Letter from the Executive Director |
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As we leave 2021 behind, I want to thank our 267 CASA volunteers. Because of them, our program was able to serve 620 children in the court system! I hope that through the year, you have seen the value of a CASA volunteer and why each additional child we serve, we see as an accomplishment.
But the reality is, we still did not serve every child in State care. There were children who went through foster care and the court system without the additional voice and support of a CASA volunteer; children without a screened, trained adult advocating both inside and out of the courtroom.
So how can you help in 2022? Spread the word that more CASA volunteers are needed in our community. Invite CASA to come speak at your community meetings. Follow CASA on social media and share our posts so your friends see the work our volunteers are doing. Attend one of CASA's information sessions and invite a friend to come with you. Check out and attend one of our events from the calendar below. And of course, YOU can become a CASA volunteer!
I have always said that I know there are enough caring, giving people in our community to reach the goal of serving 100 percent of the children in care; they just don't all know about CASA yet - and that is how you can help.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make 2021 a great year for CASA and our children. I look forward to what this year will bring!
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Norma Castilla-Blackwell
Executive Director
CASA of Central Texas
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Quality Standards, Meeting National Marks
Introduction
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As a longtime member of the National CASA/GAL Association, CASA of Central Texas is committed to operating based on a set of 11 standards for providing quality volunteer advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Through this monthly newsletter, we would like to share with you a synopsis of each national standard. The standards align with a core model, support best practices in governance, management and operations, and are based on child welfare consistent guiding principles.
CASA of Central Texas participates in intensive, standards-based quality assurance (QA) reviews which foster greater awareness among staff, volunteers and our governing body about how the program is governed, operated and executed based on our unwavering commitment to local children.
The national quality standards demonstrate that our local CASA of Central Texas program:
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Respects and is committed to quality for the children and families served and that volunteers provide best-interest advocacy
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Utilizes established policies and procedures necessary for effective management and governance
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Manages our financial affairs prudently, we are fiscally sound, and are committed to the principles of public disclosure
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Continually evaluates our services and operations
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Works positively and collaboratively with our stakeholders, state organization, other local programs, and National CASA/GAL
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Recruits, trains, develops and supports a high-caliber team through effective human resources practices.
Each month we will walk you though how we meet these standards individually.
Up Next Month…
Standard 1: Core Model and Mission:
Adheres to the National CASA/GAL Association for Children’s Core Model of providing screened, trained, and qualified community court appointed volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children and youth who are before the court as a result of abuse or neglect as defined by the state child welfare laws, living at home or in out-of-home care, as well as operates in alignment with the mission. CASA/GAL volunteers advocate for children from birth through the age defined by the state statute as the limit to youth remaining in care.
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Virtual Information Sessions Online |
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Want to learn more about the role of a CASA Volunteer?
Join our 30-minute information session and hear how our volunteers advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Pick a time that works for you and use the link to register on Zoom!
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Mondays
10 a.m.
Wednesdays
5 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Noon
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The Volunteer Training Course is a 6-part series - all 6 classes are required. |
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Upcoming Advocate Training Courses |
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February 23 to March 30
Wednesdays
In Person
San Marcos CASA Office
5 – 8:30 p.m.
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February 26 to April 2
Saturdays
Blended -San Marcos CASA office for 1st, 4th, and 6th sessions
9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Thinking about becoming a CASA Volunteer but don't know if you are ready?
Don't worry, we have you covered in our 42-hour training curriculum.
Listen to this CASA Chat to hear from new advocate Lisa about how the training prepared her for her first case.
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Application due two weeks prior to training.
One-hour pre-training interview at least one week before start of training.
Mandatory 10-hour online class to be completed during the training cycle.
For more information on training courses,
contact Brandi Raschke at 512-392-3578, 830-626-2272, or by email.
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To our more than 80 supporters who participated in our
Holiday Gift Drive, we thank you!
More than 235 children received personal gifts, hand-selected for them
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Support CASA Events in 2022 |
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With all of our events happening next year,
is there a way you can get involved?
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You can make a 107% difference today by supporting CASA through Champions fore Charity, a fundraising program that provides organizations like CASA the opportunity to generate contributions through the Valero Texas Open.
CASA will receive 100% of all donations PLUS a 7% match from Valero! That would certainly make you a champion fore CASA!
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Donate here in a few easy steps now.
Or pick up a donation form from one of the CASA offices today.
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Federal Employee Payroll Deductions |
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Federal employees may donate to CASA of Central Texas through payroll deductions under the Combined Federal Campaign. Watch for campaign drives at your office, or talk to your Human Resources Representative for information.
Campaign ends January 15th!
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Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
CASA of Central Texas
#60661
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Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training
Child sexual abuse is an adult issue. One in 10 children in the U.S. will be sexually abused before the age of 18. Darkness to Light ® believes that adults are responsible for the safety of children and that adults should be taking proactive steps to protect children from sexual abuse.
FREE TRAINING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Using an evidence-informed approach, attendees are provided with simple and practical actions to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. This is a free training for anyone who has interactions with children in various community settings. We should strive to not only protect our own children, but all children in our community.
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This training is offered by an authorized facilitator on the fourth Friday of each month. If this schedule does not work for you, you may schedule a different date. Please encourage your colleagues, friends, and family to attend this two-hour training with you as it leads to improved learning through impactful discussion. |
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Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio |
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McCraw Oil and Kwik Chek (Wimberley) |
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