Amplifying Advocacy Conference
The 2026 Amplifying Advocacy Conference will be held Friday, October 2nd at Covenant Fellowship Church (606 FM-1791, Huntsville, TX). More about the conference schedule and sessions can be found below. Cost to attend is $30 per person and public registration for this event is now open and will remain available September 25th. We hope to see you there!
2026 Conference Schedule
9:00 – Welcome
9:15 – Opening Keynote
10:00 – General Session #1
10:45 – Break
11:00 – General Session #2
12:00 – Lunch
1:15 – Breakout Session #1
2:00 – Break
2:15 – Breakout Session #2
3:30 – Break
3:45 – Comments & Closing Keynote
5:00 – Conclusion
REGISTRATION:
Registration for Conference is now FULL! We are maintaining a wait list in case of cancellations. If you’d like to be added to this list and contacted if seats open, please email information@casaofwalkercounty.org
KEYNOTES:
Opening Keynote – 9:15-10:00am
Searching for Joy with a Fine-Toothed Comb: Victoria White, SHSU Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life, CASA Board Director
How do we find joy in our work when the big moments feel rare and the daily challenges feel relentless? In this keynote, discover why searching for joy “with a fine-toothed comb” (catching small daily moments of purpose, connection, and meaning) builds the resilience we need to thrive as we serve children in our communities. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately to cultivate more joy, belonging, and purpose in your work and volunteerism. This isn’t about toxic positivity; it’s about developing the skill of noticing what’s already there.
Closing Keynote – 4:00-5:00pm
Stephanie Whitson, Former Foster and Adoptive Parent for Medically Fragile Children
Stephanie Whitson is from Liberty Hill, Texas, and spent 12 years as a foster parent, welcoming more than 50 children into her home, including children with significant medical needs. She is now mom to six forever children—three biological and three medically fragile. Stephanie believes that the hearts of foster parents and CASA volunteers are rooted in the same place: a desire to show up for children during some of the hardest days of their lives and make a meaningful, positive difference. She hopes to continue advocating for children, helping ensure their voices are heard, and reminding them that they are worthy of love, support, and someone in their corner.
GENERAL SESSIONS:
General Session 1 – 10:00-10:45am
When Two Systems Meet: CPS Investigations and Criminal Prosecution
Presented by: Graciela Garcia, ADA Walker County District Attorney’s Office
In this presentation Ms. Garcia will explore the interplay of child protective services and criminal law. She will specifically discuss factors that impact how a prosecutor decides whether to prosecute an individual accused of harming a child.
General Session II – 11:00am-12:00pm
Legal Burden for Termination Cases – Presented by; Patricia Hardy, ADA Brazos County District Attorney’s Office
This presentation will examine the evidence the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) must present at trial to meet the burden of proof for the termination of parental rights. Participants will review the applicable provisions of the Texas Family Code and explore how recent legislative changes and evolving case law have impacted the legal standards, evidentiary requirements, and trial practice in termination proceedings.
The presentation will also highlight the critical role Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) play in supporting the court, advocating for the best interests of children, and contributing to informed decision-making throughout the litigation process.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Breakout Session 1 – 1:15-2:00pm
OPTION 1 Tutoring That Changes Tomorrow’s Future – Presented by Matt Miiller, WHIT Program
Foster kids have the lowest high school graduation rate of any group tracked by the Texas Education Agency; Lower than immigrant children and lower than economically disadvantaged children. Additionally, foster kids graduate at a lower rate than homeless children! The WHIT Program provides free tutoring to kids by matching foster children, mainly referred by Child Protective Services, with volunteer tutors. The tutors provide each foster child an hour of tutoring each week in math and English, with the goal of bringing kids up to grade level. Come learn about the WHIT program and why their motto is, “Foster kids start out behind. We catch them up.”
OPTION 2 Literacy, Connection, & Advocacy: Books in CASA Visits – Presented by: Catharine James, CASA Advocate Supervisor
Every CASA visit is an opportunity to build trust, strengthen relationships, and better understand the needs of the children we serve. Books can be a powerful tool to support those goals. Whether reading together, exploring a story’s themes, or simply sharing a favorite book, literacy-based activities create natural opportunities for conversation, emotional expression, and meaningful connection.
In this session, attendees will learn practical ways to incorporate books into CASA visits to engage children of all ages, foster literacy, and gain valuable insight into a child’s experiences, feelings, and perspective. Come ready to smile, laugh, and experience the joy that books can bring to every CASA visit.
Breakout Session 2 – 2:15-3:00pm
OPTION 1 Breaking Down What All PAL Covers: Part 2 – Presented by: Lakeisha Jones, Akilah Hunter and Brittany Danford.
Hear from three Region 6 PAL workers as they provide an overview of PAL benefits, Extended Foster Care, and post-secondary education opportunities. Learn practical strategies to best support the young adults on your caseload through collaboration, resource coordination, and shared responsibility. Together, we can empower youth to successfully transition into adulthood—because it truly takes a village.
OPTION 2 Giving Children a Voice: Understanding Forensic Interviews – Presented by: Norma Carmona, Children’s Safe Harbor
This presentation provides an overview of the services offered by Children’s Safe Harbor and the vital role Children’s Advocacy Centers play in responding to child abuse allegations. Participants will learn the purpose of a forensic interview, the principles of the semi-structured narrative process, and how this evidence-based approach helps children provide accurate information in a developmentally appropriate, non-leading, and trauma-informed manner. The presentation will be led by Norma Carmona, Forensic Interview Coordinator, who has 12 years of forensic interviewing experience and has conducted more than 3,850 forensic interviews.
Questions? Contact information@casaofwalkercounty.org