89R17207 CW-D
By: Parker, et al. S.R. No. 311
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The volunteers, staff, and board members who make up
the Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates network are gathering
in Austin on March 27, 2025, for CASA Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Texas CASA is part of a national volunteer movement
that began in 1977 and enlists local community volunteers to
support children and families involved in the foster care system;
beginning in 1979 with the first CASA program in Dallas, and
followed by the formation of Texas CASA in 1989, judges and
communities across the state have worked to expand CASA's services;
and
WHEREAS, Providing 74 local programs in 220 of the state's
254 counties, Texas CASA has grown to become one of the largest such
programs in the nation; through their advocacy efforts in the 2024
fiscal year, CASA volunteers made a difference for nearly 18,000
youth by helping to build family connections and working to address
each child's mental, medical, and educational needs during their
time in foster care; and
WHEREAS, CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to provide
valuable information and to make informed recommendations to courts
that serve the best interests of each child; and
WHEREAS, The CASA network in Texas is dedicated to expanding
to reach more children and families while continuously growing in
knowledge and practice; these efforts ensure that CASA serves as
informed, collaborative partners in an ever-evolving system of care
that provides the best possible advocacy and support; and
WHEREAS, All those associated with CASA are truly deserving
of recognition for their important work and service to the State of
Texas, its courts, its children, and its families; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature
hereby recognize March 27, 2025, as CASA Day at the State Capitol
and commend the organization for its diligent efforts to aid abused
and neglected children in the State of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for CASA as an expression of high regard by the Texas
Senate.