Collaborative Family Engagement – 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 Collaborative Family Engagement – Texas CASA https://texascasa.org 32 32 Embedding CFE https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/embedding-cfe/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:42:52 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=42900 Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) consists of four practice elements: Collaborate, Cultivate, Convene and Connect (The 4Cs of CFE). Texas CASA believes that to truly embed CFE, elements of each of […]

The post Embedding CFE appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) https://texascasa.org/collaborative-family-engagement-cfe/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 19:08:16 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?page_id=42714 Collaborative Family Engagement is Texas’ approach to connect and engage families. CFE is an innovative Family Finding partnership between CASA and Child Protective Services (CPS) that uses a structured approach to engage, find and work with family and fictive kin of young people in the foster care system. Texas’ CFE initiative is centered around the goal of providing children, parents and families with a dedicated support system they can depend upon even after CASA and CPS involvement.

The post Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Why Should You Participate in Collaborative Family Engagement? nonadult Texas CASA’s Collaborative Family Engagement Team Evolves https://texascasa.org/2025/03/31/texas-casas-collaborative-family-engagement-team-evolves/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:51:17 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?p=42287 Texas CASA is proud and excited to announce the promotion of Catherine Herlich to Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Director and the hiring of Taylor Merrill as Collaborative Family Engagement Coach. […]

The post Texas CASA’s Collaborative Family Engagement Team Evolves appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE Youth Journal Featuring Artwork Created by Youth Experiencing Foster Care https://texascasa.org/2025/01/02/cfe-youth-journal-featuring-artwork-created-by-youth-experiencing-foster-care/ Thu, 02 Jan 2025 17:15:43 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?p=41743 Last year, the Texas CASA Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) team produced an extra special youth journal featuring artwork created by youth who are currently in or have experienced foster care. […]

The post CFE Youth Journal Featuring Artwork Created by Youth Experiencing Foster Care appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> FY24 CFE DATA https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/fy24-cfe-data/ Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:27:36 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41404 Data continues to be collected and analyzed each year. The CFE model is flexible, so having this data and learning what is working from staff and volunteers on the ground […]

The post FY24 CFE DATA appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> 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 […]

The post Making Hope Possible appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Supporting Older Youth in Foster Care: What are the Available Resources? https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/supporting-older-youth-in-foster-care-what-are-the-available-resources/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 20:00:32 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41158 Are you and your volunteers aware of all the great resources that are available to support advocacy for older youth in foster care? This webinar, recorded on May 7, 2024 shares about these resources and how different CASA programs are supporting youth to make sure they are aware of what they need as they navigate out of care successfully. We hear from both local CASA programs and youth who have successfully transitioned out of foster care.

The post Supporting Older Youth in Foster Care: What are the Available Resources? appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement Archives - Texas CASA nonadult 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.

The post Advocacy for Older Youth Portal appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> 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.

The post Advocacy for 0-5 Year Old Children appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Encouraging Youth to Engage in Connection Tools https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/encouraging-youth-to-engage-in-connection-tools/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 13:41:25 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41087 Are you advocating for an older youth in foster care who seems reluctant to utilize the connection tools available? Do you struggle to decide which CFE tools might be best […]

The post Encouraging Youth to Engage in Connection Tools appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement Archives - Texas CASA nonadult Meaningful Family Meetings: A CFE Facilitator’s Guide https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/meaningful-family-meetings-a-cfe-facilitators-guide-2/ Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:58:34 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41082 This guide discusses the philosophy behind family meetings and how they are structured (and in which order), and offers tips for successful facilitation. Use this guide for inspiration and to […]

The post Meaningful Family Meetings: A CFE Facilitator’s Guide appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE for Caregivers https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-for-caregivers/ Fri, 04 Oct 2024 20:03:50 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41064 This video is specifically for caregivers and dives into the benefits of CFE and your role in helping make it as effective as possible for the children in your care.

The post CFE for Caregivers appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE for Caregivers nonadult CFE for Network Members https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-for-network-members/ Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:55:21 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41062 This video is specifically for people connected to the child, youth or family who may want to be involved as a supportive person.

The post CFE for Network Members appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement Archives - Texas CASA nonadult CFE for Parents https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-for-parents/ Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:53:15 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41059 This video helps guide parents through what the Collaborative Family Engagement methods can help them with while navigating the child welfare system with their family.

The post CFE for Parents appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement Archives - Texas CASA nonadult CFE for Youth https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-for-youth/ Thu, 03 Oct 2024 22:39:20 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=41046 This video explains how a youth in foster care may define the important people around them. Every child deserves to be around people they know, and love and CFE can help them find that circle.

