Every year thousands of children in Louisiana enter the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs located throughout the state of Louisiana train community volunteers to speak for the best interests of our abused and neglected children in court. Merkle “Skipper” Kornegay, a child advocate with CASA of Terrebonne, was recently chosen as Louisiana CASA’s Child Advocate of the Year because of his devotion to the children he serves. Kornegay, a business man, husband and grandfather and his wife have been child advocates since 2006. Since that time, he has advocated for the needs of seven children. He was honored at a special ceremony during the Together We Can Conference, held in early October.

Older youth in foster care, especially those who “age out” of care, typically at age 18, face significant challenges and Kornegay recognizes this. Though his advocacy is not limited to older youth, he has spent a substantial amount of time dealing with issues that plague them – multiple foster care placements; self destructive behavior; and lack of consistent support. In fact, Kornegay remains in contact with an older youth for which he advocated, though the youth “aged out” several years ago.

Kornegay’s desire to help vulnerable children draws awareness to another need – the need for more male child advocates. CASA and Kornegay recognize that young males need strong male role models. Kornegay’s CASA supervisor, Keisha Neville, touts this as one of his special talents. She states that “the way he communicates with his male children is quite astonishing” and that he “always finds a way to encourage” them. She goes on to say that “there is something to be said about a male’s presence – a male’s voice has the ability to change and empower the life of a child.”

Kornegay devotes his time, effort and expertise to the mission of CASA in other ways, as well. He sits on CASA of Terrebonne’s Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee and represents CASA at public speaking engagements.

Picture of Skipper's Award: