Be the Beacon of Hope in 2024: Support CASA's Mission

Established in 2005, CASA of South Central Missouri in the 25th Judicial Circuit (CASASCMO) initially focused its efforts on serving Phelps County. Since then, our organization has experienced significant growth, extending our reach to encompass all four counties within Missouri's 25th Judicial Circuit (Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas).

A contribution of $108 per month enables CASA to deliver essential advocacy and support for a child in the foster care system. To sustain this level of assistance for an entire year, the cost is $1,296.

The National CASA program was founded in 1977 by Judge David Soukup of Seattle. Court cases involving abuse and neglect include many “players,” including the attorneys for any parent or guardian involved, the Guardian ad Litem, Children’s Division/Division of Social Services, etc. Judge Soukup was concerned that he would not make a sound decision regarding the child’s well-being and permanency because of the multiple streams of information. The result was a trained citizen who could volunteer and advocate on behalf of one child. We now call these individuals Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs).