CASA on the Go: Continuing Education for CASA Volunteers Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:08:55 -0500 http://texascasa.org en-us © 2026 CASA on the Go: Continuing Education for CASA Volunteers yes Support this Podcast d9f62e16-fd9c-5ece-add0-4f6d0f3cfab6 Texas CASA episodic false This continuing education podcast connects CASA volunteers with engaging and relevant training designed to help strengthen advocacy for children and families. Each short, dynamic episode features informative discussions with subject matter experts exploring topics connected to child welfare and best practices for CASA advocacy. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker(s) in their personal capacity and are not the official policy or position of Texas CASA.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) CASA, CASA volunteers, CASA advocacy, court appointed special advocates for children, child welfare Texas CASA https://storage.buzzsprout.com/s2qhx2r4wyn1z86tmgfbdidd8s5o?.jpg CASA on the Go: Continuing Education for CASA Volunteers http://texascasa.org Supporting Youth and Families Through Adoption and Beyond with Erin Argue Supporting Youth and Families Through Adoption and Beyond with Erin Argue In this episode, we shine a light on the Heart Galleries of Texas, a powerful network striving to connect children ready for adoption with permanent, loving families. Our guest Erin Argue, Heart Galleries of Texas Post-Permanency Director, shares how Heart Galleries of Texas draw on community engagement to support youth waiting for adoption, the importance of post-adoption services and how CASA volunteers can partner with Heart Galleries in their advocacy for children and youth seeking permanency through adoption. From highlighting a child’s unique strengths to helping families stay connected to resources long after adoption day, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for advocates walking alongside youth on the path to permanency.

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]]> In this episode, we shine a light on the Heart Galleries of Texas, a powerful network striving to connect children ready for adoption with permanent, loving families. Our guest Erin Argue, Heart Galleries of Texas Post-Permanency Director, shares how Heart Galleries of Texas draw on community engagement to support youth waiting for adoption, the importance of post-adoption services and how CASA volunteers can partner with Heart Galleries in their advocacy for children and youth seeking permanency through adoption. From highlighting a child’s unique strengths to helping families stay connected to resources long after adoption day, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for advocates walking alongside youth on the path to permanency.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-17818550 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500 2163 full false Health Advocacy and Healthcare Access with Ellen DaSilva Health Advocacy and Healthcare Access with Ellen DaSilva In this episode, we’re honored to be joined by Ellen DaSilva — entrepreneur, children’s health advocate and founder of Summer Health, an innovative company providing 24/7 text-based pediatric care for families. Ellen shares the powerful vision behind Summer Health, her insights into the barriers children and caregivers face in accessing timely healthcare and practical advice for CASA volunteers striving to ensure the children they serve receive the medical and mental health support they need. We also highlight resources, including our Health Advocacy Guide for CASA Volunteers, to equip advocates with tools for effective medical advocacy.

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]]> In this episode, we’re honored to be joined by Ellen DaSilva — entrepreneur, children’s health advocate and founder of Summer Health, an innovative company providing 24/7 text-based pediatric care for families. Ellen shares the powerful vision behind Summer Health, her insights into the barriers children and caregivers face in accessing timely healthcare and practical advice for CASA volunteers striving to ensure the children they serve receive the medical and mental health support they need. We also highlight resources, including our Health Advocacy Guide for CASA Volunteers, to equip advocates with tools for effective medical advocacy.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-17818488 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1053 full false Shelton Pellum on the Alchemy of Healing Shelton Pellum on the Alchemy of Healing In this episode, we sit down with the deeply inspiring Shelton Pellum who shares his lived experience in foster care — what it was like to navigate the system, the challenges he encountered and the powerful strengths he cultivated along the way. Together, we talk about why youth voice matters in decision-making, what true belonging and connectedness mean for youth in care and how advocates can be strong supporters of academic success. Tune in for Shelly's powerful insights into what young people need most from the adults who walk alongside them.

To learn more about and support Shelly's wonderful work with the THRU Project, please visit their website. 

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]]> In this episode, we sit down with the deeply inspiring Shelton Pellum who shares his lived experience in foster care — what it was like to navigate the system, the challenges he encountered and the powerful strengths he cultivated along the way. Together, we talk about why youth voice matters in decision-making, what true belonging and connectedness mean for youth in care and how advocates can be strong supporters of academic success. Tune in for Shelly's powerful insights into what young people need most from the adults who walk alongside them.

To learn more about and support Shelly's wonderful work with the THRU Project, please visit their website. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-17729232 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 2490 full false Best Interest Advocacy in Mediation with Michele Morgan Best Interest Advocacy in Mediation with Michele Morgan In this episode, we explore the role of mediation in child welfare cases — what it is, how the process works and why it can be such a powerful tool for finding solutions that serve children’s best interests. Long-time mediator Michele Morgan walks us through when and why a case might go to mediation, who participates and what CASA volunteers can expect throughout the process. Tune in for practical tips for preparing effectively, approaching mediation with an open mindset and meeting challenges with creativity and collaboration.

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]]> In this episode, we explore the role of mediation in child welfare cases — what it is, how the process works and why it can be such a powerful tool for finding solutions that serve children’s best interests. Long-time mediator Michele Morgan walks us through when and why a case might go to mediation, who participates and what CASA volunteers can expect throughout the process. Tune in for practical tips for preparing effectively, approaching mediation with an open mindset and meeting challenges with creativity and collaboration.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-17676015 Fri, 15 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2382 full false Supporting Families and Engaging Fathers featuring Dr. Jared Williams and Stephen Fowler Supporting Families and Engaging Fathers featuring Dr. Jared Williams and Stephen Fowler In this episode, we're thrilled to be in conversation with Dr. Jared Williams and Stephen Fowler from Family Service Center, an organization that provides counseling, parenting education, and prevention services to families in Southeast Texas communities. Our discussion dives into some of the biggest challenges facing families and explores insights from FSC's Fatherhood Program on engaging with fathers in our advocacy. 

