News and updates for CASA program staff and leadership
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CASA Story Program Portal Resources + Upcoming Trainings
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Introduced last month, the CASA Story is our strategy for a successful 90th Legislative Session in 2027 – using one unified, compelling story to align our local and state advocacy efforts. Together, we’ll educate our legislators about the realities of the changing child welfare system and, most importantly, the critical, stabilizing role that CASA plays – all through storytelling anchored in local program impact.
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Resources
Our CASA Story Program Portal is live, and April content is ready to go! This is your one-stop shop for all things CASA Story.
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| Legislative Visit Role Play Office Hours
April 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
May 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
May 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
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Texas CASA Welcomes New Public Policy Director
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We are thrilled to introduce our new Public Policy Director, Ana O’Quin! Ana brings a passion for and diverse experience in macro-level policy work and youth engagement. Ana graduated from Baylor University with her BSW and from the University of Texas with her MSW, with a focus on Administrative and Policy Practice. While at UT, she led the National Alliance of Mental Illness’s (NAMI) youth and mental health policy work during the 87th Texas Legislature and later served as the mental health referral coordinator with Dell Medical School’s psychiatry and behavioral health TCHATT program. Most recently, Ana was Girls Empowerment Network’s (GEN) Advocacy Program Manager, where she led their legislative and policy work during the 88th and 89th legislative sessions for staff and youth. In her free time, she runs an Austin matcha review Instagram account, goes to concerts, and enjoys walks with her friends.
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2026 Conference Call for Speakers and Presenters
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We are excited to be going back to San Marcos for the annual Texas CASA Conference on September 9-11, 2026! It’s been over a decade since we’ve been there, and we are happy to be able to enjoy their newly renovated convention center and all the new things the city has to offer.
🛎️ Registration Opens July 8
👀 We’re Looking for Speakers - Call for Speakers application closes April 17, 2026
🥳 Showcase Your Product or Service - Call for Exhibitors closes when full, space is limited
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We hope to see you in San Marcos in September to honor the incredible work of the local CASA programs and to give you new tools to enhance your advocacy for children and families.
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AI Safety and Confidentiality for CASA Volunteers
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Are you curious about using AI to help with CASA court reports but worried about keeping children’s information safe? This course, developed by Texas CASA, will give you a clear understanding of what artificial intelligence is, what information you must always keep confidential, and how popular AI tools handle your data. You’ll learn exactly what’s safe and what’s risky, discover your organization’s policies, and get practical resources, including real-world scenarios, a quick reference guide, and an FAQ to help you make smart, safe choices every time you document.
Protect the children you serve and build your confidence with AI in just a short session.
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Recruiter Monthly Zoom Featuring Texas High School Coaches Association
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Did you know there are over 27,000 people in Texas who could help you recruit CASA volunteers? Texas CASA has teamed up with the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) to help you engage with and recruit potential volunteers. Coaches spend the majority of their careers with kids from all backgrounds, and advocate for them both on and off the field/court/etc. They want the brightest futures for all kids and want to recruit advocates who feel the same.
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Join us on Wednesday, April 15 at 1:15 p.m. to chat with Glen West, Assistant Executive Director for THSCA, and learn about the work they do and how you can get local high school coaches involved with your program. Glen has been an invaluable partner in our Coaches for CASA initiative and we are excited to offer recruiters and others involved in the recruitment process the opportunity to meet with him and tap into a wide network of stand-out community members and influencers.
To join the chat, go to https://texascasa.org/recruiterzoom and access the Zoom link when it’s time to start (April 15 at 1:15pm). No need to register.
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Upcoming STAR Monthly Zoom: Overview of Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Cases
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STAR Zoom has a new date and time for April! Please join us on Wednesday, April 22, at 9:00 a.m., when we welcome Renee Castillo-De La Cruz of the Children’s Commission to talk about the Indian Child Welfare Act. During the hour Zoom call, participants will receive an overview of ICWA cases, their elevated burdens of proof, required findings, and requirements for the use of qualified expert witnesses (QEWs) at certain hearings.
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Best practices related to the application of ICWA and the effects on permanency when ICWA is not properly applied will also be discussed. Ms. Castillo-De La Cruz will also answer questions from the CASA network related to CASA Advocacy and ICWA.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OF INTEREST |
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Senate Bill 855 Allows for Medical Consent Outside of the STAR Health Network
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| Fatherhood and Prevention: Family Support Services and the Fatherhood EFFECT (DFPS Virtual Training
April 15)
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| Statewide Kinship Home Licensing Information Sessions (Free + Virtual)
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We want to hear from you! The Texas CASA Communications team wants to tell stories of your success.
Have an inspiring volunteer or staff story to share? Send us the story, or even just the idea, and we will help shape it for the network and the wider community.
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