During the regular 89th Texas legislative session, Texas CASA tracked over 360 child welfare bills and helped successfully advance several critical reforms. These new measures strengthen the foundational elements of transparency and family involvement in the ever-changing Texas child welfare system. Most laws went into effect on September 1, 2025, and Texas CASA remains committed to ensuring accountability, strengthening permanency outcomes and guaranteeing that every law translates into real benefits for Texas children and families who are experiencing foster care.  

Read the full article to see what this means for Texas children, families and advocates.

Local Program Spotlight: CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties Volunteer Kim Chambers

Texas CASA is honored to share this inspiring story sent to us by CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties. The story acknowledges the incredible efforts of their dedicated CASA Volunteer, Kim Chambers, and her husband, Robert, who went above and beyond to aid in relief efforts for the devastation in the Hill Country. "For Kim, the devastation hit especially close to home. The child she advocates for was directly impacted by the disaster and had to be rescued by helicopter. Even amidst the chaos, Kim remained in close contact, doing everything she could to ensure the child was safe, supported and not lost in the system." Read the full story in the link below.

Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Family Meeting Workshop

Last week, the CFE team at Texas CASA brought together CASA programs, Child Protective Services (CPS) and Single-Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs) from across the state for an interactive and impactful Family Meeting Facilitation Workshop. This in-person gathering brought together more than 40 professionals and provided hands-on strategies, real-world examples and skill-building activities to promote comprehensive and effective facilitation.

Family meetings are the heart of the CFE approach, as this is where the real work happens – when the family, fictive kin and CFE team come together. We are deeply grateful to all the attendees for taking the time and effort to attend our training on this integral piece of healing families and supporting a child’s best interests.

New CASA on the Go Podcast Episode on Mediation and CASA Advocacy

In this episode, we explore the role of mediation in child welfare cases — what it is, how the process works and why it can be such a powerful tool for finding solutions that serve children’s best interests. Long-time mediator Michele Morgan walks us through when and why a case might go to mediation, who participates and what CASA volunteers can expect throughout the process. Tune in for practical tips for preparing effectively, approaching mediation with an open mindset and meeting challenges with creativity and collaboration. CASA on the Go is now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify.

Texas CASA CFE Coach, Maria McCord, Presented at the 2025 Texas Child Care Administrators Conference

Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Coach, Maria McCord, was honored to present at the 2025 Texas Child Care Administrators Conference last month. Her powerful workshop offered a unique, lived experience perspective from growing up in the foster care system, navigating the pain of separation from biological family and struggling to find meaningful, non-relative connections. Through a dynamic presentation and heartfelt lecture, she shared personal stories of loss, disconnection from family and siblings and the emotional toll of those early years in care.

The session then shifted to highlight the role that dedicated professionals play in helping to form healthy, non-relative relationships. Participants explored creative tools, live vision boards and journaling, and learned new approaches for helping older youth in care reflect, dream and prepare for life after foster care. Journals were provided for participants to use in their own work with youth, encouraging practical application beyond the session. We are truly inspired by Maria's story and unwavering dedication to the CASA mission. Learn more about her work in CFE in the link below.

Thank You, P.F. Chang’s! 

We’re so grateful to P.F. Chang’s for partnering with Texas CASA through their recent Dine to Donate event. Guests across Texas came together to enjoy a meal while supporting our work to strengthen the CASA network and ensure children and families in the child welfare system have the support they need. Thank you to everyone who dined out and helped make this collaboration a success. We couldn’t do this work without community partners like P.F. Chang’s and supporters like you!

PS - Did you know Texas CASA works closely with businesses to create mutually beneficial fundraising campaigns, co-branded event experiences and media that advance advocacy needed for children in state care? Learn more in the link below.

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