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]]> In this episode, we're thrilled to be in conversation with Dr. Jared Williams and Stephen Fowler from Family Service Center, an organization that provides counseling, parenting education, and prevention services to families in Southeast Texas communities. Our discussion dives into some of the biggest challenges facing families and explores insights from FSC's Fatherhood Program on engaging with fathers in our advocacy. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-16540407 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0500 1758 full false Leveraging Systems-Level Advocacy featuring Sarah Crocket and Stephanie Battaglia Leveraging Systems-Level Advocacy featuring Sarah Crocket and Stephanie Battaglia In this episode, we sit down with two incredible advocates, Sarah Crocket and Stephanie Battaglia, to dive into Texas CASA's legislative priorities for the 89th legislative session kicking off on January 14th, 2025. Sarah and Stephanie walk us through the process of identifying key priorities, share what’s on the docket for the upcoming session, and discuss how CASA volunteers can get involved in systems-level advocacy to support these efforts. They also highlight the crucial connection between legislative advocacy and the direct support CASA volunteers provide to children and families. Tune in to learn how you can help make a difference at both the grassroots and policy levels in this upcoming session. 

To receive the public policy e-newsletter, please email PublicPolicy@texascasa.org. To join the Texas CASA LAT Facebook page, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/TXCASALATS. 

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]]> In this episode, we sit down with two incredible advocates, Sarah Crocket and Stephanie Battaglia, to dive into Texas CASA's legislative priorities for the 89th legislative session kicking off on January 14th, 2025. Sarah and Stephanie walk us through the process of identifying key priorities, share what’s on the docket for the upcoming session, and discuss how CASA volunteers can get involved in systems-level advocacy to support these efforts. They also highlight the crucial connection between legislative advocacy and the direct support CASA volunteers provide to children and families. Tune in to learn how you can help make a difference at both the grassroots and policy levels in this upcoming session. 

To receive the public policy e-newsletter, please email PublicPolicy@texascasa.org. To join the Texas CASA LAT Facebook page, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/TXCASALATS. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-16270561 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:00:00 -0500 2540 full false Empowering Families Through Collaboration with Heather Cantamessa Empowering Families Through Collaboration with Heather Cantamessa 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. 

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]]> 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. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-15842274 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2481 full false Facilitating Access to Childcare with Gabrielle Cloudy Facilitating Access to Childcare with Gabrielle Cloudy Access to adequate, affordable childcare can be a major challenge for working families across Texas. Joining us today is the wonderful Gabrielle Cloudy, Daycare Coordinator at the Department of Family and Protective Services, to shine a light on the Department's daycare program and what CASA volunteers can do to help facilitate access to childcare for families involved with DFPS. 

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]]> Access to adequate, affordable childcare can be a major challenge for working families across Texas. Joining us today is the wonderful Gabrielle Cloudy, Daycare Coordinator at the Department of Family and Protective Services, to shine a light on the Department's daycare program and what CASA volunteers can do to help facilitate access to childcare for families involved with DFPS. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-15442313 Wed, 31 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1716 full false Supporting Positive Youth Development with Dr. Heather Taussig Supporting Positive Youth Development with Dr. Heather Taussig In this episode, we’re thrilled to be in conversation with Dr. Heather Taussig, the developer and director of the Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) program. Dr. Taussig gives us an insightful glimpse into this evidence-based mentoring and skill-building program created for pre-teen and teenage youth with child welfare involvement. Tune in as we explore the positive impacts of the Fostering Healthy Futures program and the lessons it offers for supporting and empowering youth, including some wonderful ideas around preparing for healthy goodbyes with children and youth. 

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]]> In this episode, we’re thrilled to be in conversation with Dr. Heather Taussig, the developer and director of the Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) program. Dr. Taussig gives us an insightful glimpse into this evidence-based mentoring and skill-building program created for pre-teen and teenage youth with child welfare involvement. Tune in as we explore the positive impacts of the Fostering Healthy Futures program and the lessons it offers for supporting and empowering youth, including some wonderful ideas around preparing for healthy goodbyes with children and youth. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-15311790 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0400 2112 full false Asking the Right Questions featuring Cindy Dyar Asking the Right Questions featuring Cindy Dyar One of the CASA guiding principles is respect for the parents we walk alongside, as well as for all parties involved in the case. This episode is brimming with insights from our guest Cindy Dyar, Director of the Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid Family Defense Project, on how we can approach collaboration with parents and their attorneys with an open mind and a commitment to understanding, even when we might not be in agreement. Cindy has practiced family law for more than a decade and shares some powerful questions that CASA advocates can draw on to build rapport with parents and open up discussion about their hopes and concerns. For more resources on partnering with parents' attorneys in your family engagement work, check out this wonderful video about CFE for the legal community. 

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]]> One of the CASA guiding principles is respect for the parents we walk alongside, as well as for all parties involved in the case. This episode is brimming with insights from our guest Cindy Dyar, Director of the Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid Family Defense Project, on how we can approach collaboration with parents and their attorneys with an open mind and a commitment to understanding, even when we might not be in agreement. Cindy has practiced family law for more than a decade and shares some powerful questions that CASA advocates can draw on to build rapport with parents and open up discussion about their hopes and concerns. For more resources on partnering with parents' attorneys in your family engagement work, check out this wonderful video about CFE for the legal community. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-14817107 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2395 full false Advocacy for Health and Healing featuring Elizabeth Wendell Advocacy for Health and Healing featuring Elizabeth Wendell How can CASA advocacy be more deeply informed by what we know about lifelong health outcomes for youth involved with the CPS system? Research has revealed profound inequalities in adulthood related to the type of care experienced by youth in the foster care system. Joining us to put this important research into conversation with CASA advocacy is global change-maker Elizabeth Wendell, an innovator in public health and family well-being and co-founder of Pale Blue.

