explore our mission
MISSION
We support, improve, and develop Court Appointed Special Advocates programs and engage in advocacy efforts for children in Missouri who have experienced abuse or neglect.
VISION
We envision providing access to a CASA® volunteer for all Missouri children who have experienced abuse or neglect. To achieve this vision, we work to establish CASA programs that are supported by key stakeholders and sustained by effective staff and well-trained CASA volunteers in all Missouri judicial circuits.
VALUES
Trust, Accountability, Efficiency, Commitment, and Collaboration
Our Purpose
The Missouri CASA Association is the coordinating agency for CASA® programs throughout Missouri. There are currently 24 CASA programs in Missouri serving 28 of the 46 Judicial Circuits. MOCASA, together with its affiliate programs, provides support and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for Missouri children who have experienced abuse or neglect, so they may thrive in safe, permanent homes.
MOCASA and its 24 affiliate CASA programs work in collaboration with the Department of Social Services and local Children's Division agencies, the Circuit Courts, the Juvenile Office, and other child service agencies to improve the lives of these vulnerable children.
MOCASA does not provide direct services, but provides technical assistance, funding, and support for its 24 local programs and is focused on expanding CASA programs throughout the state. If you would like to learn more about starting a CASA program in your area, please contact Leanne Reese, Executive Director or Click Here.
Our Impact
In 2023, CASA programs in Missouri, including over 2,000 volunteers and staff, served over 4,600 children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Volunteer advocates spent over 109,000 hours serving these children. While this is a great accomplishment, more CASA volunteers are needed. Last year, there were more than 12,000 of Missouri’s children in the state’s custody each day, leaving over 7,000 children without a CASA volunteer to provide best-interest advocacy.
Your voice matters. Volunteer.
