Commends the Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and volunteers and recognizes April 27, 2021, as CASA Day at the state capitol
The resolution highlights the substantial impact of CASA volunteers, whose contributions to the welfare of Louisiana's children are invaluable. The CASA program has provided essential services, ensuring that the voices of children in the foster care system are heard. With nearly 14,000 children experiencing some form of abuse or neglect, the recognition of CASA is a crucial step in raising awareness about these issues and the need for continued support for child advocacy efforts.
House Resolution 22 (HR22), authored by Representative Davis, recognizes April 27, 2021, as CASA Day at the Louisiana State Capitol and commends the work of the Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and its volunteers. This resolution underscores the importance of CASA's role in advocating for the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected. CASA programs in Louisiana, aligned with the National CASA Association, have been operational since 1986 and now serve a significant number of judicial districts across the state, reflecting a robust commitment to child advocacy.
The sentiment surrounding HR22 is overwhelmingly positive, as it aims to honor the dedication of CASA volunteers and raise public awareness about child welfare issues. The resolution garners support from various stakeholders, including legislators, child welfare advocates, and community members, who recognize the necessity of having trained and passionate advocates to represent the interests of vulnerable children.
While the resolution serves to commend the CASA programs, it also subtly highlights the ongoing issues related to child abuse and neglect within the state. Although there may not be prominent points of contention discussed within this specific resolution, it implicitly calls for a dialogue on the effectiveness of current child welfare systems and the need for more resources and support for programs like CASA to address the growing number of children faced with challenging home environments.