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. 

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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.

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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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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 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 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'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 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. 

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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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In this episode, we're delighted to dive into an impactful study co-led by Dr. Heather Fox, Dr. Cady Landa and a team of colleagues exploring kinship guardianship for children and youth in foster care. This research offers insights on the benefits and challenges of kinship guardianship (sometimes called PMC to a relative) as well as ways advocates can strive to support kinship caregivers. Dr. Fox and Dr. Landa also discuss disparities in permanency timelines and outcomes, offering important recommendations for ensuring CASA volunteers can provide the highest quality advocacy for all children and families we walk alongside.

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