Georgia Senate Bill SR605

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/24
• Enrolled: 2/15/24
• Passed: 2/15/24

Caption

CASA Day; recognize February 15, 2024

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the importance of CASA volunteers, who are appointed by juvenile court judges, in ensuring that children in foster care receive the attention and support they need during tumultuous times. These advocates work to create connections between children, foster parents, case managers, and legal entities, which helps to ensure that children's needs are met and that they are given opportunities for stability and permanency. The recognition of CASA Day serves not only to honor these volunteers but also to raise awareness about the foster care system and the challenges faced by children within it.

Summary

Senate Resolution 605 (SR605) honors the Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (Georgia CASA) and designates February 15, 2024, as CASA Day at the state capitol. This resolution acknowledges the critical role that CASA volunteers play in the lives of children in foster care across Georgia. Since the establishment of the CASA program in Georgia, volunteers have provided advocacy for thousands of children who find themselves in the state's legal custody due to abuse or neglect. In the past year alone, over 2,500 volunteers advocated for more than 8,600 children, illustrating the extensive reach and impact of this program.

Contention

While the resolution seeks to celebrate the advocacy efforts of CASA, the context within which it operates highlights ongoing discussions about the state of child welfare and welfare resources. Resolutions like SR605 can initiate conversations regarding the need for more community involvement, funding, and policy improvements related to fostering children. The resolution is an important step in promoting greater awareness and potentially mobilizing support for enhancing services within the child welfare system.