ABOUT US
Three decades of championing children in Central Louisiana.
Together with our community, we walk beside abused and neglected children on their journey from trauma to healing — one child, one family, one brave step at a time.
The Children's Advocacy Network was founded by a small group of citizens, professionals, and law enforcement leaders who believed Central Louisiana's children deserved a coordinated, child-centered response to abuse and neglect. Three decades later, that conviction still shapes everything we do.
Today, our team includes forensic interviewers, family advocates, licensed therapists, CASA program staff, and hundreds of trained volunteers — all working together so no child has to walk this road alone.
Our values
Safety first
Every interaction is designed around the well-being of the child.
Compassion
We meet each family with warmth, respect, and zero judgment.
Collaboration
We bring the whole community to the table for every child.
Excellence
We use trauma-informed, evidence-based practices in everything we do.
Our history
A journey of healing, growth, and impact.
2023
Care Center opens. Respite room opens.
2020
CAN celebrates its 25th Anniversary. Catahoula and Concordia parishes open office to house the CASA program. Child trafficking task force established.
2019
LaSalle Parish opens office to house the CASA program. CAN receives Angels in Adoption Award.
2018
The CAC receives reaccreditation. Child Trafficking Coordinator position added to the CAC.
2017
Agency rebrands as Children's Advocacy Network to reflect expansion and addition of new programs.
2016
Grant Parish office opens to house the CASA program. Winn Parish office opens to house the CASA program. Rapides Parish Coroner's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner location opens.
2015
Avoyelles Parish office opens to house the CASA program. The CAC is renovated, doubling its size. CASA receives its reaccreditation.
2014
The Forensic Interview Addendum by FBI passes. Vernon Parish MDT is implemented. The Board of Directors implements a 3–5 year strategic plan.
2013
The Safe Haven Act Law passes. Grant Parish MDT is implemented.
2012
The purchase and renovation of the 1751 Jackson Street office is completed.
2011
The CAC receives reaccreditation.
2010
The Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program is established. A $100,000 Central Louisiana Community Foundation Award received.
2009
CASA receives reaccreditation. A $100,000 Foumasa Grant awarded.
1998
The Children's Advocacy Center becomes the first in the state to receive accreditation.
1996
The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is implemented.
1995
The Rapides Children's Advocacy Center is established.
A journey of healing, growth, and impact.
Walk with us.
Whether you give, volunteer, or share our mission — you become part of the network that helps a child heal.
Thank you to our sponsors!
If a child is in danger