Child Welfare Advocates aim to recruit 2000 volunteers for CASA program

During a recent meeting of the Louisiana Legislature's Appropriations Committee, discussions centered on the pressing need for volunteers in the child welfare system, particularly through the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. With approximately 4,000 children currently in need of care, the ideal scenario would involve a one-to-one volunteer-to-child ratio. However, achieving this goal is challenging due to societal factors and the busy lives of potential volunteers.

The committee learned that while a target of 4,000 volunteers would be optimal, a stable pool of 2,000 volunteers would significantly enhance the program's effectiveness. This increase would allow for better support for children in the welfare system, as even a two-to-one ratio of volunteers to children would be an improvement over the current situation.

The conversation also highlighted the financial implications of increasing volunteer numbers. Each volunteer requires supervision from advocate supervisors, who manage a caseload of about 30 cases. As the volunteer base grows, so too does the need for additional staff to oversee these volunteers. This necessitates careful budgeting and planning to ensure that the program can maintain its quality and effectiveness.

Furthermore, the committee explored the funding structure of the CASA program. While the program receives budget allocations, it also relies on external contributions and grants to sustain its operations. This dual funding approach is crucial for maintaining the necessary resources to support both volunteers and the children they serve.

In summary, the meeting underscored the critical need for more volunteers in Louisiana's child welfare system and the associated budgetary considerations. As the state looks to enhance its support for vulnerable children, the discussions will likely inform future funding decisions and volunteer recruitment strategies.