CASA Day at the Capitol 2026: Standing UP for Michigan's Children
On April 29, 2026, advocates from across the state gathered at Michigan’s Capitol with one unified goal: ensuring that children in foster care have the support, stability, and voice they deserve. Michigan CASA’s annual CASA Day at the Capitol brought together volunteers, staff, board members, and community leaders to meet with legislators, share the impact of CASA advocacy, and champion increased investment in services for children experiencing abuse and neglect.
Throughout the day, representatives from local CASA programs met directly with lawmakers to discuss the critical role Court Appointed Special Advocates play in the lives of children navigating the foster care system. CASAs are specially trained volunteers appointed by family court judges to advocate for a child’s best interests, offering consistency and compassionate support during some of the most uncertain moments of a child’s life.
This year, Michigan CASA proudly requested an increase in state funding from $2.25 million to $2.5 million to strengthen and expand CASA services statewide. This investment would allow local programs to recruit, train, and support more volunteers so that even more children can have a dedicated advocate standing beside them in court, in school meetings, and throughout their journey toward safety and permanency.
CASA Day at the Capitol served as both an opportunity to celebrate progress and a reminder of the work still ahead. Advocates shared powerful stories of resilience, outcomes driven by CASA involvement, and the growing need for services in communities across Michigan. Their message to lawmakers was clear: every child deserves to be heard, protected, and supported by someone committed to their future.
Beyond direct advocacy for individual children, Michigan CASA continues to work alongside policymakers, child welfare leaders, and community partners to strengthen systems of care and improve outcomes for youth and families statewide. By elevating the voices of children and the volunteers who serve them, Michigan CASA remains committed to building a child welfare system rooted in hope, stability, and opportunity.
As budget conversations continue, we are grateful for the legislators who took time to listen, engage, and stand with Michigan’s children. Continued investment in CASA programs is an investment in brighter futures for children who need caring adults in their corner.
There are many ways to support this mission. Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating in your own community, you can help ensure that children in foster care never face the system alone. Together, we can continue creating lasting change—one child, one voice, and one future at a time.