(CASA & Children's Advocacy Center)
Legislative Advocacy Training
Local child advocates from Fannin and Grayson Counties spent a summer evening learning about how to take their advocacy for abused and neglected children to a new level. For the CASA volunteers and staff in attendance, they already have training and experience in advocating for abused and neglected children in courtrooms, schools and other meetings. Now they are ready to take their knowledge of the child welfare system and use it to become effective advocates with state and federal lawmakers as well. Joe Gagen, CEO of Texas CASA, traveled from Austin to Bonham to train fifteen volunteers, board members and staff from the Fannin County Children’s Center and CASA of Grayson County in how to be effective legislative advocates. Through interactive discussion, an informative Powerpoint presentation and instructional handouts, Gagen explained how local advocates can inform lawmakers about their personal experiences with the child welfare system in order to make improvements and ultimately make things better for children, youth and families. “Joe did a great job of teaching us about taking our advocacy for kids to a new level,” said Sandy Barber of the Fannin County Children’s Center. “He is very passionate about this subject, which made the training very lively and engaging for us all.” “This training was important for us because it will help us do even more for our kids,” continued Barber. “In the last two state legislative sessions, lawmakers have made a lot of changes to the child welfare system and many things have improved. Senator Bob Deuell and Representative Larry Phillips have both been strong advocates for children and been very receptive to our input. It is our hope that we can continue to improve the child welfare system to make things better for all kids.” |
Fannin County Children's Center
112 West Fifth Street Bonham,TX 75418 USA
Phone: 903.583.4339 Fax: 903.583.3074
Email: info@fanninccc.org