Our Advocates

Our CASA Volunteers are the heart and soul of Children's Voice: CASA, Inc. We simply couldn’t fulfill our mission without these extraordinary individuals. The dedication, time, and care they invest in the lives of children experiencing foster care create lasting impacts that ripple far beyond what we can even imagine. We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and loving home.

See Our Program for more information.

Dr. LaFayette E. Young, Jr., Chief Executive Officer

Dr. LaFayette E. Young, Jr. is a visionary leader and advocate committed to transforming systems that impact children and families navigating the foster care system. As Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Voice: CASA, Inc., he leads with purpose, accountability, and an unwavering focus on ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience safety, stability, and permanency.

Dr. Young envisions transformative, systemic change that not only addresses immediate needs but creates sustainable pathways for long-term success. His leadership prioritizes robust, child-centered advocacy, especially for youth and young adults ages 14–21, ensuring they are equipped with the support, resources, and guidance necessary to achieve optimal permanency outcomes and thrive as independent adults.

Grounded in evidence-based theoretical perspectives, including ecological systems theory, trauma-informed advocacy, and conflict theory. Dr. Young approaches his work with a deep understanding of the complex systems that shape the lives of children and families. His leadership is intentional, analytical, and rooted in practices that recognize both individual experiences and systemic barriers, ensuring advocacy that is both compassionate and transformative.

At the core of his leadership is a simple but powerful belief:
We are for the children. We are for the family.

Through this lens, Dr. Young continues to advance a model of advocacy that promotes permanency, stability, and well-being for all children and families, ensuring their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their futures are protected.

Urie Bronfenbrenner

“Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her.”

Randy Duke, Advocacy Coordinator

Randy Duke – Advocacy Coordinator

Randy Duke has served as the Advocacy Coordinator at Children’s Voice CASA since 2016. With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and over twenty years of direct experience in child welfare and advocacy, Randy is dedicated to ensuring that every child in foster care has a strong, supportive voice. His work has empowered and mentored more than 100 CASAs, directly contributing to impactful advocacy for hundreds of children.

Randy’s career is marked by a deep commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children. Prior to joining our team, he excelled as Senior Program Coordinator at CASA of Los Angeles, where he guided volunteers through every phase of advocacy and played a pivotal role in resource development. Earlier in his career, Randy served as both a Supervising Children’s Social Worker and a Children’s Social Worker with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, further honing his expertise in child welfare.

A decorated U.S. Army Captain, Randy brings leadership, analytical acumen, and strong interpersonal skills to his role, consistently demonstrating a passion for child engagement and systemic change. In addition to his extensive professional background, he holds teaching credentials in psychology and business management and is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programmer. His forward-thinking approach is evident in his innovative use of digital technology, including the development of AI chatbot applications, educational videos, and entitlement advocacy initiatives targeted at youth aged 14 and older.

Randy’s unwavering dedication to enhancing advocacy practices is driven by his passion for making a lasting difference in the lives of children in foster care. When he isn’t working, Randy and his wife share their home with a spirited group of aging Ragdolls and energetic young rescues, reflecting his nurturing spirit both professionally and personally.

Jessica Kinney, Advocacy Coordinator

Advocacy Coordinator

Richard Hammond, Community Engagement Advocacy Coordinator

Richard Hammond – Community Engagement Advocacy Coordinator

Richard Hammond serves as the Community Engagement Advocacy Coordinator at Children’s Voice CASA, Inc. With over seven years of experience supporting family-based resource programs, he is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through advocacy, education, and outreach initiatives. Richard’s personal journey as a foster parent—combined with his extensive background as a youth leader, mentor, and advocate—has given him a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by children and families in the foster care system. His work is driven by a steadfast belief in the transformative power of community, and he lives by the three C’s of advocacy: Connect, Communicate, and Collaborate. In his role, Richard focuses on the recruitment and retention of CASA advocates, working closely with diverse stakeholders to address community needs, amplify underrepresented voices, and drive meaningful change. His passion for fostering inclusive environments, building sustainable relationships, and creating opportunities for collaboration is evident in every initiative he undertakes. Richard’s unwavering dedication to community service and his relentless pursuit of positive impact are at the heart of everything he does. He is committed to ensuring that individuals and families have access to the tools and resources necessary for growth and success.

"A child's voice however honest and true is meaningless to those who've forgotten to listen." — Albus Dumbledore