The post CFE for Youth appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE for Youth nonadult CFE Tools App https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-tools-app-3/ Tue, 20 Aug 2024 19:07:20 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=40537 Providing an engaging way for tools to be completed while meeting people where they are at – often on their phones! DFPS Legacy staff can download the app from the […]

The post CFE Tools App appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> 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.

The post 0-5 Program Guide (Online) appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Calendaring, Promote healthy relationships and meaningful experiences. nonadult Collaborative Family Engagement https://texascasa.org/program-portal/collaborative-family-engagement/ Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:51:21 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?page_id=38650 CFE is a team-based approach between local CASA programs and CPS, as well as Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCC), to engage, find and work with family members and fictive kin in the creation and development of a lifetime network for young people in the foster care system.

The post Collaborative Family Engagement appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement Archives - Texas CASA nonadult CFE Team Meeting Notes https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-team-meeting-notes/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:24:27 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=38817 The CFE Team Meeting Notes can be used as a template for a CFE Team Meeting, a structured approach to collaboration between CASA and CPS for a young person or […]

The post CFE Team Meeting Notes appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE Fidelity Index https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-fidelity-index/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:23:13 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=38811 The CFE Fidelity Index outlines the implementation timeline for local CASA programs and CPS for each young person or family receiving CFE. The index lists different action steps that can […]

The post CFE Fidelity Index appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Advocating for Older Youth in Foster Care https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/advocating-for-older-youth-in-foster-care/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:22:42 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=38339 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 […]

The post Advocating for Older Youth in Foster Care appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Family Searching and Engagement Tools https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/family-finding-and-engagement-tools/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 23:29:40 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=37708 Three Houses Tool   Circles of Trust Tool   How to Make a Mobility Map

The post Family Searching and Engagement Tools appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement Archives - Texas CASA nonadult Infant and Toddler Advocacy Webinar Series with Child Advocates of Fort Bend County https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/infant-and-toddler-advocacy-webinar-series-with-casa-of-fort-bend/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 00:22:22 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=37260 Texas CASA has partnered with Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) to share their work and expertise in advocacy for infants and toddlers. CAFB’s Infant and Toddler program is a […]

The post Infant and Toddler Advocacy Webinar Series with Child Advocates of Fort Bend County appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Little People. Big Impact. Advocacy for Infants and Young Children Volunteer Guide https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/advocacy-for-children-0-to-5/ Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:21:00 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=36939 Infants and young children are one of the most vulnerable age groups in the United States. They are the most affected by maltreatment and are unable to communicate in the […]

The post Little People. Big Impact. Advocacy for Infants and Young Children Volunteer Guide appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Protected: CFE Tracking in Optima https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-tracking-in-optima/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:46:01 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=35719 There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

The post Protected: CFE Tracking in Optima appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement Archives - Texas CASA nonadult Embedding CFE Assessment https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/embedding-cfe-assessment/ Mon, 23 May 2022 21:12:36 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=35309 In the interest of understanding which local CASA programs have embedded the practice of Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) and what they have done to accomplish this, Texas CASA completed an […]

The post Embedding CFE Assessment appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE Postcard for Parents https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-postcard-for-parents/ Wed, 09 Feb 2022 23:52:53 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=34862 This two-sided postcard for parents helps explain the crucial role parents play in the CFE process. The postcard is available in both English and Spanish and can be printed professional […]

The post CFE Postcard for Parents appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Early CFE: Within the First 14 Days https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/early-cfe/ Thu, 14 Oct 2021 18:29:08 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=34162 About Early CFE ECFE is Collaborative Family Engagement done within the first 14 days before the adversary hearing, primarily by CASA. This CASA advocacy approach starts the work of building […]

The post Early CFE: Within the First 14 Days appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Family Meetings Facilitator Video Series https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/family-facilitator-meetings-video-series/ Tue, 25 May 2021 16:01:12 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=33095 Video 1: The Why of Family Meetings Video 2: Integrating CFE Elements Video 3: Planning & Preparation for Family Meeting Video 4: CFE Involving Youth Video 5: The Room Set-Up […]

The post Family Meetings Facilitator Video Series appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE Family Meeting Facilitator Series: Video 1 - The Why of Family Meetings nonadult Genogram Software https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/genogram-software/ Thu, 22 Apr 2021 18:54:20 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=32954 The easy-to-use software GenoPro is still available for download and use by CASA program staff, volunteers, and anyone in the network who would like to make genograms (family trees) for the […]

The post Genogram Software appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Mobility Mapping Part 2 with Kevin Campbell https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/mobility-mapping-part-2-with-kevin-campbell/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 17:43:48 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=32851 Part 2 of a mobility mapping session held by Kevin Campbell from Wyoming E-Learning Services.

