Juror Donation Program

Donate your juror per diem and help provide advocacy and support for vulnerable youth in the 19th Judicial District

Make a Difference in the Lives of Abused and Neglected Children

House Bill 905, signed into law, marks a significant step forward for foster youth advocacy. Jurors in the 19th JDC can choose to donate their daily stipend to Capital Area CASA. This program allows jurors in the 19th Judicial District Court (JDC) to donate their per diem to CASA, helping to further the mission of advocating for children during their judicial proceedings. Juror contributions will play a vital role in enhancing the support system for foster youth. By choosing to donate their per diem, jurors can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community’s vulnerable children, helping to provide them with a stable and supportive environment during critical times in their lives.

The Impact of CASA

Capital Area CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is part of a national network dedicated to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the foster care system. Our mission is to ensure that every child has a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. CASA volunteers are specially trained to represent the needs and rights of these children in court, providing a voice for those who need it most. Studies show that children with CASA volunteers are more likely to find safe, permanent homes than those without. They also tend to receive more services and do better in school. In 2023 alone, Capital Area CASA served over 300 children in the Baton Rouge area, ensuring they had a voice in their court proceedings and access to vital resources. Below are our impact statistics from last year.

182

volunteer advocates

332

children served

981

volunteer in-service training hours

new volunteers trained

130

children placed in safe, permanent homes

44,675

miles driven

5,802

volunteer case hours

102

new children assigned a CASA volunteer

Why Your Donation Matters

Every year, thousands of children enter the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. The journey through foster care can be incredibly challenging, and many children lack the consistent, personalized support they need. CASA volunteers fill this gap by providing dedicated, one-on-one advocacy. Your per diem donation enables CASA to continue this important work, changing lives one child at a time. When you donate your juror per diem to CASA, you are directly contributing to the welfare and future of children in foster care. Your support helps in several critical areas:

Volunteer Training

CASA volunteers undergo rigorous training to effectively advocate for the children they serve. This training covers legal procedures, child development, and advocacy techniques. Our volunteers also participate in continuing education trainings through out the year. Your donation helps cover the costs of this essential training, ensuring that each volunteer is well-equipped to make a meaningful difference in a child's life.

Advocate Supervision

Each CASA volunteer is paired with a dedicated staff member from the CASA team who provides continuous support and oversight. This supervision includes assistance with court reports, guidance on case management, and regular check-ins to ensure the volunteer is fully supported in their role. Your donation funds this crucial supervision, enabling volunteers to perform their duties with confidence and competence.

Support Services

In addition to advocacy, CASA offers various activities for the children we serve. These include fun events, arts and crafts, and our annual holiday gift exchange. These events bring joy and a sense of normalcy to the children's lives and helps our volunteers build a relationship with their CASA child. Your donation makes these special events possible, enhancing the overall well-being of the children we serve.

How to Donate Your Juror Per Diem

Donating your juror per diem is a simple and impactful way to support foster children through CASA! When you serve as a juror in the 19th Judicial District Court (JDC), you will receive a daily stipend for your service. At the end of your service, you will be given the option to donate your per diem to Capital Area CASA. By choosing to donate, you are making a direct contribution to the advocacy and services that CASA provides to foster children, ensuring they receive the support and representation they need.

If you have any questions about the donation process, please contact the Clerk of Court office by visiting their website using the button below. You can also reach them by phone at (225) 293-2933.

Baton Rouge 19th Judicial District Clerk of Court

Get Involved Beyond Your Juror Per Diem

If you are inspired by the work we do and want to get more involved, there are several ways to support CASA in Baton Rouge.

Become a Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a direct impact on the lives of foster children.

Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness by sharing information about CASA and the juror donation program with your friends and family.

Additional Donations: Consider making a monetary donation beyond your juror stipend. Every contribution helps us further our mission.

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Hear from Our Volunteers

Debbie S., Volunteer since 2005

"It is extremely rewarding for me to watch a child move through the system and finally find that permanent, safe space. Then to take a step back and realize I helped to make this happen is indescribable. The future is brighter for a child when CASA is on their team. My philosophy has been that children are our future and deserve a chance at success and healthy home lives"

Change A Child's Story

You can be the one to change a child's story.

Make a difference for foster youth in East Baton Rouge, get involved.

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