s placement but also provided critical support during a difficult time. Read the full story at the link below.

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Texas CASA Honors Judge Randy Shelton for His Commitment to Children and Families

Last month, Texas CASA hosted the annual Judicial Appreciation Reception at the Children’s Commission Child Welfare Judges Conference. During the reception, CEO Vicki Spriggs had the honor of presenting the 2026 Judicial Innovation & Leadership Award to Judge Randy Shelton of Jefferson County.

Nominated by CASA of Southeast Texas, Judge Shelton was praised for treating families with compassion, dignity, and respect and making time for CASA volunteers and community events. In one memorable example, he arranged a courthouse tea party for girls living in a local group home, giving them the chance to sit behind the bench and feel special.

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A Look Back at the 2026 Texas CASA Conference

Relive the energy, inspiration, and connections of this year’s Texas CASA Conference with our brand-new recap video! Centered around the theme Advocacy in Motion, this year’s conference brought together volunteers, staff, and supporters to celebrate the passion, dedication, and collaboration that move the CASA mission forward.

From inspiring moments to meaningful connections, the video captures what makes our CASA network so special and reminds us that advocacy is about showing up, taking action, and never giving up. Watch the recap video below and celebrate the incredible people who keep advocacy in motion for children and families across Texas.

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New Podcast Episode: EMDR and Trauma-Informed Advocacy Featuring Ana Gomez

How can CASA volunteers better understand and advocate for children and youth who have experienced trauma? In this episode, we take a closer look at EMDR therapy and why it can be effective in treating trauma for children and youth. We’re joined by internationally recognized author and EMDR clinician Ana Gomez, who shares her expertise on trauma treatment and offers practical guidance for CASA volunteers. Also mentioned in this episode is the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) course for advocates interested in learning more about trauma-informed advocacy.

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Team Spotlight: Faces of Strategic Network Services Part 2

The work of Strategic Network Services (SNS) team is critical to Texas CASA’s mission because they support the volunteer experience as a whole, including the pipeline and life cycle of a volunteer. For Part Two of the SNS Team Spotlight, we are excited to spotlight Maribel and Lindsey!

Whether creating a welcoming place to gather or helping programs connect with future volunteers, Maribel and Lindsey put people at the center of their work. We are grateful for the care, commitment and collaborative spirit they bring to Texas CASA and the network we serve. Learn more about Maribel and Lindsey in the link below!