National CASA Convention

The 2015 National CASA/GAL  Annual Convention was held in New Orleans at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel on May 30-June 2, 2015.  This year’s theme –Bold Strategies: Better Outcomes for Children – describes the work of state and local CASA programs around the nation.  Advocates boldly stand up for the abused and neglected children they serve.  Program Directors boldly move the mission and vision forward.  Every supporter who believes these children deserve safety, permanency and well-being, boldly fight for this cause in the courtroom, in the board room, and beyond.

CASA of Plaquemines Parish is one of 949 CASA programs across the country.  Our program operates under the umbrella of the Plaquemines Community CARE Center Foundation.  Julie Olsen is Executive Director of the CARE Center.  Marsha Hopper serves as CASA Program Director and Cheryl Picou, CASA Supervisor.   Plaquemines CASA serves the 25th Judicial District Court, Michael Clement, Judge, Juvenile Division.

Both Ms. Hopper and Ms. Picou attended the National Convention along with volunteer advocates, Joanika Leblanc and Theresa Smith.  Workshops ranged from effects of abuse and neglect on infant brain development to helping children who age-out of state care at 18 to find a home or family to help with their transition.

If you would like to volunteer and join the Plaquemines CASA Team to help an abused  or neglected child, please contact Cheryl Picou, cpicou@pcccf.org.