Heart of Missouri CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) believes that all children have the right to safe, healthy, stable homes, free from abuse and neglect. A CASA volunteer, serving as a court-appointed advocate, is trained to promote and pursue the best interest of an abuse or neglected child in court, and prevents the child from getting lost in the system by being sensitive to the child’s needs and presenting these needs in court.

The role of the CASA volunteer in a child abuse or neglect case is to examine the circumstances surrounding the case, make an independent evaluation with recommendations regarding actions the CASA believes are in the child’s best interest- both short and long term, and to monitor the case until a permanent placement is achieved. Through these advocacy efforts, CASA is working with the Court to ensure that every child has the best chance at healing and a brighter future.