CASA at the Capitol | March 2021
CASA- San Antonio Legislative Advocacy Team
Each year during the legislative session CASA advocates from all over the state come together to speak as one for Texas children and families. It is an opportunity for CASA programs and advocates, to share personal stories of advocacy while discussing legislation priorities that can impact the lives of children and families in our communities.
Child Advocates San Antonio has participated in this event in the past, but never before with our own official Legislative Advocacy Team or LAT, headed up by amazing advocate Joan Ulsher working directly with our local lawmakers. Out of 72 CASA programs covering 219 Texas counties, Child Advocates San Antonio became the 39th inaugural LAT to organize at the beginning of this year. The LAT is a combination of staff and volunteer advocates that advocate for children and families on a larger platform year-round. As constituents, we give “perspective” to issues that we face as advocates on a daily basis. Our lawmakers need to hear these stories.
This year, Representative Ina Minjarez, representing District 124 in San Antonio, introduced House Resolution 50 declaring February 17, 2021 as CASA Day at the Capitol. It was a 2-day virtual event at the Capital that unfortunately, due to the 2021 Texas winter storm, most CASA programs all around Texas were forced to cancel their meetings with their local government. Although we could not participate as planned, CASA Day at the Capitol remains important to our CASA network and thus we have rescheduled our local meetings.
We encourage all our CASA advocates in San Antonio to consider how you can be part of this team effort. This will ensure that child welfare remains a priority for our lawmakers and that all voices are heard. You have stories to share during your time as a warrior for these kids. These stories help show the importance of child welfare and CASA’s role in it. Here are a few ways you can get involved.
Check out the Texas CASA Program Portal on legislative advocacy: https://texascasa.org/program-portal/public-policy-legislative-advocacy/
- Watch the 5-part Webinar series on LAT
- Review the resources provided, especially the Legislative Advocacy Guide
- View the Rock the Capitol video event
- Become familiar with the Texas CASA priorities and important Bill’s we are tracking at: https://texascasa.org/what-we-do/leadership-in-public-policy/bill-tracker/
- Speak with your CASA Supervisor and let him/her know of your interest in joining our efforts for the next legislative session.
As we continue to move towards serving 100% of the children in Bexar County, we need more people willing to step up and speak out at the legislative level. Caring about the child welfare system is easy, making a difference takes everyone’s voice!
For more information on how to get involved and join the Legislative Advocacy Team contact Emilio Arriola at earriola@casa-satx.org or call our office at 210-225-7070.
Harrison came into care in January 2021 due to abuse and neglect in the home. The department attempted to implement a few safety plans but to no avail. Ultimately, the parents were unable and unwilling to provide him with a safe and stable home environment, and Harrison was placed into foster care. In June 2025, Staff Advocate, Michelle, was assigned to the case, and he was living with his aunt in Laredo, TX. From day one, Michelle has been dedicated to getting to know Harrison, establishing rapport, and building trust. She would take the time to listen to him and get to know his likes and interests. When she first met him, he was timid and shy but as he gained confidence and became more comfortable, he started to open up to Michelle. He started advocating for himself, asking for a new charger for his laptop to do his schoolwork and started to disclose more important topics such as sensitive issues he was facing with his family. In October 2025, while Michelle was heading to Laredo to visit Harrison, he called her to let her know that he was no longer allowed back into his aunt’s home. There was a placement breakdown happening due to a verbal/physical altercation with his aunt and other family members, and his aunt gave notice to the department that day. Upon arrival at Laredo, Michelle immediately called Harrison’s case worker and attorney to let them know what had just transpired. Due to Harrison being 18 and not officially in extended care, Michelle was met with some pushbacks; however, she persevered and asked what his options were, if any, and how we could help him. Harrison’s team worked together and was able to get the extended care paperwork drafted and completed and Michelle was able to brainstorm with Harrison to find him a temporary home with a close friend until his caseworker could bring him back to San Antonio. Michelle took Harrison to his aunt’s so he could pack his belongings and stay with his friend temporarily. Michelle was so thankful that she could be there for him in his time of need. A few days later, Harrison was back in San Antonio. Harrison is currently thriving in his Supervised Independent Living (SIL) placement and is on track to graduate high school in May. He has plans to attend college for Cosmetology. He has had a tremendous change in his overall mood and is coming into his own as a confident young adult. When asked by Michelle how he feels being at his current placement, his response was “safe” and that’s all Michelle needed to hear to know she was making a positive impact.
Jennifer Lassahn
