Jackson County CASA was founded by the Kansas City chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women to ensure that children in our metropolitan area who have suffered abuse and neglect are given a voice in Court. We have two goals: (1) to secure a safe, permanent home for the child; and, (2) to advocate for appropriate medical, educational, and therapeutic resources while the child is under Court jurisdiction.
CASA’s children have the same hopes and dreams as children who are not in the Family Court system. They want to grow up in a safe home with adults who love them and care for them. These children have come into the care of the state of Missouri because the adults in their lives are not caring for them appropriately. Their parents may struggle with any of a range of problems: poverty, lack of stable housing, untreated mental health issues, even violent or criminal behavior. While they are in the care of the Court, most CASA children live in temporary placement facilities, foster homes, with relatives, or in treatment facilities. It is CASA's job to ensure that their placement is appropriate and that they receive any services they might need while they are in care.
Since 1983, Jackson County CASA has been providing effective guardian ad litem services to these children by recruiting, training, and supporting CASA Volunteer Advocates. Working as a team with our CASA Case Supervisors and CASA Staff Attorneys, our CASA Volunteers help these children navigate the maze of the child welfare and Family Court systems and work toward the goal of every child growing up in a safe, permanent home.
