Texas CASA Recommendations for DFPS Sunset Review

In September 2025, the Sunset Advisory Commission began the two-year Sunset review process for 16 state agencies, including two critical to children and families: the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Sunset review is an opportunity for the Sunset Advisory Commission and the Texas Legislature to evaluate a state agency’s programs, rules, operations and success in fulfilling its mission, as well as address any identified issues.

Do you have strategies, tools or lessons learned that could inspire and strengthen CASA programs across Texas? If so, we invite you to share your experience at the 2026 Texas CASA Conference! Our annual conference convenes a dynamic audience of CASA staff, volunteer advocates, board members and child welfare partners. Together, they are united by one goal: improving outcomes for children and families.

When: September 9-11, 2026

Where: San Marcos, Texas

Submit proposals by March 31

Read submission guidelines and apply below.

The Texas CASA Communications team is looking to share powerful stories that highlight your successes, the evolving realities of the child welfare system and the vital role CASA plays in the lives of children and families.

If you have an inspiring story about a volunteer or staff member that you’d like to share with our statewide network, we’d love to hear it. You can send us the completed story or simply share the idea with us, and we will be happy to write it for you.

We are so excited for the upcoming in-person STAR training on April 16-17 in Dallas! This Strength-Based Supervision Training for Volunteer Retention is developed specifically for advocate supervisors. All training will have a focus on volunteer retention.  

When: Thursday, April 16 (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and Friday, April 17 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)  
Where: CASA of Dallas County  
Registration Fee: $30 
Includes: Thursday lunch and afternoon snack; Friday light breakfast and grab-and-go lunch 

*Registration opens March 11 and closes April 6 (space is limited)*

Proof Advertising created a Google Ad Grants tips presentation for Texas CASA to share across the local network. The goal is to help programs get the most value possible from their Google Ad Grant. Google Ad Grants awards qualifying nonprofits up to $10,000 per month in search ads shown on Google.com.

Key Tip: Google Ad Grants are most effective when campaigns are specific, local and action-focused. Google rewards relevance, not reach. Try to think of search ads as helpful directions, not billboards. The platform connects users with what they’re searching for in real time.

As Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) has evolved over the last decade, one of our biggest milestones has been weaving this work into everyday advocacy and casework. “Top 10 Ways to Embed CFE” is both a call to action and a reflection of how far we have come.

Embedding looks like including CFE updates in court reports, highlighting success stories at staff meetings and ensuring every team member understands CFE values and tools. When utilizing CFE tools becomes the way we work rather than an add on, we create consistency, sustainability and stronger outcomes. 

Access the CFE portal below to check out the latest resources and trainings.

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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