Volunteers – Texas CASA https://texascasa.org EVERY CHILD HAS A CHANCE — IT’S YOU.® Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:37:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://texascasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/casa-brandmark-228x228.png Volunteers – Texas CASA https://texascasa.org 32 32 Sentinels Video Series and Activities https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/sentinels-video-series-and-activities/ Tue, 02 Sep 2025 19:05:41 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=43211 “Sentinels” is the prevention curriculum selected by Texas CASA for CASA staff and volunteer use as a part of ACT advocacy. “Sentinels” is designed to empower CASA volunteers and staff […]

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]]> Building Trust Through Communication: Active Listening & Nonviolent Communication for CASA Advocates https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/building-trust-through-communication-active-listening-nonviolent-communication-for-casa-advocates/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:56:16 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=43007 Trust is built through how we listen and respond. This micro e-course helps CASA advocates develop essential skills in active listening and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to foster stronger relationships with […]

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]]> Sharpening Skills: Helping Kids Thrive – Behavioral Support and School Advocacy https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/sharpening-skills-helping-kids-thrive-behavioral-support-and-school-advocacy/ Thu, 31 Jul 2025 19:44:40 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=43004 This course equips CASA volunteers with the knowledge and tools to effectively support children experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges within educational settings. Through this training, participants will learn how to […]

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]]> Educational Advocacy Quick Assessment Form https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/educational-advocacy-quick-assessment-form/ Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:28:35 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42913 One of the main parts of your job as a volunteer and educational advocate is simply to be informed. It is imperative that you speak with the school on a […]

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]]> Youth Court Reports https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/youth-court-reports/ Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:19:48 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42851 Youth in foster care have a right to express to the court their views on everything from the medical care they receive to their wishes for their future. CASA volunteers […]

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]]> 2025 CASA Day at the Capitol https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/2025-casa-day-at-the-capitol/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:23:06 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42768 CASA Day at the Capitol took place on March 27, 2025. Texas CASA hosted 54 local CASA programs with over 280 volunteers, staff and board members. The CASA network came […]

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]]> nonadult Reporting 101: A Community Response Guide for Reporting https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/reporting-101-a-community-response-guide-for-reporting/ Wed, 28 May 2025 19:49:41 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42601 This guide is presented by Candice Ramos, Faith-Based & Community Engagement (FBCE) Specialist at DFPS, and provides basic training on recognizing and reporting abuse of children. You will gain insight on […]

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]]> TBRI® 101: A Self-Guided Course in Trust-Based Relationships https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/tbri-101-a-self-guided-course-in-trust-based-relationships/ Tue, 13 May 2025 14:04:59 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42530 TBRI® 101: A Self-Guided Course in Trust-Based Relationships is a series of self-paced, whiteboard-style video lessons. This course offers an informal, yet thorough approach to Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, an evidence-based […]

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]]> The Karyn Pervis Institute of Child Development https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/the-karyn-pervis-institute-of-child-development/ Mon, 12 May 2025 16:55:41 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42525 Dr. David Cross is the director at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, which focuses on helping children suffering the effects of early trauma, abuse or neglect. They have written a […]

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]]> CASA Advocacy for Fatherhood https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/casa-advocacy-for-fatherhood/ Wed, 07 May 2025 15:01:09 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42499 In child welfare, often, there is more focus on engaging mothers than fathers, even though fathers are just as important for a child’s healthy development. CASA advocacy can help fathers […]

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]]> Pre-Service Training for CASA Volunteers https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/for-casa-volunteers/ Mon, 21 Apr 2025 19:16:19 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42417 This pre-service training will equip you with the solid base of knowledge you need to powerfully and compassionately advocate for a child that has been abused or neglected. In addition […]

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]]> CASA on the Go: the Continuing Education Podcast for CASA Volunteers https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/casa-on-the-go-the-continuing-education-podcast-for-casa-volunteers/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:44:44 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42412 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 […]

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]]> Educational Advocacy Guidebook https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/educational-advocacy-guidebook/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:16:29 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42399 Texas CASA’s Educational Advocacy Guidebook is designed to provide CASA volunteers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify education-related challenges experienced by the children they serve and to advocate effectively to overcome them. It examines how the […]

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]]> 12 Core Concepts for Understanding Traumatic Stress in Children and Families https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/12-core-concepts-for-understanding-traumatic-stress-in-children-and-families/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 19:43:46 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42398 Note: This course is housed on the National Child Traumatic Stress Network site. Follow the link to sign up for a free account and take the course.  This course contains […]

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]]> Surrogate Parent Training https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/surrogate-parent-training/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:05:47 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42388 A surrogate or foster parent may be needed to represent a student with a disability during the special education process as outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act […]

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]]> Advocacy for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Children https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/advocacy-for-deaf-hard-of-hearing-children/ Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:01:05 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42381 This hour-long continuing education training was recorded on May 22, 2019 and features speakers Dr. Jon Bergeron and Shelly Bergeron discussing best practices in advocacy for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children […]

