1. History of CASA – replaced Judge Melissa McClenahan and Thomas Stuckey with “Cluster Court Judges”

2. Vision & Mission I Values, Principles & Elements of Practice – stylized and language mirrored similarly to the Employee Handbook

a. Removed Guiding Principles (importance of family preservation and/or reunification; importance of diversity, equity and inclusion; importance of collaboration) and added Values:

• It is in a child’s best interest to remain with their family of origin when possible and if conditions are safe
• Partnership and respect are essential to successful collaboration
• Advocacy for all
• Integrity drives the way we act
• Empathy is essential
• Positive impact and outcomes are the true measures of success

b. Added Elements of Practice

• CASA/GAL community volunteer advocates are thoroughly screened, trained, supervised and supported; meet in-person with the child/youth every 30 days; advocate for the best interests of children/youth.
• CASA/GAL programs are appointed and sanctioned by the court to serve children/youth.
• Once the program has taken all available Suit Affecting the Parent Child Relationship cases, they may accept other types of cases.
• CASA/GAL programs develop and incorporate strategies and practices to strengthen and support families by understanding and embodying guiding principles.
• Each CASA/GAL program complies with the requirements and provisions of the contract between Texas CASA and the Health and Human Services Commission.

3. Welcome – About This Handbook – stylized and language mirrored similarly to the Employee Handbook)

a. Removed Equal Opportunity Employer statement

b. Removed Philosophy

1. • 4. Section 1: Changed heading from “Screening Policy” to “Volunteer Eligibility” and titled 1.1 as “Screening Policy”

     5. Section 2:

     • 2.1: Consolidated Conduct with Children re: inappropriate and appropriate
     • 2.2: Under Communication (2.2.5), included the Social Media policy (previously under Section 5’s Data Security & Privacy) and Removal of an Advocate from a Case (previously under Section 8)

     6. Section 3: Added “Sharing Case Information” flowchart, which is also in Employee Handbook

     7. Section 4: Changed heading from “Conflict of Interest” to “Conduct and Safety” – removed or replaced “employees” with “CASA representative”

     a. Added 4.1 Corporate Image

     b. 4.2 – Included Harassment and Discrimination (previously Section 6.1)

     c. 4.3 – Included Grievance (previously Section 6.2)

     d. 4.4 – Included “Reporting Unethical, Fraudulent & Illegal Activities Including Whistleblower and Reporting Child Abuse” (previously Section 6.2.1 as Whistleblower)

     e. 4.5 – Conflict of Interest added here

     f. 4.6 – Included Weapons Policy (previously Section 7.1)

     g. 4.7 – Included Safe and Drug-Free Workplace (previously Section 7.2)

     h. 4.8 – Included “Transporting Children” (previously Section 7.3 as Transportation)

     8. Section 5: Data Security & Privacy Policies – removed first paragraph that includes devices used by employees

     a. Updated to reflect current procedure: All staff are required to attend a program-approved data security and privacy training. “Privacy & Security Training Course Companion” is available through Texas CASA’s learning center.

     b. Added: All assigned volunteers will receive a CASA email address (such as firstname.lastname@ctxadvocates.org), which will be set up by the Director of Engagement or Training Manager.

     9. Volunteer Advocate Handbook Acknowledgement and Agreement – added, “I understand that as a Volunteer Advocate I am not an employee of or employed by CASA of Central Texas or any of its affiliates.”