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.