Atlanta CASA Receives Innovative Program Award of Excellence from Georgia CASA

Atlanta CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) has received the 2026 Innovative Program Award of Excellence from Georgia CASA. The award was officially received at the Georgia CASA Conference in Atlanta on August 22nd.

Established in 1995, Atlanta CASA has long served as a strong advocate for children experiencing abuse or neglect in Fulton County. Today, the affiliate program continues to build upon that legacy through innovative strategies designed to strengthen community engagement, expand volunteer recruitment, and ensure long-term sustainability for CASA advocacy.

At the center of this work is Atlanta CASA’s groundbreaking Junior CASA Academy, a forward-thinking initiative that introduces youth ages 16 to 19 to the child welfare system and the role of CASA advocacy before they reach volunteer age. By engaging young people early, Atlanta CASA is building a pipeline of future advocates while fostering awareness, leadership, and community responsibility among the next generation. This innovative approach expands the CASA program’s reach beyond traditional recruitment methods and creates lasting connections within families, schools, and communities.

Atlanta CASA has also embraced creative approaches to community engagement through initiatives such as Caleb, the CASA mascot, designed to connect children and families to the mission in meaningful and accessible ways. Combined with strong partnerships, intentional volunteer support, and a commitment to equity and inclusion, Atlanta CASA is building a sustainable model for the future of best-interests advocacy for children experiencing foster care. Through its visionary leadership and innovative programming, Atlanta CASA is shaping what comes next for CASA advocacy in Georgia.

Georgia CASA is honored to award Atlanta CASA with the 2026 Innovative Program Award of Excellence.