August is nationally recognized as Bystander Awareness Month, and during this month we are taking the opportunity to explore what being an engaged bystander actually means. Many people think witnessing and intervening in an incidence of abuse or violence is being an engaged bystander, but bystander intervention goes far beyond that critical moment. Challenging and speaking out against harmful social norms, recognizing the warning signs and preventing or interrupting situations that could lead to violence are all a part of being an engaged bystander, as well as a CASA volunteer.
CASA volunteers are trained to recognize signs of abuse and neglect and are mandatory reporters. In addition to the advocacy they provide, CASA volunteers are in the unique position of being able to teach others how to be engaged bystanders. As the summer comes to an end and children and youth return to school, there are many ways to help prepare them for the school year such as learning more about bystander awareness and reviewing resources on educational advocacy.
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2023 Distinguished Speaker Series Coming Soon!
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We are thrilled to announce that the Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) is back! This year’s series, Advocacy from the Bench, features four honorable judges from across Texas! Registration is $25 and includes all four episodes. A new episode will be released each Wednesday in September. So mark your calendars for the premiere of this year's DSS on September 2 and register today!
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The Fix Featuring Sarah Black from Disability Rights Texas
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For Disability Pride Month in July, Texas CASA was honored to feature Kate Black, an attorney with Disability Rights Texas (DRT), in the latest episode of The Fix. Kate discusses how DRT helps people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. She explains the biggest challenges the foster care team at DRT are facing, and what her hopes are for children and youth with disabilities in the child welfare system.
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A Deep Dive into Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE)
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The CASA network strives to be at the forefront of emerging challenges in child welfare and in an effort to address these challenges head-on, Texas CASA, in partnership with the Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS), began the Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) initiative in 2015.
Check out this video for a deep dive into CFE:
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Report on Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care
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International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12 in an effort to raise awareness about youth-related matters and acknowledge the value young people contribute around the world. In honor of this special day, we are sharing a report brought to you by Think of Us, "Aged Out How We’re Failing Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care". Texas CASA encourages you to read the report to gain insight into these topics.
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Janet St. Paul Supports Texas CASA this August
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We are honored to announce that Janet St. Paul, owner of Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair & Beauty, has stepped up again to raise funds for the vital work of Texas CASA! Throughout the month of August, she will be encouraging her clients to donate directly to her fundraising page or add a donation while checking out at the salon in Austin. If you want to learn more about the story behind Janet's philanthropic efforts, check out the recent discussion between her and Texas CASA CEO, Vicki Spriggs!
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