Giving A Voice to Abused &Neglected Children

Jackson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is dedicated to ensuring that children who have experienced abuse or neglect within the metropolitan area have a strong, compassionate voice in Family Court. CASA’s mission centers on two critical goals: first, to secure safe and permanent homes for these vulnerable children, and second, to advocate for their access to appropriate medical, educational, and therapeutic resources throughout their time under court jurisdiction.

Serving More Children Every Year

Currently serving about 50% of all children in care, Jackson County CASA is committed to expanding its reach to serve 100% of children in court custody by the end of 2025. This scaling up reflects a vital response to the increasing number of children affected by abuse, neglect, and parental substance use in Jackson County. In 2023 alone, Family Court served over 2,000 children facing these challenges, with more than half of those cases involving parents struggling with substance use disorders.

A Dedicated Team Advocating For Each Child

Each child supported by CASA benefits from a personalized team of advocates working collaboratively to represent their best interests. This team includes:

• CASA Advocate Supervisors: Experienced full-time staff with deep knowledge of the child welfare system who help navigate community resources.
• CASA Staff Attorneys: Legal experts who specialize in family law and provide representation in court proceedings.
• CASA Volunteer Advocates: Trained volunteers who build trusting relationships with children, understand their unique histories, and monitor their wellbeing.

Together, this multidisciplinary team guides children through the complexities of the court and welfare systems, working tirelessly to find safe, stable homes and ensure children’s holistic needs are met.

Addressing The Impact Of Parental Substance Use

A significant portion of the children CASA serves are affected by parental substance use. Many are involved in cases under the Family Drug Court program—a specialized court designed to support parents in overcoming substance use disorders while aiming to reunify families safely and quickly. CASA’s Family Drug Court Advocacy Program ensures children from drug-affected families receive early intervention and ongoing support, aiming to break cycles of trauma, substance abuse, and violence.

By providing targeted advocacy and resources, CASA helps children build resilient support systems, fostering healthier emotional and social development. This intervention is crucial in preventing future risks such as substance abuse and domestic violence.

The Long-Term Effects Of Abuse & Neglect

The consequences of childhood abuse and neglect can be profound and far-reaching. Research underscores the significant physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges faced by children in the child welfare system. A 2012 study of CASA cases in the Kansas City area revealed that:

• 85% of children aged 4-21 had diagnosed mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder.
• Nearly half required medical care for chronic health conditions or other physical health needs.
• Untreated trauma often results in behavioral issues, school struggles, and increased risk of involvement with the criminal justice system.

Medical experts warn that toxic stress caused by adverse childhood experiences—such as parental substance abuse, neglect, or abuse—can permanently alter brain development and increase risks for lifelong health problems including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders.

Early Intervention Makes A Difference

Jackson County CASA’s early and ongoing intervention plays a critical role in reducing these risks and improving outcomes for children. By supporting family preservation when safe and possible, CASA helps maintain stability in children’s lives. When reunification is not an option, CASA works diligently to ensure children find permanent, nurturing homes where they can heal and thrive.

CASA’s comprehensive approach includes monitoring children’s access to education, healthcare, and therapeutic services, and advocating for their needs during court proceedings and beyond. This holistic support network is vital to breaking cycles of trauma and empowering children to succeed.

A Community-Wide Commitment

Jackson County CASA’s partnership with Family Court and community agencies reflects a collective commitment to protecting vulnerable children and promoting their well-being. The planned expansion to serve all children in court custody by 2025 will enable CASA to reach more families and increase the impact of its advocacy.

By supporting children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and the challenges of parental substance use, CASA contributes to safer communities and a stronger future for Jackson County’s youth.

A Beacon Of Hope

Jackson County CASA stands as a beacon of hope and advocacy for children caught in the child welfare system. With a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers, CASA ensures that every child’s voice is heard in court and that their needs are met with compassion and expertise. Through its expanding services and focused interventions, CASA strives to secure safe, permanent homes and provide critical resources that nurture resilience, healing, and opportunity for all children in Jackson County.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.