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Thursday was an evening of recognition highlighting the great efforts and impact members in the community have had through CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline’s mission to be a voice for abused and neglected children.

The 15th Annual CASA Kids Benefit Banquet was held at the Opelousas Civic Center on Thursday as the non-profit organization’s major fundraiser. The event highlights the accomplishments of CASA volunteers and recognizes those community members that have stepped up to make a difference for children in the foster care system.

Executive Director of Louisiana CASA, Amanda Moody, was the guest speaker of the evening. She spoke of the importance in the need for more volunteers across the state as Louisiana has officially gained 100% statewide coverage for all 42 judicial districts.

As she delivered the stats of CASA volunteers’ impact on children who are in the foster care system, she emphasized the value that volunteers have on positive outcomes for children in the system.

“Together, we remain committed to ensuring every abused and neglected child in Louisiana has the care, support, and advocacy they deserve.” Amanda Moody.

Youth who transition out of foster care without a permanent family are at greater risk of experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and entanglement with the criminal justice system, studies have found. The stats have also shown a decline in CASA volunteers in comparison to pre-pandemic numbers.

The Role of a CASA Volunteer

While there are many ways to help prevent child abuse and neglect, becoming a CASA volunteer is an important aspect in ensuring more positive outcomes.

Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers who advocate directly for a child in foster care and their family. By giving children and families a better chance at a happy future, CASA volunteers help break the cycle for future generations.

What does it take to be a CASA volunteer?

Moody expressed a heartfelt message that, while it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why there aren’t as many community members stepping up to become volunteers today, one factor that may be to blame is the hesitancy in taking on hard things. She went on to explain that the job of a CASA volunteer is not an easy path as it is often hard and heavy, but it is so very needed.

In Louisiana, 3,949 children were served in 2023 through CASA Programs. The number of volunteers that represented those children- 1,404 volunteers in Louisiana, of which 44 of those volunteers were assigned from CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline.

Court Appointed Special Advocates improve the quality of judicial decision making by providing unique, up-to-date information on the status of a child’s home-life and wellbeing that can only come from a one-on-one relationship between a child and a dedicated volunteer. CASA volunteers monitor the child’s case, working with all parties in the courtroom to ensure that every child receives every evaluation, treatment, and service ordered by the judge.

The CASA Kids Benefit Banquet brought in much-needed funds through ticket sales and raffles. Throughout the evening guests were able to purchase tickets for a chance to take home great prizes that were generously donated from local businesses, community leaders, and community organizations.

With over 300 tickets sold the banquet proved to be a great success that will help ensure CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline, Inc. can continue to advocate for abused and neglected children in the system.

Courtney Jennings -Contributing Writer

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  • Courtney Jennings is a contributing writer with St. Landry Now since 2023 covering local events throughout the parish. She also runs the local publication MacaroniKID Acadia-St. Landry, an online publication and weekly e-newsletter on family friendly activities, local events, and community resources for parents.

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