IEPs, Advocacy, and Hope: Protecting Educational Rights for Foster Youth

IEPs, Advocacy, and Hope: Protecting Educational Rights for Foster Youth

Students in foster care often face school instability, interrupted educational services, and the lasting effects of trauma. When special education enters the picture, navigating the educational system can become even more challenging for foster parents, caregivers, CASA volunteers, educators, and school leaders. In this episode of EduVoices: Championing Foster Futures, Dr. Dusty Palmer and Dr. Stephanie Barbre welcome Dr. Bridgett Dolan, founder of Spero Advocacy & Consulting, for an in-depth conversation about protecting the educational rights of foster-connected students. Together, they explore the complex intersection of foster care, special education, trauma, and educational advocacy, discussing practical strategies to ensure students receive the services and supports they deserve.

Building Lifelong Connections: Collaborative Family Engagement in Action

In this episode of EduVoices, we explore the transformative framework of Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) with Frances Lofley, a Texas CASA CFE Coach. CFE represents a significant shift in how systems approach foster care—moving beyond case management toward intentionally identifying, strengthening, and sustaining lifelong relationships for children. At its core, this model is grounded in the belief that every child has a network of connections that can be discovered and cultivated to support long-term belonging and stability. We unpack how CFE works in practice, including its emphasis on collaboration across CASA programs, Child Protective Services, and community partners. The conversation highlights the “4 Cs” framework—Collaborate, Cultivate, Convene, and Connect—and how these principles guide efforts to build meaningful, enduring support systems for youth. This episode also explores how CFE redefines the role of CASA volunteers, shifting from traditional advocacy toward relationship-centered engagement that prioritizes family voice, youth input, and long-term permanency.  Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how connection—not just compliance—can drive better outcomes for foster-connected youth.

Leading a Statewide Movement: Strengthening Advocacy for Foster Youth in Texas

In this episode of EduVoices, we sit down with Vicki Spriggs, CEO of Texas CASA, to explore the evolving landscape of foster care advocacy across Texas. This conversation takes a systems-level view of how children in foster care are supported—and where critical gaps still exist. Vicki Spriggs shares insight into the role Texas CASA plays in aligning efforts across local programs, courts, child welfare agencies, and schools to improve outcomes for foster-connected youth. We examine the challenges of scaling impact across a large and diverse state, the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and the leadership decisions required to balance statewide strategy with local program autonomy. The discussion also highlights emerging innovations in advocacy and what meaningful systems change looks like in practice. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how leadership, policy, and practice intersect to shape the experiences of children in foster care—and what it will take to build stronger, more responsive systems moving forward.

From Volunteer to Statewide Impact: Strengthening CASA Programs Through Grants and Experience

In this episode of EduVoices, we are joined by Brandi Goen, Grants Management Director at Texas CASA and former CASA volunteer, to explore how lived experience and strategic funding come together to strengthen advocacy for children in foster care. Brandi shares her personal journey from serving as a CASA volunteer to supporting programs across Texas at the state level—offering a unique perspective on how direct advocacy shapes broader systems work. This conversation highlights the critical role CASA volunteers play in the lives of children, while also examining how grant funding supports local programs in building capacity, maintaining quality, and expanding impact. We explore how funding decisions align with organizational priorities, how Texas CASA supports local programs through grant management, and how insights from the field inform statewide strategy. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of sustainability, accountability, and ensuring that resources ultimately translate into meaningful outcomes for children and families. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how individual advocacy experiences connect to larger systems of support—and how strategic investment strengthens the overall impact of CASA programs across Texas.

Policy in Action: Shaping the Future of Foster Care in Texas

In this episode of EduVoices, we take a closer look at the policy landscape shaping foster care in Texas with Stephanie Battaglia and Ana O’Quin. Policy decisions have a direct impact on the daily experiences of children in foster care, yet the process behind those decisions is often complex and misunderstood. This conversation breaks down how legislation is developed, how advocacy organizations contribute to policy conversations, and what current priorities mean for youth, families, and educators. We explore the intersection of education and child welfare policy, highlighting areas where alignment is strong—and where gaps continue to create challenges for foster-connected students. Stephanie also shares insight into how data informs decision-making and how individuals can engage in advocacy efforts at the local and state levels. Listeners will leave with a clearer understanding of how policy shapes practice—and how informed engagement can lead to more equitable and effective systems of support.