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]]> nonadult Implementing Trauma Informed Practices in Child Welfare https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/implementing-trauma-informed-practices-in-child-welfare/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 20:40:47 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42379 This brief from the ABA Center on Children and the Law, highlights the effects of trauma on child well- being, and provides recommendations and examples of specific initiatives to guide […]

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]]> Advocacy for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/advocacy-for-commercially-sexually-exploited-children-csec/ Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:35:36 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42367 Welcome to the Advocacy for Commercially Sexually Exploited  Children (CSEC) Course. This course was created to equip you to identify victims of trafficking, understand the unique needs of exploited children and youth, […]

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]]> Legal Rights & Responsibilities: Addressing Barriers to Permanency https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/legal-rights-responsibilities-addressing-barriers-to-permanency/ Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:23:32 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42366 Legal Rights & Responsibilities: Addressing Barriers to PermanencyBuilding relationships with your local bar is an ongoing responsibility. Texas CASA partnered with an attorney ad litem to present on Legal Rights […]

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]]> Books by Survivors https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/books-by-survivors/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 17:47:50 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42010 A resource compiled by FYN Global, this guide shares information about books written by survivors of trafficking. Note that these authors and books have not been vetted by Texas CASA, […]

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]]> Permission to Release Health Information (Template) + TMRPA Training https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/permission-to-release-health-information/ Fri, 03 Jan 2025 19:42:10 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41753 The Texas Medical Records Privacy Act (TMRPA) protects patients’ personal health information (PHI) by guaranteeing that patients know how their PHI will be used and shared and prohibits organizations and […]

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]]> Ombudsman for Children and Youth in Foster Care https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/ombudsman-for-children-and-youth-in-foster-care/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:07:56 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41729 Children and youth in foster care have a right to ask questions or file a complaint with the Foster Care Ombudsman if any of their rights have been violated or […]

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]]> CASA Advocacy for Dual-Status Youth: Voices from the Field https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/casa-advocacy-for-dual-status-youth-voices-from-the-field/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:36:41 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41689 Studies show that youth in foster care are disproportionately represented in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. When youth are involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems […]

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]]> Dual-Status Youth Webinar Part 2 https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/dual-status-youth-webinar-part-2/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:34:46 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41688 Dual-Status youth are youth involved in both the child-welfare and juvenile justice systems. This 2-part Webinar Series provides an overview of what it means to be a dual-status youth, the biggest challenges these […]

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]]> Dual-Status Youth Webinar Part 1 https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/dual-status-youth-webinar-part-1/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:32:55 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41687 Dual-Status youth are youth involved in both the child-welfare and juvenile justice systems. This 2-part Webinar Series provides an overview of what it means to be a dual-status youth, the biggest challenges these […]

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]]> Latest Public Policy Updates https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/latest-public-policy-updates/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:46:53 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41673 Check out the most recent updates from the Texas CASA Public Policy Team.

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]]> Making Hope Possible https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/making-hope-possible/ Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:05:43 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41270 Have you ever advocated for a youth in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) or in a specialized placement that seems like they have no one? What about a youth in […]

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]]> CASA Advocacy for Dual-Status Youth, Understanding the Juvenile Justice System https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/casa-advocacy-for-dual-status-youth-understanding-the-juvenile-justice-system/ Tue, 05 Nov 2024 19:00:28 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41243 We are excited to share a new online and printable resource available on the Texas CASA website: CASA Advocacy for Dual-Status Youth, Understanding the Juvenile Justice System.  Dual-status youth are children […]

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]]> Advocacy for Older Youth Portal https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/advocacy-for-older-youth/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:05:18 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41143 In 2022, there were 5,600 youth aged 14-17 in foster care in Texas, facing difficult questions about their transition to adulthood. Of those youth, 1,087 aged out of care with no network available, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness, trafficking, and poor life prospects.

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]]> Advocacy for 0-5 Year Old Children https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/advocacy-for-0-5-year-olds/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:57:02 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41141 The infant and toddler (zero to five) population are the largest and most vulnerable group that most CASA programs in Texas serve. Guidebooks and webinars are provided to help start or enhance volunteer advocacy for this population.

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]]> Legislative Advocacy Guide https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/legislative-advocacy-guide-2/ Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:21:51 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40866 Legislators want to hear from their constituents. With the engagement of CASA volunteers acrossTexas, our priority bills are much more likely to be successful. Your advocacy efforts are key inhelping […]

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]]> What is CASA ACT? https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/what-is-casa-act/ Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:11:47 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40713 Texas holds the unenviable position of ranking second in the nation for incoming tips on child sex trafficking. These statistics are not mere numbers; they represent lives in jeopardy, futures uncertain and […]

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]]> nonadult Care Coordination Resource Guide https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/care-coordination-resource-guide-2/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 14:54:50 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40596 The Care Coordination Resource Guide is your comprehensive source for understanding how Care Coordination Teams (CCTs) and Children’s Advocacy Center Multi-Disciplinary Teams (CAC MDTs) work together to support and protect […]