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]]> How can CASA advocacy be more deeply informed by what we know about lifelong health outcomes for youth involved with the CPS system? Research has revealed profound inequalities in adulthood related to the type of care experienced by youth in the foster care system. Joining us to put this important research into conversation with CASA advocacy is global change-maker Elizabeth Wendell, an innovator in public health and family well-being and co-founder of Pale Blue.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-14581268 Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500 2409 full false Illuminating the CASA Difference with Joan Ulsher Illuminating the CASA Difference with Joan Ulsher In this episode we're delighted to be joined by author, speaker, and CASA advocate Joan Ulsher, a powerful voice for the mission and impact of CASA. Joan shares insights from her work as a deeply devoted advocate as well as from her memoir "Misplaced Childhood: A True Story of Resiliency and Child Advocacy," which touches on her own experience with foster care. You can read more about Joan's work here. 

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]]> In this episode we're delighted to be joined by author, speaker, and CASA advocate Joan Ulsher, a powerful voice for the mission and impact of CASA. Joan shares insights from her work as a deeply devoted advocate as well as from her memoir "Misplaced Childhood: A True Story of Resiliency and Child Advocacy," which touches on her own experience with foster care. You can read more about Joan's work here. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-14408566 Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:00:00 -0500 1903 full false Cultivating Resilience and Compassionate Presence with Christa Mayfield Cultivating Resilience and Compassionate Presence with Christa Mayfield What are some tangible ways CASA advocates can cultivate resilience and keep our compassion game strong when engaged in advocacy work that can sometimes weigh heavily on our hearts and minds? The wonderful and wise Christa Mayfield of Good Sustained shines a light on strategies for mitigating burnout and building resilience within ourselves so that our advocacy work can continue to feel meaningful and rooted in authentic compassion, and so that we can continually bring our best selves into our relationships and work. 

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]]> What are some tangible ways CASA advocates can cultivate resilience and keep our compassion game strong when engaged in advocacy work that can sometimes weigh heavily on our hearts and minds? The wonderful and wise Christa Mayfield of Good Sustained shines a light on strategies for mitigating burnout and building resilience within ourselves so that our advocacy work can continue to feel meaningful and rooted in authentic compassion, and so that we can continually bring our best selves into our relationships and work. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-14188844 Fri, 29 Dec 2023 12:00:00 -0500 2042 full false Hope-Focused Advocacy with Cortney Jones Hope-Focused Advocacy with Cortney Jones In this episode, we're thrilled to be in conversation with Cortney Jones, founder of Change 1, an organization that aims to support young adults with foster care experience in realizing their full potential. Cortney draws on examples from the work she leads at the intersection of restorative justice and child welfare practice to explore how CASA volunteers can work to proactively affirm human dignity in our advocacy as we seek to support authentic justice, empowerment, and healing for families involved in the CPS system. 

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]]> In this episode, we're thrilled to be in conversation with Cortney Jones, founder of Change 1, an organization that aims to support young adults with foster care experience in realizing their full potential. Cortney draws on examples from the work she leads at the intersection of restorative justice and child welfare practice to explore how CASA volunteers can work to proactively affirm human dignity in our advocacy as we seek to support authentic justice, empowerment, and healing for families involved in the CPS system. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-14066055 Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:00:00 -0500 2236 full false Collaborative Child Advocacy: Partnering with Attorney Ad Litems Featuring Lori Duke Collaborative Child Advocacy: Partnering with Attorney Ad Litems Featuring Lori Duke Our guiding principles emphasize collaboration with and respect for all parties involved in the case. What can CASA advocates do to build effective working relationships and increase collaboration with attorney ad litems? For this conversation, we're honored to be joined by the deeply insightful Lori Duke, Clinical Professor and Co-Director of the Children’s Rights Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law. Lori shares strategies and best practices for collaborative child advocacy gathered from her immense experience representing children and youth. 

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]]> Our guiding principles emphasize collaboration with and respect for all parties involved in the case. What can CASA advocates do to build effective working relationships and increase collaboration with attorney ad litems? For this conversation, we're honored to be joined by the deeply insightful Lori Duke, Clinical Professor and Co-Director of the Children’s Rights Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law. Lori shares strategies and best practices for collaborative child advocacy gathered from her immense experience representing children and youth. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-13888943 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 12:00:00 -0400 1881 full false Strengthening a Web of Supports for Teens and Young Adults in Foster Care Strengthening a Web of Supports for Teens and Young Adults in Foster Care In this episode, we’re delighted to be in conversation with Laura Villarreal, the Neurodevelopmental Program Specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Laura shines a light on the web of services and supports that the Texas Workforce Commission offers for teens and young adults in foster care to help expand their access to economic opportunities and supportive mentoring relationships with a goal of establishing life-giving stability as they transition to young adulthood. 

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]]> In this episode, we’re delighted to be in conversation with Laura Villarreal, the Neurodevelopmental Program Specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Laura shines a light on the web of services and supports that the Texas Workforce Commission offers for teens and young adults in foster care to help expand their access to economic opportunities and supportive mentoring relationships with a goal of establishing life-giving stability as they transition to young adulthood. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-13679409 Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0400 1823 full false Bridging the Gap: Advocacy for Educational Wellbeing with Chantal Hinds Bridging the Gap: Advocacy for Educational Wellbeing with Chantal Hinds As the families we walk alongside embark on a new school year, let's pause to reflect on how CASA advocates can have a powerful impact on increasing educational stability and success for youth in foster care. In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Chantal Hinds, an attorney, policy entrepreneur, and an advocate for the well-being of students involved in the foster system. Chantal shares valuable insights from her research into improving educational wellbeing for youth in care, as well as wisdom around what works when it comes to partnering with parents and foster caregivers to better facilitate their involvement as part of that child or youth’s educational support system. For more information on Chantal's work, check out https://thenext100.org/entrepreneur/chantal-hinds/. 

