In advocating for an abused or neglected child, casa volunteers give that child a voice-and a chance for a better life.

Upon finishing the application and training process, the CASA volunteer in formally sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate by the Lead Judge in the Louisiana 17th Judicial District Court.  The volunteer is then assigned to their case and is also assigned a CASA Staff member as a mentor.  The CASA is expected to report information about the child and family to the presiding Judge once every 6 months so that the Judge may determine what decisions He should make that would be best for the child.  The CASA has legal access to visit with the child, request medical and educational records for the child and, meet with any adults in the child's life and attend all of the child's court hearings.  Based on the information that the CASA volunteer gathers, the CASA volunteer recommends to the Judge what decision would best provide a safe, permanent home for the child.  

CASA volunteers fulfill society's most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child's right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family.

With a CASA volunteer, a child is half as likely to languish in the foster care system, and that much more likely to find a safe, permanent home.