SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Commends the Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate programs and volunteers and designates May 27, 2026, as CASA Day at the Capitol

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kathy Edmonston

Louisiana designates May 27, 2026 as CASA Day at the Capitol to recognize and honor CASA programs and volunteers for advocating for abused and neglected children.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.

Summary of HR 323 (2026 Session, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

The bill is a House Resolution that formally commends Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and volunteers.

It designates a specific day, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as CASA Day at the Capitol.

It also honors two individuals: James Barse (Volunteer Advocate of the Year, CASA Jefferson) and Ja'Nika Stanley (Heart of Advocacy Award, Capital Area CASA).

Key Provisions and Changes

Recognition of CASA programs and volunteers statewide for their work advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Acknowledgment of CASA volunteers as trained community members appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children involved in the child welfare system.

Formal designation of May 27, 2026, as CASA Day at the Capitol to raise awareness and celebrate CASA contributions.

Specific honors:

James Barse ( CASA Jefferson): Volunteer Advocate of the Year.
Ja'Nika Stanley ( Capital Area CASA): Heart of Advocacy Award.

The resolution expresses gratitude and encouragement for ongoing support of CASA efforts in Louisiana.

Who and What is Affected

CASA organizations and volunteers across Louisiana receive formal commendation.

The recognition extends to:

CASA programs operating in Louisiana (in cooperation with the National CASA/GAL Association for Children).
Individual CASA volunteers and a noted former foster youth recipient (Ja'Nika Stanley) acknowledged for advocacy and resilience.

The broader impact targets awareness and support from the Legislature, judiciary, and general public for CASA services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

This is a ceremonial resolution, not substantive or enacted law.

Action timeline noted: the bill was read by title on May 22, 2026.

Effective date: as a resolution, it does not create statutory changes; its operative effect is ceremonial recognition on the designated CASA Day at the Capitol (May 27, 2026).

Additional Context

Reflects Louisiana’s ongoing commitment to child welfare advocacy and the role of CASA volunteers in ensuring safety, well-being, and placement goals for children in the guardianship and welfare system.

The resolution aligns with national CASA objectives and highlights the value of volunteers who support abused and neglected children in court processes.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to typical CASA recognition provisions in other states or provide talking points for stakeholders supporting CASA programs.