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CASA'S WORK
Every child deserves a voice
Every child deserves a safe, permanent, and loving home, but for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, that goal can feel out of reach. Navigating the foster care system can be a confusing and isolating journey, filled with court hearings, new placements, and uncertainty about the future. This is where CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates—steps in. CASA programs recruit, train, and support dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that a child’s voice is heard and their best interests are represented. These volunteers serve as the one constant adult presence in a child’s life, helping to guide them through the complexities of the child welfare system and advocating for their future.
CASA VOLUNTEERS
Advocates for abused and neglected children
A CASA volunteer is a powerful ally for children in foster care. Appointed by judges, these advocates serve as the voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, ensuring their needs and best interests remain a priority. CASA volunteers dedicate their time, compassion, and skills to making a meaningful difference in a child’s life during one of their most vulnerable moments. In a system that can be overwhelming and confusing, a CASA volunteer is a lifeline—a stable, caring presence that children can depend on as they navigate the uncertainty of foster care.
Court Appointed Special Advocates play a unique role in the child welfare system. CASA volunteers are the only participants in a child’s case who are unpaid and operate independently of external pressures. They focus solely on what is best for the child, dedicating their time to gathering information, attending court hearings, and advocating for necessary services. With just one case at a time, CASA volunteers provide the individualized attention that overburdened caseworkers and attorneys often cannot.
COURT-APPOINTED ADVOCACY
A trusted voice in the judicial system
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is more than a name—it’s a vital role enshrined in Louisiana law. Established under Louisiana Children’s Code Art. 424 in 1991, CASA was created to advocate for the timely placement of children in safe, stable, and loving homes. CASA volunteers are directly appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children in foster care. Backed by rigorous training and professional supervision, these volunteers serve as the court’s eyes and ears, investigating and monitoring cases to ensure no detail is overlooked. Their mission is clear: to advocate for the well-being and safety of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
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In every one of Louisiana’s 42 judicial districts, children have access to a dedicated CASA volunteer. Judges trust CASA volunteers to provide detailed, unbiased insights that help shape life-altering decisions for the children they serve. This court-appointed role is a cornerstone of CASA’s impact, cementing its place as a trusted and legitimate partner in the judicial system.
OUR MODEL
Best-interest advocacy
At the heart of CASA’s mission is our unwavering commitment to advocating for the best interests of children. CASA volunteers are specially appointed by judges to be the voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, ensuring that their needs and safety come first.
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CASA volunteers stay with each case from start to finish, providing a stable presence as children navigate the uncertainty of foster care. They collaborate with legal and child welfare professionals, educators, and service providers to present judges with the most comprehensive insights—ensuring decisions are made with a full understanding of each child’s unique circumstances.
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Guided by the belief that children grow and thrive best within their family of origin whenever it is safe and possible, CASA volunteers advocate tirelessly to help families reunify. While many of the children we serve are in foster care, some remain with or return to their families, supported by services and advocacy to achieve safety and stability. Through this proven model, CASA volunteers help children find safety, stability, and the hope of a brighter future.​
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Learn all you can about the child and their family, life, and home.
OUR MISSION
Advocacy That Changes Lives
For children in foster care, life can feel like a revolving door of uncertainty—moving from home to home, attending new schools, and enduring the emotional weight of court hearings. These children, often the most vulnerable in our communities, are at risk of falling through the cracks in an overburdened system. That’s where CASA steps in. CASA volunteers are more than advocates; they are lifelines. By offering consistent, personalized attention, CASA volunteers provide the stability, support, and hope that every child deserves. They ensure children are seen, heard, and prioritized in a system that can feel overwhelming and impersonal. When a CASA volunteer steps into a child’s life, the difference is profound:
Better decisions for children
CASA volunteers provide judges with comprehensive, unbiased insights that cut through the complexity of foster care cases. These detailed recommendations ensure every decision prioritizes the child’s well-being and future.
Improved access to services
From therapy to educational support and healthcare, CASA volunteers work relentlessly to connect children with life-changing resources, ensuring their unique needs are met and their voices are heard.
Brighter outcomes
Research shows that children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to succeed in school, achieve stability, and find a permanent, loving home.
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Be a voice for children
Every child in foster care deserves someone who will stand up for them—someone who will be their voice in court, fight for their best interests, and help them find a safe, permanent home. As a CASA volunteer, you can be that person. Join us in our mission to advocate for the most vulnerable children in our community and make a lasting impact in their lives. Are you ready to take the first step?
Contact Us
2051 Silverside Drive
Suite 240
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
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225.930.0305
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