Court Appointed Special Advocates in Louisiana

CASA of the 16th JDC recruits and supports volunteers who serve as court-appointed advocates for children in foster care across Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parishes. Our mission is simple: give every child a consistent voice in court and a chance at a safe, stable future.

Areas We Serve
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St. Martin
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Iberia
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St. Mary Parishes
About Us

A first look at the heart of our work

CASA 16th JDC is the local program of Court Appointed Special Advocates in Louisiana, based in New Iberia and serving families across Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parishes. Community volunteers stand beside children in foster care so no one gets overlooked in the court process. You will see us meeting with teachers in St. Martinville, checking in with doctors near Bayou Teche, and speaking for a child’s best interests in the 16th Judicial District courthouse. CASA of the 16th JDC exists so every child has a consistent adult voice and a fair chance at a safe, permanent home.

Our Mission

Our mission and impact across the 16th Judicial District

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CASA of the 16th JDC recruits and trains local advocates to present clear, child-focused recommendations to judges. Volunteers collaborate with teachers, physicians, caseworkers, and caregivers so services are not delayed and needs are not forgotten. Since 2008, the program has helped nearly 5,000 children move toward stable homes with the guidance of sworn, court-appointed advocates serving Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary. These results are fueled by thousands of volunteer hours and a community that believes every child’s voice should be heard.

See How We Help
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Volunteer

Change A Child’s Story

Becoming a volunteer child advocate is a hands-on way to help a child in foster care in St. Martin, Iberia, St. Mary Parishes, and nearby communities. After training, a volunteer is appointed to one child or sibling group, visits monthly, talks with everyone involved, and prepares a concise report for the judge. Most advocates give about 8 to 10 hours a month, and no special background is required. Training and ongoing support come from the CASA 16th JDC team, right here in Acadiana.

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"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."

– Booker T. Washington

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Support Children Through Giving

Donations help recruit and train more advocates, cover volunteer resources, and meet urgent needs for children across Iberia Parish and surrounding areas. Many supporters choose monthly giving through Sponsor a Child to sustain advocacy for a full year. If you are a local business near Admiral Doyle Drive or across the Teche corridor looking to invest in kids, event sponsorships are also available throughout the year.

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2008

CASA of the 16th Began

4,334

Children In Care

32

Children Waiting For an Advocate

What We Do

Why CASA matters in New Iberia and beyond

Children served by CASA volunteers experience more consistent attention in court and are more likely to reach safe, permanent homes. CASA of the 16th JDC is part of a statewide and national network focused on child advocacy, with local roots in New Iberia and partners across Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary. To learn who leads the work locally and how the program makes a measurable difference, meet our team and learn about our impact.

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“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”

– Sherry Anderson

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“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

– Elizabeth Andrew

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“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

– Muhammad Ali

FAQ

Answers to common questions

  • What is CASA of the 16th JDC

    CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocates program serving the 16th Judicial District. Trained volunteers are sworn in by a judge to speak for a child’s best interests in court.

  • Who we help

    Children in foster care across Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parishes, from infancy through the teen years, who have experienced abuse or neglect.

  • Ways to get involved

    Volunteer as an advocate if you are 21 or older and able to complete training, or make a donation to fund more advocacy for local children.

  • Where we are located

    CASA of the 16th JDC is at 1101 East Admiral Doyle Drive, Suite 403, New Iberia, LA 70560. The office serves families across the region. For directions or questions, please contact us.