The first Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program was established in 1977 and has since expanded nationwide. Louisiana has benefited from CASA advocacy for nearly 40 years, with the state association providing support to local programs for the past 31 years. CASA programs recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who advocate for children in Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases, ensuring they find safe, stable, and permanent homes.
Under Louisiana law, CASA volunteers undergo thorough screening and training before being appointed by the court to advocate for a child. Once appointed, CASAs have access to relevant case records, including court documents, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) files, and educational and provider records. CASA volunteers are responsible for gathering information, monitoring the child’s well-being, and reporting their observations to the court. CASA makes permanency and other recommendations to inform a judge’s best interest determination.
SPEAKERS
Amanda Moody, MBA, Executive Director, Louisiana CASA Association
- Amanda Moody serves as the Executive Director of the Louisiana CASA Association, leading efforts to strengthen and expand advocacy for children in foster care. With a Master’s in Business Administration and a background in organizational management, she brings strategic leadership and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children involved in the child welfare system. Under her leadership, Louisiana CASA has expanded its reach, strengthened program effectiveness, and enhanced advocacy efforts statewide. In addition to her role at Louisiana CASA, Amanda serves on several state level committees focused on child welfare policy and reform, including the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board, the Governor’s Human Trafficking Prevention Commission Advisory Board, and the Children’s Justice Act Task Force. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, Amanda is dedicated to ensuring that every child in foster care has a strong voice in the courtroom and beyond.
Stephanie Breeden, MSW, LMSW, Director of Member Services, Louisiana CASA Association
- Stephanie Breeden has been involved with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program since 2006, holding various roles at Child Advocacy Services CASA. She earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University and her Master’s from Louisiana State University. As an Advocate Supervisor, Stephanie ensured foster children’s voices were heard in Court and mentored colleagues for over 10 years as a Lead Advocate Supervisor. She also led fundraising efforts, built leadership committees, and assisted in the initiation of her local My CommUNITY Cares. Stephanie won the Louisiana CASA Staff Member of the Year award in 2010. In 2019, she became a CASA Recruiter where she gave countless interviews to media outlets, and in 2023, she joined Louisiana CASA as Director of Member Services where she provides training and technical assistance to local programs throughout the state. Stephanie is level 1 trauma-informed certified by the Attachment and Trauma Network and an educator of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the Louisiana laws related to the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program.
- Understand how CASA volunteers utilize the core model to make recommendations regarding the best interest of the child.
