About

2017

Children's Commission 10 Year Anniversary Brochure

CC 10 Year Timeline

85th Texas Legislature Resource Paper

  

Publications

ABA Child Law Practice, August 2015, The Texas Blueprint- A Model for Improving School Experiences for Children in Foster Care 

Child Law Practice Journal image

Videos

Texas CASA

Executive Director Tina Amberboy and staff attorney Jamie Bernstein provide an update for Texas CASAs regarding changes to child protection law since the 85th Legislative Session. 

85th Legislative Session: Changes to the Legal System  

Changes to Educational Services for Texas Foster Youth

Trauma-Informed Advocacy for Children and Youth in Foster Care

Following the Trauma-Informed Care survey and report issued last year by Texas CASA, the Children’s Commission, in partnership with Texas CASA and the Shield Ayers Foundation, created a one-hour training to help introduce trauma-informed care to Attorneys ad Litem, Guardians ad Litem and CASA volunteers. The presentation includes strategies for advocating for children in courtrooms, schools, and placements to meet each child’s unique needs. There is also discussion about how trauma influences a child’s ability to communicate about the case and how to appropriately respond to a child's trauma-related behaviors. This training was recorded in front of a live audience at the Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse on September 27, 2016, and was presented by Elizabeth Watkins, JD, Regional Attorney for the Department of Family and Protective Services. 

PowerPoint Presentation: Trauma-Informed Advocacy

Note: One hour of MCLE credit is available for this on-demand presentation. Please email children@txcourts.gov for more information.

Beyond the Bench: Law, Justice, and Communities Summit

Texas' two highest courts, the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, spearheaded the Beyond the Bench: Law, Justice, and Communities Summit on December 14, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. The Summit brought together Texas judges, law-enforcement officers, and national, state, and community leaders with the objective of strengthening trust and confidence in our justice system.

The Beyond the Bench Toolkit was created to offer assistance in planning similar convenings and to inspire continued conversation about this important issue. The Toolkit includes video and details from the event, and is now available for print.

Beyond the Bench YouTube Playlist 

Children's Commission Video

This 12-minute video describes the mission and goals of the Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families.

Speak UP! Foster Youth in Court Video

United Families 

Families Are the Proof: Hidalgo Foundation showcases the Bexar County Children's Court.