2026 Advocate of the Year: James Barse

Each year, Louisiana CASA proudly recognizes the outstanding individuals and programs that go above and beyond in their commitment to advocating for children in foster care. The Awards of Excellence honor those who exemplify the heart of CASA’s mission; to ensure every child has a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.

These awards celebrate the passion, dedication, and impact of CASA volunteers, staff, board members, and partners across the state. From courtroom advocacy to organizational leadership, these honorees reflect the best of what CASA stands for: hope, compassion, and unwavering support for Louisiana’s most vulnerable children.

Advocate of the Year, James Barse

For more than 15 years, James Barse has been a dedicated advocate for children in foster care through CASA Jefferson. Since first becoming a CASA volunteer in 2010, he has served on eight different cases, consistently bringing compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to every child entrusted to his care.

“Mr. Barse embodies the very best of what it means to be a CASA advocate,” wrote Wendy Magee, Executive Director of CASA Jefferson. “His service is marked by compassion, perseverance, humility, and an extraordinary commitment to children who often have no one else.”

A commercial real estate agent by profession, James has continually made time to serve children in foster care despite the demands of his career. After taking a brief break from advocacy, he returned to CASA Jefferson in 2024 with the same passion and dedication that defined his years of service.

One of James’s most impactful cases involved a medically fragile child who spent more than two years hospitalized while awaiting an appropriate foster placement. The child was nonverbal, unable to walk, and completely dependent on others for care. Throughout the case, James remained a steadfast presence, visiting weekly, checking in regularly, and ensuring the child’s needs were consistently addressed.

“For more than a year, he was the only consistent visitor this child received,” Magee shared.

His dedication left a lasting impression not only on the child but also on the medical team who cared for him. Following the child’s passing, the hospital’s Manager of Social Services personally reached out to commend James, describing his commitment and advocacy as “second to none.”

The hospital noted that James advocated tirelessly for the child while also providing comfort and encouragement to the staff caring for him. Even after the child’s death, he continued to offer support, reaching out to the medical team and attending the funeral. One particularly meaningful gesture was a letter he wrote to the hospital staff as if it were from the child himself, an act of kindness and humanity that deeply touched those who received it.

Debbie Mack, Advocate Coordinator at CASA Jefferson, described James as someone whose dedication is evident in every aspect of his advocacy.

“Mr. Barse displays a level of dedication that I have rarely seen in CASA Advocates,” she wrote. “He has a heart of gold to serve and is an absolute pleasure to work with.”

She noted that James faithfully visits every child assigned to him, submits thorough and timely court reports, and provides testimony that helps judges and stakeholders truly understand each child’s story.

“He paints a picture that all can see—the child’s story—who may only know them by name,” Mack shared.

Beyond his direct advocacy, James is also deeply committed to strengthening CASA Jefferson as an organization. He regularly speaks to new volunteer classes, sharing lessons from his own experience and encouraging others to embrace the responsibility and privilege of serving children in foster care. He emphasizes the importance of building meaningful relationships with children and stakeholders while carefully documenting each step taken to address a child’s needs.

Mack also praised his willingness to go beyond expectations, noting that he is “always in search of new resources” and continuously brings evidence-based tools and best practices to support positive outcomes for children.

Describing him as “a humble, gentle, yet fierce advocate,” she highlighted his role in helping create safe, permanent families for children who need them most.

For his extraordinary commitment, steadfast presence, and compassionate advocacy, Louisiana CASA is proud to recognize James Barse of CASA Jefferson as the 2026 Advocate of the Year. His service reminds us that sometimes the most powerful gift we can offer a child is simply showing up and continuing to show up, no matter what.