Advertise on podcast: CASA on the Go: Continuing Education for CASA Volunteers

In this episode, Jayme Campbell joins us to explore neurodiversity and how we can best advocate for neurodiverse children and youth involved in the child welfare system. Jayme unpacks how neurodiversity may show up in communication, learning, sensory experiences and behavior; the relationship between trauma and neurodiversity; and how CASA volunteers can recognize children’s strengths, ask informed questions and advocate for appropriate evaluations and supports. With practical strategies for building trust and making small adjustments that help children feel supported and empowered, this conversation offers advocates tools to better meet each child’s unique needs. You can check out some of the wonderful children's books Jayme has written here! Support the show

How can CASA volunteers better understand and advocate for children and youth who have experienced trauma? In this episode, we take a closer look at EMDR therapy and why it can be effective in treating trauma for children and youth. We’re joined by internationally recognized author and EMDR clinician Ana Gomez, who shares her expertise on trauma treatment and offers practical guidance for CASA volunteers. Also mentioned in this episode is the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) course for advocates interested in learning more about trauma-informed advocacy. Support the show

When a parent is incarcerated, children often experience separation, uncertainty and disruption that can have lasting effects on their well-being. In this episode, we're joined by Melissa Carter, Clinical Professor of Law and Executive Director of the Barton Child Law and Policy Center at Emory University School of Law, to explore how parental incarceration impacts children and families involved in the child welfare system and what CASA volunteers can do to make a meaningful difference. Drawing on research, legal expertise and the experiences of families directly impacted by incarceration, Melissa shares practical strategies for supporting healthy family connections, recognizing and challenging bias and advocating for outcomes that help children and families heal and thrive.  For additional information on advocacy for families impacted by parental incarceration, check out the Texas CASA learning center as well as this resource on parental rights created by the Children's Commission.  Support the show

Connection can be a powerful antidote to adversity. In this episode, Collaborative Family Engagement Coach Frances Lofley reflects on ten years of family engagement work in Texas and shares how CASA volunteers can help children build and strengthen the lifelong relationships that support healing, belonging and resilience. Tune in to learn how meaningful family connections can transform outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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.  Support the show

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. Support the show

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.  Support the show

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 [email protected]. To join the Texas CASA LAT Facebook page, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/TXCASALATS.  Support the show

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.  Support the show

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.  Support the show

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.  Support the show

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.  Support the show

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. Support the show