In a significant display of support for Louisiana's most vulnerable children, the state legislature recognized CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) during a meeting on April 14, 2025. Amanda Moody, the state director for CASA, highlighted the organization's recent achievements and the critical role of legislative funding in their mission.

Moody reported that CASA has successfully expanded its services to cover all 43 judicial districts in Louisiana, making it only the third nonprofit CASA organization in the nation to achieve this level of geographical coverage. This expansion was made possible through the legislature's ongoing investment, which has allowed CASA to serve 1,799 new children entering the child welfare system over the past year.

The meeting underscored the importance of volunteer support, with CASA recruiting 319 new volunteers—more than in any post-pandemic year since 2020. These volunteers are essential to CASA's operations, advocating for safe and permanent homes for children in foster care. In 2024 alone, CASA closed 1,861 cases, resulting in 881 children being reunited with their biological families and 384 finding permanent adoptive homes.

Moody expressed gratitude for the legislature's support and urged continued investment in CASA's mission, emphasizing the ongoing need for resources to assist children in crisis. The meeting not only celebrated CASA's accomplishments but also reinforced the commitment of Louisiana lawmakers to support initiatives that protect and uplift the state's most vulnerable populations.