About
OUR HISTORY
Developed by a Judge for children in need
In 1976, Judge David Soukup of Seattle, WA, observed a recurring problem in his courtroom.
“In criminal and civil cases, even though there were always many different points of view, you walked out of the courthouse at the end of the day and you said, ‘I’ve done my best; I can live with this decision,’” he explains. “But when you’re involved with a child and you’re trying to decide what to do to facilitate that child’s growth into a mature and happy adult, you don’t feel like you have sufficient information to allow you to make the right decision. You can’t walk away and leave them at the courthouse at 4 o’clock. You wonder, Do I really know everything I should? Have I really been told all of the different things? Is this really right?’”
To ensure the best interest of each child was being represented, the Seattle judge came up with an idea that would change America’s judicial procedure and the lives of over a million children. He obtained funding to recruit and train community volunteers to step into courtrooms on behalf of the children: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers.
This unique concept was implemented in Seattle as a pilot program in January 1977. During that first year, the program provided 110 trained CASA volunteers for 498 children in 376 dependency cases. Today, more than 85,000 CASA volunteers make a difference for foster youth nationwide.
OUR HISTORY
25 Years of Advocacy
In 1999, the Junior League of Monroe was made aware of an increase in child abuse and neglect in Northeastern Louisiana and the need to find permanent and safe homes for children in states custody. At the urging of area judges, a steering committee, appointed by the Junior League of Monroe, Louisiana established CASA of the Fourth Judicial District as a private, nonprofit corporation.
Soon after establishing CASA of the Fourth Judicial District, it became apparent that the rural parishes of Northeast Louisiana were also in need of a program to provide advocacy. In August 2002, CASA of the Fourth Judicial District became CASA of Northeast Louisiana (CASA of NELA). This is a large area geographically, encompassing five judicial districts. With a total population of 336,336, according to the 2020 Census Information, this area is almost entirely rural, with its inhabitants sparsely spread over approximately 7,380 square miles.
In 2004, The Center for Children and Families, Inc. was born from the dreams of the former administration and the board of directors of the CASA program. Today, The Center for Children and Families is an umbrella organization for CASA of NELA as well as other programs that are dedicated to the promotion of safe, healthy environments for children and families through advocacy, counseling, education and prevention.
OUR SERVICE AREA
Advocating for youth in NELA
CASA of Northeast Louisiana (NELA) advocates for abused in neglected children
in 5 Judicial District Courts and 11 parishes.
6th Judicial
District Court
East Carroll Parish,
Madison Parish,
Tensas Parish
37th Judicial District Court
Caldwell Parish
4th Judicial District Court
Ouachita Parish,
Morehouse Parish
5th Judicial
District Court
West Carroll Parish,
Richland Parish,
Franklin Parish
3rd Judicial District Court
Union Parish, Lincoln Parish
4th Judicial District Court
Ouachita Parish,
Morehouse Parish
5th Judicial
District Court
West Carroll Parish,
Richland Parish,
Franklin Parish
OUR MISSION
We exist to promote safe, healthy environments through advocacy,
counseling, education, and prevention.
OUR VALUES
Every child deserves a safe home
The stated values of The Center for Children and Families are Community, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Empowerment, and Excellence. These values have been identified over time as the key factors in the long term success of the Center and are not high-minded theory saved for discussions at staff meetings and retreats. We believe that these values are present in every employee of the Center and are the foundation for our philosophy, culture, and practices.
SERVICE
We choose to serve first, embracing our roles as servant leaders in our organization and our community. Service is a force that motivates every member of our organization. We are committed to serving those we lead as well as those we follow. In the spirit of service, we freely give of our time, energy, and resources.
EXCELLENCE
We are committed to pursuing the highest possible standards at every level of the organization. We strive to become the benchmark through innovation and initiative. We are committed to putting forth our personal and professional best.
TEAMWORK
We work as a team, achieving more collectively than individually. We are a cohesive unit setting aside our personal agendas and working toward our shared mission. We are committed to creating synergy by encouraging each other and working collaboratively.
“CASA volunteers play a unique role on behalf of some of our most vulnerable children. Their commitment, vigilance and persistence offer hope where there has been little.”
MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN
Founder of the Children's Defense Fund