SESSION FULL. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) offers a powerful, interactive glimpse into the struggles of living in poverty. Participants will navigate a simulated month in the life of someone facing daily challenges like housing, transportation, healthcare, and unexpected crises, gaining deeper empathy and understanding of the complex, interconnected issues impoverished families face. This session is ideal for CASA volunteers and staff, providing insights into the realities of the children and families you serve. Walk away with a renewed perspective and tools to foster equity, support, and meaningful change in your community.

Many children in foster care have developmental disabilities that require long-term support, yet navigating Louisiana’s Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) services can be overwhelming for families and advocates. This session will provide an overview of OCDD and the services available to youth with developmental disabilities, including the New Opportunities Waiver (NOW), Children’s Choice Waiver, and other essential supports. Attendees will gain insight into the application process, eligibility criteria, and the types of services families can receive while applying. The session will also focus on the role CASA can play in advocating for continued services after a child exits the foster care system, ensuring they do not lose critical support. Participants will leave with practical tools to help families navigate the system and advocate for long-term stability for children with developmental disabilities.

Discover how to energize your training delivery and captivate your audience with dynamic techniques drawn from professional improvisation! Join Travis Noote of BoomerAng Comedy Theatre as he combines his expertise in improv with the activities from the National CASA pre-service training curriculum to showcase unique methods for engaging trainees. This session will empower you to adopt improvisational skills like active listening, adaptability, and creative problem-solving to foster a more interactive and impactful learning experience. Perfect for trainers and facilitators, this session provides practical tools to keep trainees motivated and engaged while preparing them to advocate for children who have experienced trauma. Don’t just train—transform the way you connect, communicate, and inspire!

When you work or volunteer with children and families, access to support and resources is paramount, yet the navigating and knowing where to turn can be stressful. VIA LINK provides support to the state of Louisiana and strives to help the help-givers. This session will provide you information on supports that VIA LINK provides and how to access them. Services described will include: 988, 211, Teen Crisis Textline, LA Parentline, Prevent Child Abuse LA, resource database, free data dashboards, traumatic loss resources, educational trainings, and more!

CASA volunteers are the heartbeat of the mission to provide stability and a voice for children in foster care. In this session, experts from the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA) will share proven strategies for recruiting and retaining volunteers who are passionate about making a difference. Learn how to attract individuals aligned with CASA’s mission, equip them to effectively advocate for children, and implement strategies to keep them motivated and engaged. Whether you’re looking to grow your volunteer base or strengthen connections with current advocates, this session will provide tools and insights to cultivate a strong, dedicated team committed to supporting vulnerable children.

Join Dr. Tresa Northington, Development Screening Coordinator with the Bureau of Family Health, for an interactive roundtable discussion on assessing developmental needs in young children. This session will provide a space for participants to ask questions about key interactions and observations that can help identify potential developmental concerns in children ages five and younger. Dr. Northington will also share valuable resources to help connect families with services that promote healthy development. Whether you are a CASA volunteer or staff, this discussion will enhance your ability to support children's early growth and well-being.

Be inspired by the remarkable journey of Dawn Cazedessus, a self-made businesswoman who rose from humble beginnings in a trailer park to achieving success in the corporate C-suite. In this motivational keynote address, Dawn shares her deeply personal story of perseverance, faith, and grit, demonstrating that success is attainable for anyone, regardless of where they start in life. Drawing from her own experiences, she introduces her Twelve Stones of Leadership—a powerful framework of principles to navigate challenges, build resilience, and foster integrity. This session will reignite your passion for providing hope and bridging gaps for children in foster care. Dawn’s story is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, mentorship, and believing in possibilities, echoing the impact CASA volunteers can have on the lives of vulnerable children. Leave feeling energized and reminded that every effort you make as a volunteer can help a child overcome the odds and chart their path to success.

Youth in foster care continue to face challenges upon transitioning to independent living. This presentation will discuss how the Managed Care Organization is a resource for transitioning foster care youth through case management, beyond their primary role of providing health care and related benefits.

Discover the power of the new Child Wellbeing Assessment in Optima! This session will provide CASA volunteers and supervisors with a comprehensive overview of this innovative tool, designed to improve advocacy and enhance the overall wellbeing of children in foster care. Attendees will learn how to effectively use the assessment to identify and address the specific needs of the children they serve, ensuring a more targeted and impactful approach to their advocacy efforts. Through detailed explanations, practical demonstrations, and real-world examples, this session will equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to integrate the assessment into their work. Each attendee will also receive a set of guides that underscore the importance of wellbeing assessments and their potential to drive meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable children. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your advocacy to the next level!