Stay up to date on the latest news about child welfare legislation from Dallas CASA.

Child Welfare Legislation & Public Policy

Advocating for Children Beyond the Courtroom

Dallas CASA believes every child deserves a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive. While our volunteer advocates work one-on-one with children involved in the child welfare system, we also support efforts to strengthen that system through informed public policy.

As the 90th Texas Legislature prepares to convene on Jan. 12, 2027, Dallas CASA continues to partner with Texas CASA and child welfare stakeholders across the state to advocate for policies that improve outcomes for children, youth and families involved with child protective services. Texas CASA works closely with lawmakers, state agencies, local CASA programs and community partners to ensure the voices and needs of vulnerable children are represented throughout the legislative process.

Texas CASA’s Leadership in Public Policy

Texas CASA serves as the statewide voice for the CASA network in Texas, leading public policy efforts that affect children and youth in foster care and the child welfare system. Throughout the legislative process, Texas CASA conducts research, collaborates with stakeholders, monitors legislation and works with elected officials to advance policies that support children and families.

During the 89th Legislative Session, Texas CASA tracked hundreds of bills related to child welfare and worked alongside local CASA programs and volunteers across Texas to advocate for children in state care. Volunteers, staff and board members also met directly with lawmakers during CASA Day at the Capitol, helping raise awareness about the needs of children and families served by CASA programs.

Dallas CASA’s Legislative Advocacy Team

Dallas CASA participates in Texas CASA’s Legislative Advocacy Team (LAT) program. Legislative Advocacy Teams are made up of CASA volunteers, board members and staff who build relationships with elected officials and educate them about issues affecting children and families involved in the child welfare system. LAT members help ensure lawmakers understand the real-world impact of policy decisions on the children served by CASA programs.

By engaging with legislators, sharing information and responding to advocacy opportunities identified by Texas CASA, Dallas CASA volunteers help strengthen support for children and families throughout Texas.

Looking Ahead to the 90th Legislative Session

As the Texas Legislature prepares for its next regular session, Dallas CASA will continue working with Texas CASA to monitor legislation and public policy proposals that affect:
• The safety and well-being of children in foster care
• Family preservation and family reunification when safe and appropriate
• Access to stable, supportive placements for children and youth
• Support for kinship caregivers and relative placements
• Services for older youth preparing to transition out of foster care
• Resources that strengthen the child welfare system and support CASA advocacy statewide

Learn More

To learn more about Texas CASA’s public policy work, visit Texas CASA’s Leadership in Public Policy.

To find your elected officials, visit:
• Texas House of Representatives and Senate
• U.S. House of Representatives
• U.S. Senate

Stay Informed

Dallas CASA will continue to share updates about legislation and public policy affecting children and families involved in the child welfare system. By working together, we can help ensure every child has the opportunity for a safe, stable and permanent future.