CASA Day at the Capitol 2026

On May 27, 2026, the Louisiana CASA network gathered at the Louisiana State Capitol for a powerful day of advocacy, recognition, and celebration. CASA staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters from across the state came together to raise awareness for children involved in the foster care system and demonstrate the collective impact of CASA advocacy throughout Louisiana.

Throughout the day, local CASA programs filled the Capitol Rotunda with displays, resources, and information about the work being done in communities across the state. Legislators, Capitol staff, and visitors had the opportunity to connect with local programs, learn more about CASA’s mission, and hear firsthand how trained volunteer advocates help ensure children in foster care have a voice in court and the support they need to thrive.

One of the day's highlights was an official proclamation from the Governor’s Office recognizing May 27th as CASA Day at the Capitol. We were honored to welcome representatives from the Governor’s Office and celebrate this important recognition of CASA’s statewide impact. During the proclamation ceremony, special recognition was also presented to our 2026 Advocate of the Year, James Barse, and our 2026 Heart of Advocacy recipient, Ja'Nika Stanley, for their extraordinary dedication to Louisiana’s children and families.

Louisiana CASA Executive Director, Amanda Moody, receiving CASA Day at the Capitol proclamation.

2026 Heart of Advocacy, Ja'Nika Stanley, presented certificate from the Governor's Office.

2026 Advocate of the Year, James Barse, presented certificate from the Governor's Office.

The celebration continued with a special CASA pinning ceremony recognizing years of service among CASA staff and volunteers across the state. These commemorative pins represent countless hours spent advocating for children, supporting families, and strengthening communities. We extend our sincere thanks to Volunteer Louisiana and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office for providing volunteer service pins and helping us honor the individuals whose commitment makes CASA’s mission possible.

Later in the day, the Louisiana CASA network was recognized during the Louisiana House of Representatives session through a legislative resolution honoring CASA’s statewide impact and the dedication of the advocates, staff, and volunteers who serve children every day. We are grateful to Representative Kathy Edmonston for sponsoring the resolution and for her continued support of child advocacy efforts across Louisiana.

Representative Kathy Edmonston and the CASA network.

Most importantly, CASA Day at the Capitol served as a reminder of the strength of our statewide network. From volunteers advocating for children in courtrooms to staff supporting local programs and community members championing our mission, every person in attendance demonstrated a shared commitment to ensuring children involved in the foster care system have the opportunity to be safe, supported, and heard.

Thank you to the Governor’s Office, the Louisiana Legislature, Volunteer Louisiana, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, our local CASA programs, volunteers, board members, supporters, and everyone who helped make CASA Day at the Capitol 2026 such a meaningful success. Together, we continue to elevate the voices of Louisiana’s children and work toward brighter futures for the children and families we serve.