CASA Awareness Day Set for Jan. 22 Across Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (WTOC) - Red shoes will stand out across Georgia later this month, not as a fashion statement, but as a symbol of advocacy for children in foster care.

CASA Awareness Day will be observed Thursday, Jan. 22, with volunteers and supporters statewide wearing red shoes and CASA stickers to draw attention to the work of Court Appointed Special Advocates and the needs of children navigating the foster care system.

The red shoes represent a child’s journey toward a safe and permanent home, inspired by Dorothy’s red slippers in The Wizard of Oz. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for a child’s best interests as cases move through the court system.

“There are thousands of children in foster care in every county in Georgia, and many people are not aware of the critical role CASA volunteers play,” said Laura Brown, a board member with Georgia CASA.

About 15,000 children enter foster care in Georgia each year, but only about half are matched with a CASA volunteer advocate. Organizers hope Awareness Day will increase understanding and encourage more community members to get involved.

Georgia CASA supports 47 affiliate programs serving all 159 counties in the state.

Those interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or participating as an Awareness Ambassador can contact their local CASA program or visit gacasa.org for more information.