Revised 2013 Texas CASA Standards

Standards for Local Programs TEXAS CASA standards originated in 2000 Significant revision in 2007 , following a National CASA revision Most recent, minor updates in 2009, 2011  

Why Revise Now? Significant revisions to National CASA Standards Lack of alignment between National CASA and Texas CASA Standards Incongruent with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Inclusion of funder requirements

Format Changes Ten standards to 14 Renumbering to match the 2012 National CASA Standards Inclusion of standards at a glance (see handout)  

Content Changes Addition of Standards: Standard 2: Ethical Conduct Standard 4: Disproportionality Standard 14: Program Development, Implementation and Expansion Separation of National and State Affiliation standards into Standards 12 and 13  

Content Changes Forty-two (42) distinct changes based on National CASA Fifteen (15) distinct changes based on Texas Administrative Code Fifteen (15) changes by Texas CASA (see handout—color coded Standards)

Primary Impact—Nonprofit Administration Training requirements for CASA staff (National CASA) Peer-Coordinator model policies (National CASA and Texas CASA) Case records retention requirements (National CASA) Nepotism (VOCA/CVC requirement) Social media policy (National CASA)  

Primary Impact—Volunteer Management Volunteer transfer and reactivation requirements (National CASA) Monthly Personal contact between volunteers and supervisors (National CASA) Past minimum expectations of service considered as part of case assignment determinations (Texas CASA) Volunteer evaluation at case closure   (National CASA)

Primary Impact—Advocacy for Children Review of stakeholder agreements every 2 years Cultural competency training annually (Texas Administrative Code) Not allowing a child to be in contact with someone who has a criminal history (with exception) (Texas Administrative Code)

Primary Impact—Financial and Risk Management Fidelity bond language (VOCA/CVC requirements) Financial audit to contain a separate CVC/VOCA schedule (funder requirements) Process for handling reserves, investments, endowments (National) Weapons prohibition policy clarification (Texas CASA)  

Primary Impact—Screening Strengthening of screening requirements for volunteers, staff and board members: SSN verification (National CASA) NCIC fingerprint-based check (TAC) Recheck requirement every two years vs. four (TAC) Screening restrictions tied to specific Texas Penal Code violations (TAC) Seven year prior residence check vs. five (National CASA)  

Delay on CPS Registry Checks In October, due to internal restructuring, the responsibilities for completing the CPS registry and Texas criminal records checks changed hands.  Several of our programs have reported CPS registry checks taking more than 30 days.  CPS is hopeful that the checks can return to a speedier pace as they make this transition.  Janae Ford is the contact person if you have specific questions about delayed checks. Email her at Janae.Ford@dfps.state.tx.us

NCIC Background Checks Texas CASA has a funding plan for costs not to exceed $10 per check Background check records can be retained by your program Does this change my recruitment message? all schools, education agencies, HHSC, DFPS, DARS, DSHS, DADS, contractors, anyone who has direct contact with children, even maintenance workers/vending machine workers that go into the schools.  They have been processing these checks on these groups since 2008.

National Crime Information Center(NCIC): What is it? A statewide electronic fingerprint/ background check process that is the most inclusive, stringent check available. The State of Texas will now be requiring all agencies that are covered by the National Child Protection Act(NCPA) to participate.

What Does it Do? It checks: National Criminal Background Social Security Number Texas Criminal Background Texas Public Sex Offender National Public Sex Offender  

What Will I Do? CASA Programs in Texas will continue to conduct these checks: CPS Registry NCIC Background Check  

What is the Benefit? It is the most comprehensive criminal check programs can obtain It includes every check required except the CPS Child Abuse Registry Check The new process provides a wrap back option that notifies programs of any additional activity that occurs after the initial check and can be viewed for $1  

What is the Process? Set up an online account with Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) Set up an account with MorphoTrust (fingerprint check vendor with whom the state has contracted) Schedule fingerprint appointments Turn around time is anywhere between 1 – 3 business days for TDPS to notify program via email of results (see process handout)  

What else do I need to know? I will need to complete 3 training modules with an estimated completion time of 30 to 45 minutes per module You will be able to locate the nearest “fast print” center to your program—or, if you have at least 30 checks to run, ask for the mobile unit. It is possible to run a bad print and need to repeat the process.  

Implementation: Texas CASA is working to secure funding for the NCIC rollout with a goal of no program paying more than $10 for each check run All new volunteers, staff and board members from January 31, 2014 – January 31, 2015 will have the NCIC check All re-checks on volunteers and staff as they come due will be the NCIC check By August of 2016, all programs must have run NCIC checks on all members (see information handout)  

Additional Questions: Regarding the 2013 Texas CASA Standards may be addressed to: Deedra Baker, dbaker@texascasa.org, 512-473-2627, x131 Regarding the NCIC background check process may be addressed to: Maria Campos, mcampos@texascasa.org, 512-473-2627, x137