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]]> As the families we walk alongside embark on a new school year, let's pause to reflect on how CASA advocates can have a powerful impact on increasing educational stability and success for youth in foster care. In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Chantal Hinds, an attorney, policy entrepreneur, and an advocate for the well-being of students involved in the foster system. Chantal shares valuable insights from her research into improving educational wellbeing for youth in care, as well as wisdom around what works when it comes to partnering with parents and foster caregivers to better facilitate their involvement as part of that child or youth’s educational support system. For more information on Chantal's work, check out https://thenext100.org/entrepreneur/chantal-hinds/. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-13424647 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400 2850 full false Improving Access to Information, Resources, and Support with Sarah Bryant Improving Access to Information, Resources, and Support with Sarah Bryant As CASAs, we know how  critical it is that parents and family members have access to the information and support needed to successfully navigate what can be a complex and overwhelming child welfare system. In this episode, we're deeply honored to be joined by Sarah Bryant, managing attorney for The Family Helpline. A project of the Texas Legal Services Center, the Helpline exists to stand in the gap for families seeking information and clarity about the CPS legal process. Sarah brings her extensive experience representing and supporting both children and parents involved in CPS cases to this discussion, highlighting how CASAs and others within the system can work to effectively partner with families and strive to improve procedural justice through our advocacy. 

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]]> As CASAs, we know how  critical it is that parents and family members have access to the information and support needed to successfully navigate what can be a complex and overwhelming child welfare system. In this episode, we're deeply honored to be joined by Sarah Bryant, managing attorney for The Family Helpline. A project of the Texas Legal Services Center, the Helpline exists to stand in the gap for families seeking information and clarity about the CPS legal process. Sarah brings her extensive experience representing and supporting both children and parents involved in CPS cases to this discussion, highlighting how CASAs and others within the system can work to effectively partner with families and strive to improve procedural justice through our advocacy. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-13125865 Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:00:00 -0400 2393 full false Advocacy for Children 0 to 5 Years Old and Their Families Featuring Krystal Vann, Carollyn Thesing, and Anna McDonnell(Part 2) Advocacy for Children 0 to 5 Years Old and Their Families Featuring Krystal Vann, Carollyn Thesing, and Anna McDonnell(Part 2) With 47% of children in foster care falling into the 0 to 5 age range, it's critical that we're up to date on best practices in advocating for young children and strategies for effectively supporting their families. Powerhouse duo Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing from Child Advocates of Fort Bend return for part two of this conversation with a focus on advocating for the educational and developmental needs of four- and five-year-olds, as well as trauma-informed approaches to supporting families with young children as they navigate the CPS system. Texas CASA's Anna McDonnell joins us to share valuable resources on 0-5 advocacy for programs and advocates.

To learn more about Trust-Based Relational Intervention, visit the Texas CASA Learning Center. For CASA staff interested in learning more about Child Advocates of Fort Bend's whole-program approach to 0-5 advocacy, check out their webinar series here.

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]]> With 47% of children in foster care falling into the 0 to 5 age range, it's critical that we're up to date on best practices in advocating for young children and strategies for effectively supporting their families. Powerhouse duo Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing from Child Advocates of Fort Bend return for part two of this conversation with a focus on advocating for the educational and developmental needs of four- and five-year-olds, as well as trauma-informed approaches to supporting families with young children as they navigate the CPS system. Texas CASA's Anna McDonnell joins us to share valuable resources on 0-5 advocacy for programs and advocates.

To learn more about Trust-Based Relational Intervention, visit the Texas CASA Learning Center. For CASA staff interested in learning more about Child Advocates of Fort Bend's whole-program approach to 0-5 advocacy, check out their webinar series here.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-12955007 Wed, 31 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400 1817 full false Advocacy for Children 0 to 5 Years Old and Their Families Featuring Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing (Part 1) Advocacy for Children 0 to 5 Years Old and Their Families Featuring Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing (Part 1) In part one of this two-part conversation, we're thrilled to be joined by the seasoned team of Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing from Child Advocates of Fort Bend to draw on their experience leading a trailblazing advocacy program for children five and younger and their families. We’ll be talking about best practices in advocating for the developmentally-specific needs of children in this age group and how CASA advocates can work to support and partner with their parents and families. 

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]]> In part one of this two-part conversation, we're thrilled to be joined by the seasoned team of Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing from Child Advocates of Fort Bend to draw on their experience leading a trailblazing advocacy program for children five and younger and their families. We’ll be talking about best practices in advocating for the developmentally-specific needs of children in this age group and how CASA advocates can work to support and partner with their parents and families. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-12735726 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 13:00:00 -0400 2094 full false Building Trust-Based Relationships with Youth featuring Jordan Bartlett Building Trust-Based Relationships with Youth featuring Jordan Bartlett How can we support the youth we walk alongside in cultivating resilience across the essential, interconnected domains of life? In this episode, we're joined by powerhouse CASA advocate and social entrepreneur Jordan Bartlett for a conversation about showing up, building rapport, and creating authentic relationships with youth. Jordan draws on his experience as co-founder of Doing Good Works, a Texas-based company focused on creating sustainable solutions and helping individuals achieve their best, to share stories and insights from his work mentoring, supporting and partnering with youth who have experienced foster care. 

