Message from the CEO: 89th Legislative Session by the Numbers

The 89th Texas Legislative Session has just come to a close, and it was unlike anything we’ve seen. Thousands of bills filed. Hundreds of hours of testimony. Countless moments of uncertainty. And yet… We delivered.

By the Numbers:

• 8,719 Bills Filed
• 366 Bills tracked by Texas CASA
• 1,208 Bills passed and sent to the Governor
• 240 Texas CASA Action Alerts
• 7 Network-Wide Legislative Updates Calls 
• 280 Advocates at CASA Day at the Capitol
• 54 Local CASA Programs Represented at CASA Day at the Capitol
• 158 Legislative visits on Capitol Day
• Texas CASA’s Public Policy Team testified 20 times in House and Senate Committees
• Countless emails, phone calls and text messages by concerned members of the CASA network answered

Read the full message from Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs in the link below.

Upcoming CSE-IT Trainings to Learn the Signs of Commercial Sexual Exploitation

The upcoming trainings are hosted by the Child Sex Trafficking Team at the Office of the Governor or TNOYS, and both options are open to all CASA staff in Texas. This training is not open for CASA volunteers. It will prepare staff to conduct the CSE-IT screen, which is designed to improve the early identification of youth who are experiencing commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and human trafficking. This training includes some introductory foundational information about CSEC, an orientation to the tool, a description of CSE-IT indicators, scoring instructions and possible next steps. Click the button below to see dates and register.

STAR Monthly Zoom Featuring Local CASA Program Panel

Please join the STAR Monthly Zoom on June 30 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., when we will host a CASA program panel to discuss how to bring youth voices to both court proceedings and court reporting. Youth in foster care have a right to express to the court their views on everything from the medical care they receive to their wishes for their future. CASA volunteers have a unique opportunity to advocate for youth in foster care to participate in the legal decisions being made for their future, whether it's attending court hearings, meeting privately with the judge, etc. Bring your questions for the panel and join us at our monthly Zoom to hear from your peers and share resources.

The Power of Reconnection: Supporting Successful Reunification for Families

Join DFPS on June 18 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for an informative and impactful webinar designed to explore the critical process of family reunification within the child welfare system. This session will bring together child welfare professionals, educators, community partners, legal advocates and faith-based organizations to deepen their understanding of how to support families as they work toward healing and restoration. Through real-world examples, expert perspectives, and practical tools, this webinar will equip stakeholders with strategies to promote positive outcomes for children and families.

Optima Data Management Toolkit and Monthly Trainings

The Optima Data Management Toolkit, located in the Data Program Portal, has many helpful resources for your local program. The toolkit contains a data management guide, a custom report tip sheet, a list of CASA network data definitions and a set of custom report descriptions with examples and helpful tips. Another useful resource in the Data Program Portal is the Optima Monthly Trainings from Evinto/Optima. Optima offers program staff two different tracts of Refresher Training for those who want a quick review, reminder or boost: “Back to Basics” and “Beyond the Basics.” Access both resources in the link below.

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health Launches New Interactive Mental Health Guide

Understanding mental health systems and services in Texas can be daunting. The maze of mental health, substance use services and funding streams is complex, making it difficult to understand and challenging to improve. The Hogg Foundation is excited to announce that their Mental Health Guide is now a searchable, interactive website! The guide will coincide with each Texas legislative session to help inform mental health and substance use policy analysis, legislative development and decision-making. Check it out in the link below. 

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