April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and it serves as one of our biggest opportunities to step up and educate our friends, families and neighbors about child abuse and neglect, and how we individually and collectively can help prevent it. But, before we can educate others on how to prevent child abuse and neglect, we must familiarize ourselves with the definitions, signs of abuse and neglect, and what prevention efforts are currently out there. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: 

• “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation;” or 
• “An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” 

You may be asking yourself, why does child abuse and neglect happen in the first place? There is no single answer to, or cause of, child abuse or neglect, nor is there an excuse for someone abusing or neglecting a child. There are, however, a multitude of risk factors that have been observed to increase the likelihood that a person will engage in abuse or neglect of a child. These risk factors exist not only on an individual level, but also on relationship, community and societal levels.

CASA Day at the Capitol 2025

On March 27, 2025, the CASA network rallied at the Texas State Capitol for CASA Day at the Capitol. The event brought together more than 280 members from 54 of the CASA programs from across the state to meet with lawmakers about Texas CASA’s legislative priorities and funding. In addition to over 158 meetings with legislators and their offices, the day included both Senate and House Resolutions by Representative John Lujan and Senator Tan Parker celebrating the CASA network’s contributions. “Across Texas, CASA is a critical force for positive change. The work they do in the courtroom and in the lives of these children is truly remarkable,” said Rep. Lujan. "This work is not only inspiring, it is absolutely essential,” said Sen. Parker. “CASA is one of those entities that is the best part of our communities,” said Sen. Kevin Sparks.

Read more about this inspiring day and watch the Senate and House resolutions in the link below. 

Texas CASA’s Collaborative Family Engagement Team Evolves

Texas CASA is proud and excited to announce the promotion of Catherine Herlich to Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Director and the hiring of Taylor Merrill as Collaborative Family Engagement Coach. Catherine joined Texas CASA as one of the first CFE Coaches in 2016. Since then, she has demonstrated great skill, knowledge and passion for CFE, as well as the leadership skills necessary to move into this role. Catherine says, “I am so excited and grateful to be able to serve the network in this way as we continue to work towards integrating CFE into CASA advocacy for all children and families served by CASA."

Taylor recently served as a Family and Community Engagement Coordinator with CASA – Hope for Children, being a part of that organization in multiple professional capacities since 2017. She says, “I’m so grateful to bring my experience working at a local CASA program to the Texas CASA CFE Team and the opportunity to impact the child welfare system on a statewide level.”

New Episode of The Fix: Free Tutoring for Youth in Foster Care

On this episode of The Fix, we spoke to President, Founder and CEO Jennifer Lisson from The WHIT Program, which works with volunteers to provide free tutoring to kids in foster care and helps bring them to grade levels in math and reading. Lisson, who started as a CASA volunteer and was recognized as an outstanding volunteer by DFPS in 2024, named the organization after her daughter, Whitney, who inspired others with her love and compassion.

Local Program Spotlight: Child Advocates of Montgomery County

"By the time 13-year-old Kylie* and her younger sister, Madison*, came into care last year, their family history included allegations of sexual abuse and neglect as well as exposure to substance abuse and domestic violence. Their mother, who also struggled with a mental health disorder, had a lengthy history with Child Protective Services." Read the full Hope in Action story from Child Advocates of Montgomery County in the link below and learn about the extraordinary CASA volunteer who went above and beyond for the children she served.

Thank You to Our CASA Day at the Capitol Supporters

We want to say a special thank you to everyone who helped make CASA Day at the Capitol a true success! Your support strengthens our collective voice for children and families in the child welfare system. Public policy advocacy is essential to creating positive change, and we’re grateful to Summer Health for being a part of what made this event possible. You can continue to support this important public policy work by making a donation today or donating during Foster Care Month this May—stay tuned for more ways to get involved! 

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