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]]> How can we support the youth we walk alongside in cultivating resilience across the essential, interconnected domains of life? In this episode, we're joined by powerhouse CASA advocate and social entrepreneur Jordan Bartlett for a conversation about showing up, building rapport, and creating authentic relationships with youth. Jordan draws on his experience as co-founder of Doing Good Works, a Texas-based company focused on creating sustainable solutions and helping individuals achieve their best, to share stories and insights from his work mentoring, supporting and partnering with youth who have experienced foster care. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-12550375 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 23:00:00 -0400 1956 full false The Bedrock Importance of the MSL with Leslie Cocke The Bedrock Importance of the MSL with Leslie Cocke The minimum sufficient level of care or MSL is a critical polestar for CASA advocacy. How can advocates ensure that we are fully embracing the MSL in our decision-making and our recommendations to the court? Drawing on her legal background as an attorney and mediator as well as her decade+ tenure with CASA, the brilliant Leslie Cocke joins us to unpack ways in which the MSL can be an important safeguard in our advocacy and to explore how CASA volunteers can strengthen their MSL lens. Click here to find the MSL pocket guide Leslie mentions.

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]]> The minimum sufficient level of care or MSL is a critical polestar for CASA advocacy. How can advocates ensure that we are fully embracing the MSL in our decision-making and our recommendations to the court? Drawing on her legal background as an attorney and mediator as well as her decade+ tenure with CASA, the brilliant Leslie Cocke joins us to unpack ways in which the MSL can be an important safeguard in our advocacy and to explore how CASA volunteers can strengthen their MSL lens. Click here to find the MSL pocket guide Leslie mentions.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-12320642 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500 1322 full false Understanding and Preventing Child Trafficking with Rhonda Kuykendall Understanding and Preventing Child Trafficking with Rhonda Kuykendall January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Texas CASA is deeply honored to have Rhonda Kuykendall discussing what advocates should know and can do when it comes to preventing child trafficking and supporting youth who have experienced the trauma of trafficking. Some trainings and resources mentioned in the episode include Innovations in Advocacy to Combat Child Sex Trafficking; Advocacy for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children; and How to Talk About Human Trafficking with Children and Adolescents. Rhonda can be reached at casaacts@texascasa.org. 

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]]> January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Texas CASA is deeply honored to have Rhonda Kuykendall discussing what advocates should know and can do when it comes to preventing child trafficking and supporting youth who have experienced the trauma of trafficking. Some trainings and resources mentioned in the episode include Innovations in Advocacy to Combat Child Sex Trafficking; Advocacy for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children; and How to Talk About Human Trafficking with Children and Adolescents. Rhonda can be reached at casaacts@texascasa.org. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-12117256 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0500 1153 full false Fostering Collaboration with Naomi Sawyer: the Power of Partnering with Foster Caregivers Fostering Collaboration with Naomi Sawyer: the Power of Partnering with Foster Caregivers Foster and kinship caregivers play an incredibly important role in caring for the children and youth we walk alongside. How can CASA advocates ensure that these caregivers have the support they need while engaging them as valuable team members in our advocacy for children and families? Joining us for this conversation is the phenomenal Naomi Sawyer, Advocate Supervisor and CFE Lead at CASA of Hill County. Naomi draws on her years of leadership in advocacy for youth and families in addition to her own experience as a kinship caregiver to illuminate ways CASA advocates can facilitate a stronger partnership between foster and kinship caregivers and the families of the youth they are caring for. 

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]]> Foster and kinship caregivers play an incredibly important role in caring for the children and youth we walk alongside. How can CASA advocates ensure that these caregivers have the support they need while engaging them as valuable team members in our advocacy for children and families? Joining us for this conversation is the phenomenal Naomi Sawyer, Advocate Supervisor and CFE Lead at CASA of Hill County. Naomi draws on her years of leadership in advocacy for youth and families in addition to her own experience as a kinship caregiver to illuminate ways CASA advocates can facilitate a stronger partnership between foster and kinship caregivers and the families of the youth they are caring for. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-11141949 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400 1494 full false Learning from Lived Expertise with Renequa Burch Learning from Lived Expertise with Renequa Burch At Texas CASA, we believe in learning from the stories and leadership of those who have experienced our systems firsthand. In this episode, we’re joined by Renequa Burch, a mother whose family has been impacted by the Texas foster care system in a deeply agonizing way. Renequa’s experiences offer crucial insights about the importance of engaging meaningfully with parents and family members from the very beginning of appointment, the power of  effective communication and collaboration, the need to gather information independently and from the source, and the bedrock importance of ensuring advocacy is grounded in the minimum sufficient level of care. 

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]]> At Texas CASA, we believe in learning from the stories and leadership of those who have experienced our systems firsthand. In this episode, we’re joined by Renequa Burch, a mother whose family has been impacted by the Texas foster care system in a deeply agonizing way. Renequa’s experiences offer crucial insights about the importance of engaging meaningfully with parents and family members from the very beginning of appointment, the power of  effective communication and collaboration, the need to gather information independently and from the source, and the bedrock importance of ensuring advocacy is grounded in the minimum sufficient level of care. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-10499683 Mon, 25 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400 3781 full false The Power of Compassionate Advocacy with Maria McCord The Power of Compassionate Advocacy with Maria McCord How can we learn from the stories of those who experienced our foster care system firsthand, and move towards more compassionate and holistic advocacy for youth and families? Join us for an inspirational conversation with Collaborative Family Engagement Coach Maria McCord about the importance of empathy in our work with children and families, and the lifesaving power of connection.

