Our Purpose
The Missouri CASA Association is the statewide coordinating agency for CASA programs in Missouri. The National CASA Association has over 1,000 member agencies nationwide that train volunteers to speak up for abused, neglected or abandoned children in the court.
Currently, there are 22 CASA programs in Missouri serving 22 of the 45 Judicial Circuits.
Missouri CASA and the 22 local CASA programs in Missouri work cooperatively with the Department of Social Services, the Circuit Courts, and other child service agencies to improve the lives of abused and neglected children in Missouri.
The Missouri CASA Association does not itself provide direct services; we cultivate resources, improve systems and advance public policy to advance the CASA movement in our state.
Our Contribution in Missouri
In 2009 there were approximately 1,200 CASA volunteers in Missouri serving over 2,200 children. While this is a great accomplishment, more CASA volunteers are needed. Last year there were 9,760 children in custody in Missouri, meaning there are 7,560 additional children who need an advocate.
The mission of the Missouri CASA Association, together with its local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for our state's abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.
The Missouri CASA Association provides the support and funding for our 21 local programs and has a focus on expanding CASA programs throughout the state. The Missouri CASA Association is always looking to provide a voice in court for the children of our great state through expansion and improvement of CASA programs in Missouri.