Advocacy has always been at the heart of CASA’s mission — because when we show up, speak out and stand together, real change happens. This also goes for ensuring the voices of children in foster care are heard at the Texas Capitol. That’s why our public policy work is a top priority, and it’s why I want to personally invite you to CASA Day at the Capitol on March 27. CASA Day at the Capitol is our opportunity to stand beside local CASA programs, amplify our message and show legislators that we are a united force for change. When volunteers, staff and community members come together, we remind lawmakers that these children aren’t just statistics, they’re real kids with real needs. 

Texas CASA Volunteer Council Spotlight 

In an effort to form a new strategy around volunteer recruitment and retention, the Statewide Volunteer Council was developed as an advisory group working in collaboration with Texas CASA’s Chief Network Services Officer Deedra Baker and Strategic Network Services Director Dennise Jackson. Members of the Council were made up of current CASA volunteers who were nominated by their programs across the state. Along with giving guidance and recommendations for Texas CASA’s endeavors, the Council members also provided input on advocacy best practices, volunteer training and more. Learn more about their efforts below. 

Students Win National Championship Benefitting CASA

South Texas College students have made history by becoming the first two-year institution to win first place in the highly competitive Association of Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS) student problem-solving competition. 

The problem-solving competition required students to address a real-world issue presented by a nonprofit organization. This year, the challenge was proposed by Texas CASA, which sought solutions to help connect incarcerated parents with their foster children, a growing issue for many families across the state.

New Episode of CASA on the Go Podcast Featuring Heather Cantamessa, Director of Family Impact at Akin

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome the wonderful Heather Cantamessa, Director of Family Impact at Akin. Heather draws on her work with the transformative Parents for Parents program, a model of peer support that empowers families involved with Child Protective Services, and discusses the vital role CASA advocates can play in facilitating communication and collaboration between parents and other parties in the system. Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify.

Registration for CASA Day at the Capitol Closes March 11

Join the CASA network in Austin on March 27 for the 2025 CASA Day at the Capitol! Hundreds of CASA advocates from all over the state will be visiting their legislative officials to spread the word about CASA and to raise awareness about challenges facing the child welfare system. Additionally, Texas CASA will host a Volunteer Appreciation Reception the night before Capitol Day on March 26. Local programs will be able to invite their legislators and staff to honor and celebrate the essential and impactful work of CASA volunteers in Texas.

Be a Vital Part in Systemic Change by Supporting Our Work Today

Help us make a positive difference in the lives of children and families! Texas CASA works alongside local CASA staff and volunteers to represent the best interests of children at the Capitol. We work with local CASA programs to build relationships with legislators, and to develop policy agendas to improve the child welfare system and bolster effective changes that will support, uplift and make a difference in the lives of Texas children and families involved in it. You can be a vital part in systemic change by supporting our work today.

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