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]]> How can we learn from the stories of those who experienced our foster care system firsthand, and move towards more compassionate and holistic advocacy for youth and families? Join us for an inspirational conversation with Collaborative Family Engagement Coach Maria McCord about the importance of empathy in our work with children and families, and the lifesaving power of connection.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-10162737 Tue, 01 Mar 2022 19:00:00 -0500 1358 full false Authentic Youth Engagement in Family Meetings and Beyond (Part 2) with Lisa Merkel-Holguin and Anita Horner Authentic Youth Engagement in Family Meetings and Beyond (Part 2) with Lisa Merkel-Holguin and Anita Horner Our guest Lisa Merkel-Holguin has written that "children and youth, in systems that are designed to serve them, often experience their needs and opinions as being overlooked in the context of planning for them." Join us for part two of this episode featuring Anita Horner and Lisa Merkel-Holguin to learn more about creative and meaningful ways young people’s needs and interests could be better centered within case planning meetings and decision-making processes. 

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]]> Our guest Lisa Merkel-Holguin has written that "children and youth, in systems that are designed to serve them, often experience their needs and opinions as being overlooked in the context of planning for them." Join us for part two of this episode featuring Anita Horner and Lisa Merkel-Holguin to learn more about creative and meaningful ways young people’s needs and interests could be better centered within case planning meetings and decision-making processes. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-9835488 Wed, 05 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500 1396 full false Authentic Youth Engagement in Family Meetings and Beyond (Part 1) with Lisa Merkel-Holguin and Anita Horner Authentic Youth Engagement in Family Meetings and Beyond (Part 1) with Lisa Merkel-Holguin and Anita Horner Too often, child welfare professionals' good intentions of protecting children or youth from difficult conversations can have the unintended result of excluding the young person from decision-making that profoundly impacts them. Texas CASA is deeply honored to welcome the powerhouse duo Lisa Merkel-Holguin and Anita Horner from The Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect for this two-part episode to talk about how CASA advocates can empower youth to participate more meaningfully in their family meetings, as well as in decision-making in the CPS process more generally. 

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]]> Too often, child welfare professionals' good intentions of protecting children or youth from difficult conversations can have the unintended result of excluding the young person from decision-making that profoundly impacts them. Texas CASA is deeply honored to welcome the powerhouse duo Lisa Merkel-Holguin and Anita Horner from The Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect for this two-part episode to talk about how CASA advocates can empower youth to participate more meaningfully in their family meetings, as well as in decision-making in the CPS process more generally. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-9579633 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500 1210 full false Lifting Youth Voices in CASA Advocacy with Prince Hayward and Josue Rodriguez Lifting Youth Voices in CASA Advocacy with Prince Hayward and Josue Rodriguez Understanding the desires of the child or youth is central to best interest advocacy. How can CASA advocates partner with youth to ensure their voices are heard and their perspectives are valued? In this episode we're joined by two wonderful guests from Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), Prince Hayward and Josue Rodriguez, sharing their expertise about how advocates can work to meaningfully include youth voices and input in our advocacy. 

Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify.

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]]> Understanding the desires of the child or youth is central to best interest advocacy. How can CASA advocates partner with youth to ensure their voices are heard and their perspectives are valued? In this episode we're joined by two wonderful guests from Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), Prince Hayward and Josue Rodriguez, sharing their expertise about how advocates can work to meaningfully include youth voices and input in our advocacy. 

Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-9470843 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0400 1471 full false Evidence-Based Family Engagement with Dr. Natalie Beck Aguilera Evidence-Based Family Engagement with Dr. Natalie Beck Aguilera The CASA guiding principles stress that strengthening families, through recommendations for services, supports, visitation and communications, is in the child’s best interests to achieve stability and/or reunification. In this episode, we reflect on how  CASA advocates can help bend the arc of child welfare practice to become more fully strengths-based and family-centered. The wonderful Dr. Natalie Beck Aguilera shares evidence-based strategies for engaging with families and explores why collaborating with family members is so crucial to effective child advocacy. Dr. Beck Aguilera's "reframe game" illuminates how a strengths-based advocacy lens can help us reconsider resistance we might encounter in our work with families, and she draws on her extensive social work experience to share insights about the ways in which our own attitudes impact our working relationships with parents and families. 

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]]> The CASA guiding principles stress that strengthening families, through recommendations for services, supports, visitation and communications, is in the child’s best interests to achieve stability and/or reunification. In this episode, we reflect on how  CASA advocates can help bend the arc of child welfare practice to become more fully strengths-based and family-centered. The wonderful Dr. Natalie Beck Aguilera shares evidence-based strategies for engaging with families and explores why collaborating with family members is so crucial to effective child advocacy. Dr. Beck Aguilera's "reframe game" illuminates how a strengths-based advocacy lens can help us reconsider resistance we might encounter in our work with families, and she draws on her extensive social work experience to share insights about the ways in which our own attitudes impact our working relationships with parents and families. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-8974606 Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400 1984 full false The Urgency of Placing Kids with Relatives featuring the Honorable Leonard Edwards The Urgency of Placing Kids with Relatives featuring the Honorable Leonard Edwards The CASA guiding principles emphasize that if a child is removed from their family of origin, the child should be placed with a relative whenever safely possible and in the child’s best interests. This week we're thrilled to share a conversation with The Honorable Leonard Edwards, who joins us to talk about his recent article on the urgency of placing children with relatives. A retired judge now working as a consultant and educator on judicial best practices, Judge Edwards served as a Superior Court Judge in Santa Clara County for 26 years, and then served six years as Judge-in-Residence at the Center for Families, Children & the Courts, a division of the Judicial Council of California. He also helped start one of the largest CASA programs in California. 

