Why?

Why? If you don’t, the assumption is you don’t care or that you are satisfied with the status quo. If you don’t speak for our children, who will?

Who Influences Child Welfare Policy? Media DFPS Providers Advocacy Groups Former Foster Youth Constituent complaints/input (relatives/foster parents) Judges

CASA’s Potential Impact Judges Media DFPS Providers Think Tanks/ Advocacy Groups Former Foster Youth Constituent complaints/input (relatives/foster parents) Parents rights groups

Why Volunteers? For the same reasons that they are effective advocates in court! no hidden agenda or financial interests represent the community/constituents not the system think outside the box on-the-ground experts in how the child protection system really works for individual children and families to the legislature, CASA = CASA volunteers Well trained, work one on one with children and families 5 hour bill, 90 day hearing

Unforgettable Our secret weapon – our stories. Our Passion that comes through when telling them. CASA volunteers know these children and can’t help but speak with passion when talking about them. Legislative hearing the other day – charlie brown’s parents and then Lee Harrison – perfect? No. Unforgettable – yes. Effective – yes. Unforgettable stories, if we paint a picture with our stories, will be remembered among all the statistics, the reports, the budget forecasts and other information that the legislature gets ad nauseum. Sticky facts and emotional tugs.

The Texas Legislature Part-time, meets in odd numbered years, every other year, for 140 days (Jan-May) 150 representatives (house), and Speaker to lead 31 senators (senate), with Lt. Gov to lead Governor has power to prioritize (emergency legislation) and veto, sign or let become law

Who are they? Doctors, lawyers, consultants, insurance salesmen, small business owners, exterminators House – VERY NEW. 101 R / 49 D, 118 male/32 female 40+ brand new members this session 33 brand new members last session Senate – 19 R / 12 D, 25 male/6 female Very conservative

Legislators During Session

If we wait until session – too little time, too late 82nd leg session (2011) 6000+ Bills Filed 1379 Total Bills Passed 24 Bills Vetoed by the Governor Media, rallies, capitol days Committee meetings

What is the Longterm Goal? CASA for Every Child Protect/Strengthen CASA effectiveness CASA as a Resource and Change Agent to TRANSFORM THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM

How? Know “support” CASA Believe in CASA Champion CASA!

Keys to Legislative Champions for CASA Personal relationships – they know you Passion/Intensity – they pay attention Integrity – they respect/trust you Expertise – they rely on you Sustained attention – they can’t forget you Support – they appreciate your help*

It’s all about relationships

Relationship Building visits photos thank yous visits to court!!! handwritten notes or typed letters newspaper clippings (emails to staff) Program updates, CASA stories

What Now? Start building relationships Meet with legislators now and meet again Help form public policy agenda – need examples/stories/action 10 LATs and looking to develop 10 more in the next two years

Talking Points for Visits Now Children in foster care are our most vulnerable citizens – in the custody of state due to abuse and neglect Even with growth, CASA at 50% service statewide Our goal is a CASA for every child and have a long way to go Localize it with your program’s numbers

“As you know, CASA. . .” Talk about what CASA does – don’t assume they know even if they say they do. Leverages funding through volunteers – each staff supervisor can support up to 30 volunteers, who can work with up to 100 children CASA volunteers are court appointed to one child or set of siblings Work to find them a safe, permanent home as soon as possible

Be Unforgettable -- Sticky Facts and Emotional Tugs

Closing the Visit Can we count on your support for more funding this session? How can we be a resource to you on these important issues?

Things to do NOW Sign up for the CASA Capital Beat – publicpolicy@texascasa.org to keep informed, receive action alerts Work with your CASA program to organize legislative visits and engagement plan in the next year! Plan to attend the Child Welfare System Primer for Legislative Advocates in November