Heart of Missouri CASA

Every year, hundreds of children in Boone and Callaway counties enter foster care because they cannot remain safely at home. They’re grieving the loss of family, friends, pets, and routines while trying to make sense of a complicated system they didn’t choose. Many feel frightened, confused, and very alone—even as they begin to experience some safety and stability.

Heart of Missouri CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) makes sure they don’t face this journey by themselves. We recruit, screen, train, and support volunteers from all walks of life to serve as a consistent, caring presence for children in the Boone and Callaway County Family Courts. After more than 30 hours of training (plus ongoing education and staff support), CASA volunteers get to know each child, gather information from everyone involved, and make independent recommendations to the judge about what is in the child’s best interest—helping ensure they are safe, heard, and not overlooked in the system.

With a trusted CASA volunteer by their side, children are more likely to receive the services they need, experience fewer placement changes, succeed in school, and reach a safe, permanent home. Your support of Heart of Missouri CASA through CoMoGives helps provide more children in foster care with the one thing every child deserves: a stable, trusted adult who will stand up for them and their future.

Give the Gift of Advocacy:

$25 - In one hour a CASA volunteer can show up for a child in a new placement to give them comfort, research available services to help them heal and thrive, or speak up for their best interest in the courtroom. One hour can make a lasting impact in a child's life.

$50 - In one week, a CASA volunteer will spend time with the child to build trust. They will speak to teachers, therapists, and others involved in the child's care to make sure their needs are being met. A CASA will also attend a family support team meeting on the child's behalf, speaking up for what they believe is in the child's best interest.

$125 - In one month a CASA volunteer will visit the child two times, support them in their interests and activities, communicate with people involved in the child's life, and submit a thorough court report for the judge to review so they can make decisions in a child's best interest. One month of advocacy provides the building blocks of consistent care every child should have as they navigate foster care.

If you'd like to give a more substantial gift that is eligible for a 70% tax credit, reach out to Angela@HOMCASA.org to increase your impact.

When you partner with Heart of Missouri CASA, you’re helping create lasting change for children, their families, and everyone touched by the foster care system in Boone and Callaway counties. Your generosity helps make sure children in foster care have what they need and deserve: a dedicated CASA volunteer by their side.