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]]> The CASA guiding principles emphasize that if a child is removed from their family of origin, the child should be placed with a relative whenever safely possible and in the child’s best interests. This week we're thrilled to share a conversation with The Honorable Leonard Edwards, who joins us to talk about his recent article on the urgency of placing children with relatives. A retired judge now working as a consultant and educator on judicial best practices, Judge Edwards served as a Superior Court Judge in Santa Clara County for 26 years, and then served six years as Judge-in-Residence at the Center for Families, Children & the Courts, a division of the Judicial Council of California. He also helped start one of the largest CASA programs in California. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-8776868 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:00:00 -0400 1201 full false Supporting Youth in Accessing Higher Education with Jessica Aleman Supporting Youth in Accessing Higher Education with Jessica Aleman Research shows that youth in foster care are at high risk of dropping out of school and are less likely to attend or graduate from college than peers who did not experience foster care. CASA volunteers can play a powerful role when it comes to supporting these youth in meeting their educational goals, including access to higher education. In this episode of CASA on the Go, we're joined by Jessica Aleman, LCSW, to talk about Island Harbor, a wraparound program here in Texas that exists to empower young adults aging out of the foster care system in pursuing a college degree. To learn more about Island Harbor, visit the program's website or contact Jessica at jessica.aleman@tamucc.edu.

For more resources, visit Education Reach for Texans, which seeks to eliminate barriers to success and build support programs for youth who experienced foster care attending public colleges and universities in the state of Texas. Follow these links to learn more about the many postsecondary programs for foster alumni and campus-based independent living programs. 

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]]> Research shows that youth in foster care are at high risk of dropping out of school and are less likely to attend or graduate from college than peers who did not experience foster care. CASA volunteers can play a powerful role when it comes to supporting these youth in meeting their educational goals, including access to higher education. In this episode of CASA on the Go, we're joined by Jessica Aleman, LCSW, to talk about Island Harbor, a wraparound program here in Texas that exists to empower young adults aging out of the foster care system in pursuing a college degree. To learn more about Island Harbor, visit the program's website or contact Jessica at jessica.aleman@tamucc.edu.

For more resources, visit Education Reach for Texans, which seeks to eliminate barriers to success and build support programs for youth who experienced foster care attending public colleges and universities in the state of Texas. Follow these links to learn more about the many postsecondary programs for foster alumni and campus-based independent living programs. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-8458148 Tue, 04 May 2021 12:00:00 -0400 928 full false Special Episode Featuring Kevin Campbell and Vicki Spriggs Special Episode Featuring Kevin Campbell and Vicki Spriggs This special episode of CASA on the Go comes from our Distinguished Speaker Series, where we had the amazing opportunity to host conversations with trailblazers in equity and child welfare. In this episode, Kevin Campbell, developer of the Family Finding model, and Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs discuss the role of compassion in child welfare work, and how CASA volunteers can influence the quality of justice experienced by families involved in the child welfare system. View Kevin’s inspirational talk at dss.texascasa.org.

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]]> This special episode of CASA on the Go comes from our Distinguished Speaker Series, where we had the amazing opportunity to host conversations with trailblazers in equity and child welfare. In this episode, Kevin Campbell, developer of the Family Finding model, and Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs discuss the role of compassion in child welfare work, and how CASA volunteers can influence the quality of justice experienced by families involved in the child welfare system. View Kevin’s inspirational talk at dss.texascasa.org.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-8241207 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0400 865 full false Best Practices in Addressing Domestic Violence with Claire Sudolsky Best Practices in Addressing Domestic Violence with Claire Sudolsky 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 and supports. In this episode, we're joined by Claire Sudolsky of the Texas Council on Family Violence as she shares her expertise about how volunteers can best advocate for families healing from domestic violence. 

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]]> 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 and supports. In this episode, we're joined by Claire Sudolsky of the Texas Council on Family Violence as she shares her expertise about how volunteers can best advocate for families healing from domestic violence. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-6775951 Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:00:00 -0500 1792 full false Advocating for Youth with Disabilities Featuring Heidi Lersch and Rashid Amrani-Khaldi Advocating for Youth with Disabilities Featuring Heidi Lersch and Rashid Amrani-Khaldi How can CASA volunteers skillfully advocate for youth with disabilities? On this episode of CASA on the Go we're joined by Heidi Lersch, Educator and Training Coordinator with SAFE’s Disability Services, and Rashid Amrani-Khaldi, Community Engagement Specialist with SAFE Disability Services, sharing strategies for how CASA volunteers can work to identify and promote protective factors that can help ensure youth with disabilities thrive in safety. Our guests also discuss the importance of using a trauma-informed lens in advocating for youth with disabilities and share a wealth of resources for support and continued learning.

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]]> How can CASA volunteers skillfully advocate for youth with disabilities? On this episode of CASA on the Go we're joined by Heidi Lersch, Educator and Training Coordinator with SAFE’s Disability Services, and Rashid Amrani-Khaldi, Community Engagement Specialist with SAFE Disability Services, sharing strategies for how CASA volunteers can work to identify and promote protective factors that can help ensure youth with disabilities thrive in safety. Our guests also discuss the importance of using a trauma-informed lens in advocating for youth with disabilities and share a wealth of resources for support and continued learning.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-5233177 Tue, 01 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -0400 2087 full false The Honorable Aurora Martinez Jones on Advocacy and Substance Abuse The Honorable Aurora Martinez Jones on Advocacy and Substance Abuse According to a report from Texans Care for Children, DFPS data from 2017 indicate that parental substance use is a contributing factor in 68 percent of child removals in Texas. On this episode of CASA on the Go, the Honorable Aurora Martinez Jones shares her expertise on trauma-informed advocacy strategies for working with families impacted by substance use disorder. Judge Martinez Jones leads the Travis County Family Drug Treatment Court, a specialty court that uses an empowerment-based, non-adversarial approach to working with parents involved with the child welfare system who are struggling with substance use disorder. Tune in and learn more about what CASA advocates can do to effectively support children and families in healing from substance abuse.