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]]> Information Regarding Class C Citations/Tickets Received While in Foster Care or Extended Foster Care  https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/information-regarding-class-c-citations-tickets-received-while-in-foster-care-or-extended-foster-care/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:14:49 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40351 The Law: Article 45.041(b-6), Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, states that a judge in a municipal court or justice of the peace court may not require a defendant who is […]

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]]> Sealing Juvenile Records in Texas https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/sealing-juvenile-records-in-texas/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:12:27 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40348 In Texas, juvenile records are not automatically sealed when a youth turns 18 and not all juvenile records are eligible for sealing. This resource will help CASA volunteers better understand how […]

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]]> CASA Anti-Child Trafficking (ACT) — Stages of Change https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/casa-anti-child-trafficking-act-stages-of-change/ Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:33:16 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40315 The CASA ACT Anti-Child Trafficking’s video The Stages of Change Model: How CASA Volunteers Can Understand Youth Affected by Sex Trafficking explores how CASA volunteers can effectively support youth affected […]

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]]> nonadult Experiences of Youth Affected by Sex Trafficking: Survivors’ Perspectives https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/experiences-of-youth-affected-by-sex-trafficking/ Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:14:21 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40311 Experiences of Youth Affected by Sex Trafficking: Survivors’ Perspectives is a discussion about the harrowing journeys of Crystal Sepulveda and Sara Nellis as they share their powerful stories of overcoming […]

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]]> nonadult The CASA ACT: Volunteer and Program Guide Webinar https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/the-casa-act-volunteer-and-program-guide-webinar/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:33:22 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40180 The CASA ACT: Volunteer and Program Guide webinar was presented to CASA of Cross Timbers on February 15, 2024. The webinar reviews resources available at Texas CASA. The Volunteer Guide […]

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]]> 0-5 Program Guide (Online) https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/0-5-advocacy-guide/ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 19:25:30 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39817 This guide has everything a leader of a local CASA program in Texas, will need to know to get started with, or to enhance volunteer advocacy for, the infant and toddler population. The infant and toddler (zero to five) population are the largest group that most CASA programs in Texas serve, so it is key for volunteers to understand the challenges and needs of this vulnerable population.

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]]> Calendaring, Promote healthy relationships and meaningful experiences. nonadult Outcry Materials https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/outcry-materials/ Tue, 11 Jun 2024 17:08:12 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39455 When a child verbally shares an allegation of abuse with another person, this is considered an ‘outcry’.  If a child or youth makes an outcry of human trafficking, which is […]

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]]> Current Work https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/current-work/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:43:23 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39280 Texas CASA is a leader in working to assure sound public policies in Texas on issues affecting the child welfare system, the well-being of children, and youth in state custody […]

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]]> Understanding Your Role in Community-Based Care https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/understanding-your-role-in-cbc/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 16:42:19 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39286 Texas CASA’s Public Policy team recently developed a new resource highlighting the importance of CASA during every stage of the transition to Community-Based Care, which is available for programs to […]

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]]> Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool (CSE-IT) Guide https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/commercial-sexual-exploitation-identification-tool-cse-it-guide/ Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:51:33 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39157 The CSE-IT is a research-based, validated screening tool that helps improve the early identification of commercially sexually exploited youth (CSEY). This guide covers:

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]]> Dual-Status Law – SB 2049 https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/dual-status-law-sb-2049-3/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:50:44 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39115 In 2018, the Supreme Court of Texas Children’s Commission created the Dual Status Task Force (DSTF). One of the things they studied was exploring the roles of attorneys and guardians […]

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]]> Texas Children’s Commission Dual Status Task Force Final Report 2021 https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/texas-childrens-commission-dual-status-task-force-final-report-2021/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:48:17 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39111 The Dual Status Task Force (DSTF) convened from July 2019 to December 2020. The Task Force included approximately 35 child welfare and juvenile justice system stakeholders from throughout Texas. The […]

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]]> The Fix | Episode 10 – Supporting Dual-Status Youth with Vicki Spriggs https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/the-fix-episode-10-supporting-dual-status-youth-with-vicki-spriggs/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:38:14 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39107   In this episode of The Fix, Texas CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs discusses how advocates can support dual-status youth—youth involved in both foster care and juvenile justice—by facilitating communication between […]

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]]> CSE-IT Explained for Volunteers Testifying in Court https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cse-it-explained-for-volunteers-testifying-in-court/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:58:55 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=39094 CASA volunteers may be asked about the Commercially Sexually Exploited-Identification Tool (CSE-IT, pronounced “See It”) in court. This guide was created as a tool for volunteers to deepen their understanding […]

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]]> Upcoming CSE-IT Trainings to Learn the Signs of Commercial Sexual Exploitation https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cse-it-training-to-learn-the-signs-of-commercial-sexual-exploitation/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:51:27 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=38957 This training is hosted and facilitated by the Child Sex Trafficking Team at the Office of the Governor and is open to all CASA staff in Texas. This training is […]

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