The CASA Voice - October 2023

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Texas CASA Volunteer Council and More!

Domestic Violence Awareness is recognized throughout the month of October in an effort to end domestic violence. During this month, survivors of abuse, victim advocates, allied professionals and vested community members come together to take action and raise awareness by sharing personal stories, resources and ways to help.

As part of Texas CASA’s Guiding Principles, we recognize the significant trauma that children experience when they are in an environment where intimate partner violence (domestic violence) is occurring. We also recognize the extreme danger that survivors of intimate partner violence encounter, especially as they weigh the risks of leaving an abusive relationship. Texas CASA believes in providing education around these issues, and promoting partnership with parents who are survivors of intimate partner violence to help them keep their children safely in their care whenever possible.

Domestic violence impacts many families involved in the child welfare system, and this is an area where CASA volunteers can make a powerful impact through informed recommendations about appropriate services, resources and supports. As part of the Pre-Service Curriculum, CASA volunteers learn all about domestic violence, including the different types of abuse, the causes, the legal system response, barriers to leaving a violent relationship and more. Understanding domestic violence is crucial for CASA volunteers, but it is also important for us all to be well-educated on this dangerous social crisis and know where to get help when needed.

Introducing the Texas CASA Volunteer Council

Texas CASA is honored to present the newly developed Volunteer Council that will serve as an advisory group working in collaboration with Texas CASA’s Chief Network Service Officer, Deedra Baker, and Strategic Network Services Director, Dennise Jackson. The idea for the Volunteer Council was developed by Deedra and Dennise in an effort to form a new strategy around volunteer recruitment and retention. “Hopefully the info we garner will help the programs feel a sense of relief and give them new ideas for recruitment implementation,” said Dennise.

Inspired Facilitation: A Reading Collective for Fearless Facilitators

Last month, Texas CASA’s Learning and Development Manager for Pre-Service Training, Margaret Halpin, shipped out 35 boxes for a new professional development series to local programs all over Texas! The curated collection of books sent to the Pre-Service Trainers features leading thinkers and bestselling authors sharing strategies for honing their facilitation skills and rumbling with some of the more nuanced topics often encountered in pre-service training.

CASA Anti-Child Trafficking: Full Framework Now Available

Back in 2021, Texas CASA began developing the CASA Anti-Child Trafficking framework known as CASA ACT in order to provide resources, training and coordination of services. Youth who have been affected by trafficking in foster care need CASA volunteers who are well-trained, connected and prepared to support their specialized needs. CASA ACT is a call to action for the CASA network in Texas. The aim is to do more than “see something, say something,” and to educate, protect and provide skilled support when youth have been exploited.

The Impact of the Legacy Leadership Circle

On behalf of everyone at Texas CASA, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Legacy Leadership Circle for their commitment, leadership and tremendous support. Over the past two years, contributions from the Legacy Leadership Circle have allowed Texas CASA to expand our anti-child trafficking (ACT) work and innovate tools and resources for the CASA Network. Legacy Leadership Circle members are former Texas CASA Board Members and Emeritus Board members who continue to support the mission of Texas CASA through this annual giving society.

The FIX featuring Susie Moseley

On this episode of The Fix, Susie Moseley — an Emeritus Board Member who previously served on Texas CASA’s board and led Child Advocates of Fort Bend as Executive Director — discusses how financial giving impacts organizations. Moseley shares her leadership journey and encourages young people to educate themselves on the mission of nonprofits that peak their interest and to get involved in service at an early age.