On January 22, Douglas County CASA joined advocates from across Kansas at the Statehouse in Topeka for CASA Day at the Capitol, and by every measure, the day was a meaningful success.
CASA volunteers, board members, staff, and supporters met with legislators to share the real-world impact of CASA volunteers, who are often the one consistent, trusted presence in a child’s life after abuse or neglect. Beyond sharing stories, the day was about something deeper: showing up in strong numbers, being visible, and building the kind of relationships that lead to real change over time.
Four representatives from Douglas County CASA met with the following lawmakers:
- Mike Amyx
- Barbara Ballard
- Courtney Sappington
- Brooklynne Mosley
- Suzanne Wikle
- Marci Francisco
The conversations were thoughtful, engaged, and encouraging. Several legislators shared personal connections to CASA or firsthand experience with the child welfare system. Others asked detailed questions about how the system works, where gaps exist, and what kinds of policy and funding changes could make a meaningful difference for children and families.
Importantly, multiple lawmakers expressed strong support for ensuring sustained CASA funding remains intact as the Governor’s budget moves through the legislative process. Some went a step further, offering to actively advocate for CASA funding if it is at risk, and to serve as ongoing points of contact for child welfare and CASA-related questions.
The meetings also created space to talk about the bigger picture: the urgent need for prevention and community-based services that support families before they ever enter the child welfare system, and how changes to programs like SNAP ripple through the lives of the families CASA serves.
For Douglas County CASA, the day represented more than a single advocacy event. It was a clear signal that consistent, intentional engagement at the state level matters, and that it’s something CASA programs can and should do every year.
By building relationships now — during and outside the legislative session — CASA is better positioned to advocate for children, influence policy conversations, and pursue funding and systems-level changes in the future. Just as importantly, the experience was energizing and empowering for local programs, helping lay the foundation for continued advocacy across Kansas.
We’re grateful to everyone who showed up, shared their time and voices, and helped make this day a success — and we’re committed to carrying this momentum forward.
Watch the video below for highlights from CASA Day at the Capitol.