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]]> According to a report from Texans Care for Children, DFPS data from 2017 indicate that parental substance use is a contributing factor in 68 percent of child removals in Texas. On this episode of CASA on the Go, the Honorable Aurora Martinez Jones shares her expertise on trauma-informed advocacy strategies for working with families impacted by substance use disorder. Judge Martinez Jones leads the Travis County Family Drug Treatment Court, a specialty court that uses an empowerment-based, non-adversarial approach to working with parents involved with the child welfare system who are struggling with substance use disorder. Tune in and learn more about what CASA advocates can do to effectively support children and families in healing from substance abuse.

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-4005203 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0400 1940 full false Connection-Informed Advocacy with Candice Dosman Connection-Informed Advocacy with Candice Dosman Studies have found that one of the strongest indicators for child well-being is the number of committed adults in a child’s life. How can CASA volunteers use a connection-informed advocacy lens to actively and skillfully engage the children and youth we work with as well as their family and community? This episode features Candice Dosman, Director of Collaborative Family Engagement at Texas CASA and our resident expert on connection-informed care, sharing strategies for CASA volunteers on how to advocate for children and families to be surrounded by a dedicated support system that is meant to last long after CPS involvement ends.


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]]> Studies have found that one of the strongest indicators for child well-being is the number of committed adults in a child’s life. How can CASA volunteers use a connection-informed advocacy lens to actively and skillfully engage the children and youth we work with as well as their family and community? This episode features Candice Dosman, Director of Collaborative Family Engagement at Texas CASA and our resident expert on connection-informed care, sharing strategies for CASA volunteers on how to advocate for children and families to be surrounded by a dedicated support system that is meant to last long after CPS involvement ends.


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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-3581671 Fri, 01 May 2020 12:00:00 -0400 1122 full false Advocating for Normalcy for Youth in Care with Sarah Crockett Advocating for Normalcy for Youth in Care with Sarah Crockett As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our communities here in Texas, many of us are experiencing a radical disruption in our normal everyday routines. What can these experiences of sudden discontinuity and increased social isolation teach us about the experiences of youth and children who are removed from their families, and the jarring loss of normalcy a child endures when they are placed into foster care? Listen to the latest episode of our CASA On the Go continuing education podcast for a discussion of how CASA volunteers can advocate for greater normalcy for children and youth in foster care. In this episode we're thrilled to feature advocacy tips and insights from Texas CASA's Senior Public Policy Associate and normalcy expert Sarah Crockett. 

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]]> As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our communities here in Texas, many of us are experiencing a radical disruption in our normal everyday routines. What can these experiences of sudden discontinuity and increased social isolation teach us about the experiences of youth and children who are removed from their families, and the jarring loss of normalcy a child endures when they are placed into foster care? Listen to the latest episode of our CASA On the Go continuing education podcast for a discussion of how CASA volunteers can advocate for greater normalcy for children and youth in foster care. In this episode we're thrilled to feature advocacy tips and insights from Texas CASA's Senior Public Policy Associate and normalcy expert Sarah Crockett. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-3136396 Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:00:00 -0400 1279 full false Advocating for Healthy Relationships with Kate Murphy Advocating for Healthy Relationships with Kate Murphy According to a Texans Care for Children report citing data from 2015, teen girls in Texas foster care were almost five times more likely to become pregnant than their non-foster care peers. In this episode of CASA on the Go we're thrilled to host Kate Murphy, Senior Child Welfare Policy Associate with Texans Care for Children, sharing her expertise on the complex issues around teen pregnancy prevention for youth in foster care. Learn what CASA advocates can do to connect youth with education about healthy relationship dynamics, support the prevention of unplanned teen pregnancies and successfully advocate for the unique needs of pregnant and parenting youth in care. Other resources mentioned in this episode include sample scripts for talking with youth from When You Decide: A Judge's Guide to Pregnancy Prevention Among Foster Youth, loveisrespect and Jane's Due Process. 

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]]> According to a Texans Care for Children report citing data from 2015, teen girls in Texas foster care were almost five times more likely to become pregnant than their non-foster care peers. In this episode of CASA on the Go we're thrilled to host Kate Murphy, Senior Child Welfare Policy Associate with Texans Care for Children, sharing her expertise on the complex issues around teen pregnancy prevention for youth in foster care. Learn what CASA advocates can do to connect youth with education about healthy relationship dynamics, support the prevention of unplanned teen pregnancies and successfully advocate for the unique needs of pregnant and parenting youth in care. Other resources mentioned in this episode include sample scripts for talking with youth from When You Decide: A Judge's Guide to Pregnancy Prevention Among Foster Youth, loveisrespect and Jane's Due Process. 

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]]> Texas CASA Buzzsprout-2257364 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -0500 1340 full false Educational Advocacy with Jamie Bernstein Educational Advocacy with Jamie Bernstein Join us for an engaging discussion on the importance of strong educational advocacy within the classroom and beyond! This episode features guest Jamie Bernstein, Assistant Director of the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission, sharing expert tips on the nuts and bolts of how CASA volunteers can advocate for a child's academic success. 

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]]> Join us for an engaging discussion on the importance of strong educational advocacy within the classroom and beyond! This episode features guest Jamie Bernstein, Assistant Director of the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission, sharing expert tips on the nuts and bolts of how CASA volunteers can advocate for a child's academic success. 

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]]> Buzzsprout-1645822 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 16:00:00 -0400 1214 CASA, CASA Volunteers, Educational Advocacy 1 1 full false