About CASA 16th JDC

A Louisiana CASA child advocacy program

who we are

Who we are and why we serve

CASA of the 16th JDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in New Iberia that recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to stand up for children in foster care within the 16th Judicial District.


Since 2008, CASA 16th JDC has focused on one clear mission: equip local advocates to present a child’s needs and best interests to the court so decisions are informed, timely, and rooted in each child’s life. You will find our volunteers meeting with schools, visiting foster homes, and speaking with caregivers in St. Martin, Iberia, St. Mary Parishes, and surrounding areas.

our mission

Our mission and history in the 16th Judicial District

CASA began when a judge asked trained community members to provide consistent input about children’s lives. Locally, CASA of the 16th JDC launched in 2008 to serve Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parishes.


The program has grown with the help of staff supervisors, board leadership, and a network of trained volunteers who believe every child should have a voice in court. CASA 16th JDC is connected to the Louisiana CASA Association and the National CASA network, linking local advocacy in New Iberia to shared standards and training across the country.


For a high-level program overview, you can learn how CASA works.

Smiling child with dark hair, missing a front tooth, in front of a tree.
Adult hand holding a child's hand; hands are close together, possibly walking outside.
Girl with curly brown hair, smiling widely, wearing a denim shirt and pink cardigan.
Our Impact

By the Numbers and in Real Lives

Over more than 15 years, CASA 16th JDC has advocated for nearly 5,000 children across Iberia Parish and neighboring communities, helping many reach stable homes through reunification or adoption. Impact shows up in regular school attendance, timely services, thoughtful court recommendations, and a trusted adult who stays with the case from start to finish. Each new volunteer means another child receives focused attention in court, which is why community support and training matter so much here in New Iberia and throughout the district.

Children at a pink table eating fruit in a brightly colored classroom.

school attendance

Group of children jumping in the air on rocks near the ocean, sunny day.

timely services

Child in blue jacket reaches towards large bubbles in a sunny outdoor setting.

attention in court

Group of smiling children, outdoors, making hand gestures.

trusted adult

our team

Office Staff

CASA’s work is led by a small, committed staff and governed by a board of directors drawn from across the region. Staff supervise volunteers, review reports, and coordinate with courts and agencies. Board members provide strategic direction, financial oversight, and community outreach so the program stays strong for the long term.

Woman with glasses smiles; wearing a pink jacket and tan turtleneck.
Halley Romero

Advocate Supervisor

Woman with brown hair smiling, wearing a blue and white striped top, a necklace, and small earrings.
Taylor Delcambre

Advocate Supervisor

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Amanda Landry

Recruitment Coordinator

Board of Directors

Man wearing glasses, blue suit jacket, smiling at the camera.
David O
Woman with long brown hair smiling, wearing a blue shirt and black blazer.
Shala Walls
Woman wearing glasses and a gray
Leigh McMath
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Brandan Trahan
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Walter Thibodeaux Jr.
Silhouette of a person wearing a suit and tie, head slightly tilted, with stylized hair.
Keith Bowles
Woman with short, graying hair smiles, wearing a blue shirt and hoop earrings.
Steaphanie Brashear
Woman with brown hair and highlights, smiling, wearing a gray sweater.
Meredith Clay
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David Lopez
FAQ

Questions people ask about CASA

  • What does CASA stand for

    Court Appointed Special Advocate. Volunteers are appointed by a judge to focus on a child’s best interests during a foster care case.

  • How is the program funded

    CASA of the 16th JDC relies on grants, individual donations, and community events to recruit, train, and support volunteers.

  • How is CASA different from social workers and attorneys

    A CASA volunteer is a trained community member with a limited caseload who focuses on one child at a time. Social workers manage many cases for the state. Attorneys represent legal interests. The CASA perspective gives judges a fuller picture of a child’s life.

  • How many CASA programs are in Louisiana

    There are multiple local programs across the state. CASA of the 16th JDC serves Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parishes within the 16th Judicial District.

  • How to reach us

    Call or email the team in New Iberia, or stop by the office on East Admiral Doyle Drive during posted hours for assistance or to learn more.