As June begins and summer settles across Texas, children and families are adjusting to a major seasonal transition. For many young people, summer is a time filled with fun and freedom. But for children and youth in foster care, the change in routine can bring increased uncertainty, stress, and emotional challenges.
During the school year, schools provide much more than education. For many children, school is a dependable source of meals, structure, social connection, emotional support, and stability. When summer arrives, those supports often disappear overnight. Children may face food insecurity, increased isolation, more screen time, and fewer opportunities for positive social interaction — all of which can negatively impact their mental health and emotional well-being.
For children in foster care, these challenges are often compounded by trauma. Children entering foster care frequently carry deep emotional wounds caused by abuse, neglect, family separation, and instability – changing homes and schools, being separated from everything they know. In fact, studies show that up to 80% of children in foster care experience significant mental health challenges, compared to approximately 20% of children in the general population. They struggle with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, and feelings of loneliness and isolation. In many cases, they don’t have access to consistent support systems or adequate mental health resources.
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Meet the Voices Leading Change at Our 2026 Conference
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We are delighted to announce this year’s conference keynote speakers who embody hope, empowerment, and resilience. Through their stories and insights, they reflect the heart of advocacy — showing how intentional actions, big or small, can create lasting change. Their voices will inspire us to keep moving forward, ensuring every child is supported, seen, and surrounded by the promise of a brighter future.
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Registration opens July 8 and closes August 12, with a flat registration fee of $400 (lodging not included). Additional speaker announcements will be shared in the coming months, and exhibitor registration is now open for organizations interested in showcasing their products or services. Sponsorship levels start at $1,000 and include an exhibitor booth. Click the button below to learn more.
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EduVoices: Championing Foster Futures Podcast Features Texas CASA
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Texas CASA staff are taking center stage on the EduVoices: Championing Foster Futures podcast series, offering powerful insights into the people, policies, and practices shaping better outcomes for children and youth in foster care. From Frances Lofley’s deep dive into Collaborative Family Engagement and the importance of lifelong connections, to CEO Vicki Spriggs’ perspective on statewide leadership and systems change, each episode highlights a different dimension of advocacy in action.
Brandi Goen shares how her experience as a CASA volunteer now informs strategic grantmaking that strengthens local programs across Texas, while Stephanie Battaglia and Ana O’Quin unpack the policy decisions that directly impact foster-connected youth and families. Together, these conversations showcase the expertise, passion, and innovation driving Texas CASA’s mission and offer listeners an inspiring look at how collaboration and advocacy can create lasting change. Be sure to tune in to all four episodes for a comprehensive view of the work happening across Texas to support children and families.
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Local Program Spotlight: Voices for Children, CASA of Brazos Valley
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Originally shared by Voices for Children, CASA of Brazos Valley, this inspiring story highlights the impact of dedicated CASA volunteers. After becoming a CASA volunteer in 2017, Katie took on a complex case involving two children who had been placed in foster care far from their extended family. As the case moved toward non-relative adoption, Katie's persistence led her to uncover a critical family connection known only as “MiMi,” revealing a loving network of relatives who wanted to remain involved in the children’s lives. Her advocacy prompted a deeper review of family placement options, ultimately resulting in the children’s reunification with their father and extended family. Katie’s story demonstrates how consistent, child-focused advocacy can help preserve family bonds and change the course of a child’s future.
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Staff Spotlight: Nancy Rodriguez, Finance and Business Operations Director
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In this staff spotlight, Nancy Rodriguez, Texas CASA’s Finance and Business Operations Director, shares how nearly five decades of nonprofit accounting experience and her strong family values have shaped her career and commitment to the CASA mission. After first working with Texas CASA as a consultant in 2007, Nancy joined the organization full-time in 2013 and now oversees the agency’s financial and administrative operations. Although her role is behind the scenes, Nancy takes pride in helping ensure Texas CASA runs smoothly so staff can focus on supporting children and families across the state.
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Thank You for Supporting us During Foster Care Month!
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Thank you to everyone who donated to Texas CASA in May. We’re so grateful for your generosity and commitment to our Foster Care Month campaign. Your support helps strengthen advocacy, resources, and local CASA programs serving children and families in the child welfare system. Because of you, more Texas children and families have the support and opportunities they need to build brighter futures. We couldn’t do this important work without your support!
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Additional Information of Interest |
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CASA of Coryell and Bell Counties Swears in Largest Advocate Class to Date
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Community-Based Foster Care Nearly a Decade Later: How Texas is Responding to Ongoing Challenges
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Children Waiting for Adoption in Texas
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If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, ACT. Call 800-252-5400 or go to txabusehotline.org
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🛎️ Monthly Giving Tip
A new universal charitable deduction means you can claim up to $1,000 (individuals) or $2,000 (couples) in charitable gifts, even if you don’t itemize. It’s a simple way to support the causes you love while receiving a tax benefit (excluding donor-advised fund gifts).
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