Assemblymember Bonta on Jan. 16 introduced Assembly Concurrent Resolution 26 (ACR 26), which would commemorate Feb. 6, 2025, as CASA Appreciation Day in California and recognized representatives of local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs present in the chamber.

"A CASA volunteer is assigned by a juvenile court judge to a foster child," Assemblymember Bonta said. "Working one-on-one, they get to know that child, become familiar with their families and caregivers, and ultimately provide powerful in-depth recommendations to judges about the child's best interest." He described CASA volunteers as "often the child's strongest advocate."

Bonta told colleagues that the statewide CASA network includes about 500 staff members employed by CASA programs and approximately another 500 local CASA volunteers, and he urged members to consider serving as volunteers.

In the rear of the chamber Bonta asked members to welcome Sharon Lawrence, chief executive officer of the California CASA Association; Connie Wang, California CASA Association; Carol Noreen, executive director of Sacramento CASA; and Kelly Donato, associate director for Sacramento CASA. Representatives from Sacramento, Placer and Yolo CASA programs were also in the gallery.

Why it matters: CASA volunteers are community-appointed advocates who provide case-specific recommendations to juvenile court judges. Resolutions recognizing CASA programs raise public awareness about volunteer needs but do not change court processes or legal standards.

No final vote on ACR 26 is recorded in the Jan. 16 transcript excerpt.