BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocates and Child Advocacy Centers Louisiana are partnering to create a new statewide umbrella association called LouisianaChildren.org. This new umbrella association will allow the two associations to more efficiently serve their 33 member programs, which are located in all 64 parishes in Louisiana.

The mission of LouisianaChildern.org focuses on community supported solutions that rebuild hope and promise for Louisiana’s children and families.

Executive Director Dr. John Wyble said, “LouisianaChildren.org offers every Louisiana citizen an opportunity to get involved in supporting vulnerable families in their community. Whether it be through volunteering with CASA or attending a CAC training, there are opportunities at all levels for Louisianians to speak up for children.”

As the nonprofit umbrella agency for the CASA and CAC associations, the newly created group will increase efficiencies thus allowing more resources to support community CAC and CASA programs that provide direct service and advocacy for children.

“Our programs serve over 9,000 children every year and reach over 25,000 families and professionals,” Wyble stated. “We believe our collective voice can make a difference for these children and for generations of Louisiana children to come. Our goal is that every child in Louisiana has the opportunity to thrive, and our belief is the best way to achieve that goal is through community programs and involvement of individual citizens.”

CASA volunteers help secure safe, permanent homes for children in foster care. They provide a consistent and compassionate presence in the lives of children who have been abused and neglected. Appointed by the court, CASA volunteers are trained to speak-up for the best interest of a child from their own community. A CASA volunteer is often the only constant for a child who may be shuffled through several schools and foster homes in a year.

CAC provide a comfortable, child-friendly environment for children who have been abused to receive services. A multi-disciplinary team, including law-enforcement and forensic interviewers, works together to investigate, treat and prosecute child abuse cases. By coordinating multiple agencies and professionals in one place, further trauma to the child is reduced.

To learn more about how you can get involved or support a local program in your community visit www.louisianachildren.org or call 1-888-567-2272.