Louisiana House Bill HR62

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/24/17
• Passed: 4/25/17

Caption

Commends the Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and volunteers

Impact

The passage of HR62 serves to raise awareness about the challenges that nearly 14,000 children face in Louisiana due to abuse or neglect, as well as the necessity of strong advocacy on their behalf. By publicly recognizing CASA programs, HR62 may encourage further community involvement and support for these initiatives. It reinforces the importance of volunteerism, particularly in the face of pressing social issues, and aims to galvanize action toward improving the quality of life for these children.

Summary

House Resolution 62, introduced by Representative Barras, commends the Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and their volunteers for their dedicated service to the community. This resolution highlights the vital role that CASA plays in advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Louisiana, with a specific mention of the significant number of children affected each year by abuse and neglect. The resolution emphasizes the commitment of CASA volunteers, who provide essential services that help ensure the safety and welfare of these vulnerable children.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR62 is predominantly positive, celebrating the tireless efforts of CASA volunteers who invest their time and energy in advocating for vulnerable youth. Supporters of the resolution view the recognition as a deserved acknowledgment of the significant impact that CASA has on the lives of at-risk children in the state. This commendation underscores a collective appreciation for volunteer service and the importance of community engagement in addressing social and child welfare issues.

Contention

While the resolution is largely non-controversial, there may still be underlying concerns about the adequacy of resources allocated to child welfare services and whether more systemic changes are needed to support at-risk families. Some may debate the effectiveness of the current child welfare system and whether a more expansive approach is needed to prevent abuse and neglect in the first place, rather than solely focusing on advocacy after such events have occurred.