Quarterly Data Update

During FY2026 Q1, local CASA programs in Texas began serving 1,664 new children with 854 new dedicated volunteers, bringing the year-to-date totals for FY2026 to 12,892 total children served and 5,869 total volunteers, respectively. Compared to FY25 Q1, the total number of children served has increased by 5%.

Across the state, your increased recruitment efforts were paying off in FY26 Q1 with 702 volunteers beginning pre-service training, which is a 23% increase compared to FY25 Q1. Also in this quarter, nine CASA programs successfully served 100% of children with a CASA volunteer.

Public Policy Update + Key Reminders

As we head into a busy election year, it’s an important moment to pause, reset and stay informed. This update shares key reminders about nonpartisan advocacy during campaign season, important dates for the upcoming March primary elections and a new training opportunity to help you stay up to date on recent legislative outcomes impacting child welfare in Texas. Thank you for continuing to advocate thoughtfully and responsibly on behalf of children, parents and families. 

New Features on the Statewide Awareness Campaign Webpage

The enhanced BecomeACASA.org page is now live! Here’s a quick overview of what’s new:

BecomeACASA.org is the landing page for all statewide CASA Effect ads. From this page, visitors can easily find their local CASA program and follow the next steps to become a volunteer. The recent updates are designed to help potential volunteers reach your program more quickly and efficiently, while also providing more upfront information about the role and impact of a CASA volunteer.

Welcome Texas CASA's New Chief External Relations Officer

We're thrilled to welcome Anne Nagelkirk to the Texas CASA team as our new Chief External Relations Officer! Known for being a collaborative, value-driven leader, Anne is deeply committed to advancing the well-being of children and families and ensuring organizations have the tools they need to deliver their mission. She’ll join Texas CASA from a decades-long career of service and will be based in Austin. Read more about Anne at the link below.

Incarcerated Parents Toolkit + New E-Learning Course

Data reflects that 15-20% of children entering the foster care system have, or have had, an incarcerated parent. The new Incarcerated Parents toolkit provides both training and educational information to support CASA advocacy for children and families involved in the criminal justice system. These tools explore the stigma children and families experience, and supportive ways to promote healing. The guidance and suggestions in these materials are subject to local program policies and practices.

Upcoming February Training of Facilitators Workshop

Our next virtual Art of Facilitation for Pre-Service Training workshop is right around the corner! Cohort A: Feb 18, Feb 20 and Feb 25; Cohort B: Feb 18, Feb 20 and Feb 26 from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. each day for both cohorts. This training is designed to introduce participants to the foundations of engaging and learning-centered facilitation, to explore creative and effective ideas for how to bring pre-service content to life and to build relationships across the CASA training community. During the hands-on component of this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to practice these skills by facilitating a short activity from pre-service training.

CFE Top Ten Poster: Stronger Connections

For over 10 years, Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) has helped children, families and professionals build stronger, more lasting relationships. The poster for the Top 10 Ways to Build Stronger Connections highlights strategies that reinforce the importance of connection across time, distance and systems. Whether it’s encouraging youth to share their contact info before aging out, or helping a parent stay in touch through letters and calls, these strategies build trust and hope. In our line of work, we all know that even just one connection can change a child’s story. Learn more about the CFE Top Ten Posters at the link below.

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