Meet Our Team

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

LaFayette E. Young, Jr., DSW joined Children's Voice: CASA, Inc. in September 2024 as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With nearly two decades of dedicated service to championing the well-being of children and families within the foster care system, Dr. Young brings a wealth of expertise to this role. He previously served as the "Training & Inclusion Specialist" with Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), focusing on advancing inclusivity and fostering community engagement.

Dr. Young holds a Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University, specializing in improving reunification outcomes for BIPOC children and families in foster care. He also earned a Master of Social Work degree from the Erikson Institute, focusing on Children & Families and Child Development.

In addition to his leadership at Children's Voice: CASA, Inc., Dr. Young actively collaborates with advocacy organizations to promote racial healing and foster inclusive practices. His commitment to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is reflected in his extensive work with professionals at local, state, and national levels. He is also a dedicated member of the NAACP and the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW).

“Empathy is the thread that weaves together the diverse narratives of human experience in the tapestry of advocacy. Recognizing each individual as a unique and invaluable gift with a rich fabric of lived experiences is essential. When we lose sight of the shared humanity that unites us, we risk succumbing to societal biases perpetuating division. We should strive to embrace the essence of every person, honoring our many diverse roles.”
— Dr. LaFayette E. Young, Jr.

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

Jessica Kinney – Advocacy Coordinator

Jessica Kinney joined Children's Voice CASA, Inc. in October 2024 as our Advocacy Coordinator, bringing a robust background in social services and a deep commitment to supporting children in the foster care system. With extensive experience in community-based treatment and crisis response, she has effectively worked with individuals facing severe mental health challenges and substance misuse. Jessica’s expertise spans supporting youth involved in juvenile drug courts and providing crucial assistance to young adults aging out of foster care.

Combining professional expertise with personal experience, Jessica connects meaningfully with those she serves. Her unwavering passion for advocating on behalf of children drives her commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the support and resources needed to thrive. Beyond her direct work with children and families, Jessica actively engages in community advocacy, raising awareness about the challenges faced by youth in foster care and those affected by substance abuse.

"The best way to predict a child's future is to create it."
– Robert F. Kennedy

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