Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers who speak in court for the best interests of a child who has been removed from his or her home due to abuse and/or neglect. These volunteers are ordinary people from all walks of life who step up to assist judges in getting to know the child and their specific case. They care, listen and put the child’s interests before all others. CASA volunteers do not provide legal representation, nor do they replace social workers. They serve as the eyes and ears of the court. Ultimately, they speak for the children they represent when they cannot speak for themselves to help them heal and thrive. In 2020, 63 CASA volunteers in Southwest Louisiana devoted more than 525 hours to serving children, closing 22 cases.

While the work with the children is one-on-one, CASA volunteers do not work alone. Together, with state organizations, the support of Family & Youth and backing from the national CASA Association, volunteers are a powerful voice for children, helping them reach safe, permanent homes and loving families more quickly.