ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Albany Mayor Bo Dorough proclaimed Thursday, Jan. 22 as Court Appointed Special Advocates Awareness (CASA) Day to recognize volunteers who advocate for the children currently in Dougherty County’s foster care system.

When children enter foster care, they often face courtrooms and decisions that shape the rest of their lives. For many in Dougherty County, CASA is the organization that trains different voices to help guide them through it all.

Volunteer advocate Cassandra Jordan is a CASA volunteer. She works one-on-one with children who are in the system, advocating for their best interests both in and out of the courtroom.

“Just one look in their eyes, and you’ll know that the investment and time and energy that you spend with a child is worth it,” Jordan said.

Jordan said the most difficult part of her work is making sure she advocates properly for the children’s needs.

“For me, that’s probably the most difficult part is making sure that I am being an advocate and voicing the things that the children really, really need and making those things clear to those who serve them,” Jordan said.

City proclamation highlights growing need

Jordan’s work was recognized Thursday at the Government Center, where city leaders proclaimed January 22, 2026, as Court-appointed Special Advocates Awareness Day in the city of Albany.

The proclamation comes as the need continues to grow. Right now, 278 children are in DFCS custody in Dougherty County. CASA has been able to serve 184 of them. That means there are nearly a hundred children without a designated adult advocate in their corner through CASA.

“We are part of Region 10 for DFCS, and we are the largest county here in Region 10. And we hold the most kids in foster care,” said Charlene Maldonado, executive director of Dougherty County CASA. “So, letting our community know that there is a need for adults that are willing to work with kids, just— It’s important.”

Volunteers needed

Volunteers receive free specialized training and only need to pass a background check and have a passion for children to be eligible.

“We need the community members to come together because these kids are our next generation, and if we’re failing them now, they’re not going to make it in the future for us,” Maldonado said. “So, we, as adults in this adult-centric world, need to come up and step up.”

As the city recognizes CASA Day, advocates hope the message is clear—help is still needed, and one volunteer can help change a child’s future.

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