The post Mobility Mapping Part 2 with Kevin Campbell appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Mobility Mapping Part 2 nonadult Mobility Mapping Part 1 with Kevin Campbell https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/mobility-mapping-with-kevin-campbell/ Mon, 29 Mar 2021 16:54:51 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=32850 A Mobility Map is a child’s memory of his or her life put to paper. The mobility mapping process allows the child to rediscover the important people and places from his or her past.

The post Mobility Mapping Part 1 with Kevin Campbell appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Mobility Mapping Part 1 nonadult Connect Our Kids/Family Connections Tool Training https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/family-connections-tool-training/ Fri, 29 Jan 2021 20:32:57 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=32521 Please join us for a 90-minute training with Connect Our Kids who will demonstrate how to use Connect Our Kids – Family Connections, a free and easy to use tool […]

The post Connect Our Kids/Family Connections Tool Training appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE Sustainability Pathway https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-sustainability-pathway/ Thu, 14 Jan 2021 20:17:25 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=32477 The CFE Sustainability Pathway outlines the implementation timeline for local CASA programs and CPS as they begin the CFE process. The pathway lists benchmarks to be completed during each phase […]

The post CFE Sustainability Pathway appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Family Meetings: Best Practices & Principles https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/family-meetings-best-practices-principles/ Tue, 24 Nov 2020 23:55:53 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=32156 Family meetings are the heart of the CFE work, and are believed to be an opportunity to bring everyone together for planning and decision-making. This process is where the family’s […]

The post Family Meetings: Best Practices & Principles appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Manual https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-manual/ Tue, 10 Nov 2020 20:37:39 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29486 Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) is a promising practice in the child protection system in Texas that emphasizes connection and community for children and families. This manual will help you get […]

The post Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Manual appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Introduction to CFE https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/introduction-to-cfe/ Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:56:16 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29513 Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) is an innovative Family Finding partnership between CASA and Child Protective Services (CPS). CFE uses a structured approach that is built around the fact that children […]

The post Introduction to CFE appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE & The Legal Community https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-the-legal-community/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 21:47:56 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29588 This video is specifically for the legal community and dives into the benefits of CFE and your role in helping make it as effective as possible in your community and for the children and families you work with.

The post CFE & The Legal Community appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE & the Legal Community nonadult Why You Should Participate in CFE https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/why-you-should-participate-in-cfe/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 21:46:57 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29586 All over Texas, programs are finding that CFE is changing the way they work with families for the better.

The post Why You Should Participate in CFE appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement Archives - Texas CASA nonadult What is CFE? https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/what-is-cfe/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 21:45:45 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29584 The Texas CASA CFE video is the recipient of a Communicator Award of Distinction as part of the internationally recognized Annual Communicator Awards. The CFE video explores this new partnership between CASA and CPS that aims to improve outcomes for kids in foster care.

The post What is CFE? appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Texas CASA Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Video nonadult The 4Cs of CFE Card https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/4-cs-wallet-insert/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:58:23 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29517 The 4 C’s card is another tool to help you easily reference the main components of CFE. The card is two-sided and fits easily in any wallet.

The post The 4Cs of CFE Card appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE Mobility Map https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-mobility-map/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:51:29 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29503 A mobility map is a visual timeline of a person’s life created by having them draw places they’ve lived and people from their earliest memory to the present day. Texas […]

The post CFE Mobility Map appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Mobility Mapping Part 1 nonadult CFE Value Cards https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-value-cards/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:48:23 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29497 The CFE Value Card lists the 10 Core Values and five Core Concepts for your easy reference. The card is available in both English and Spanish.

The post CFE Value Cards appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> CFE Evaluations https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/cfe-evaluations/ Mon, 02 Nov 2020 20:39:35 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=29490 Texas CASA contracted with Dr. Cynthia Osborne and the Child and Family Research Partnership (CFRP) at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin to […]

The post CFE Evaluations appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]> Collaborative Family Engagement E-Learning https://texascasa.org/program-portal/resources/collaborative-family-engagement/ Mon, 10 Sep 2018 14:15:36 +0000 https://texascasa.org/?post_type=resources&p=28650 Welcome to the Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) course, which is the pre-requisite for the follow up training. Throughout this e-learning, you will receive an overview of the CFE process, concepts and tools; and foundational information. The course is intended for users from CASA, CPS, CBC providers and other stakeholders participating in CFE.

The post Collaborative Family Engagement E-Learning appeared first on Texas CASA.

]]>