What is CASA?

Casa is a public not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are under the protection of family court.

Why is this important to our community?

On average, there are more than 300 children involved in the family court system because of abuse or neglect in any given year. These children will someday become workers, tax payers, and citizens. Data collected from studies conducted to determine the effects of children who are not raised in permanent, safe homes has consistently shown that they are less likely to become happy, productive results.

How did CASA get started?

In 1976, Superior Court Judge David Soukup of Seattle, Washington noted a recurring problem in his courtroom: he felt that, when trying to decide on what to do that would be in the best interest of children, there was often insufficient information available to him to determine what the best course of action was. To ensure that he was getting all of the facts needed to make these decisions, he formed a non-profit group of volunteers to help represent the children in court. The group was so successful that other family court systems implemented their own chapters, resulting in the eventual development of a national organization with chapters located throughout the United States.

What can I do to help?

Volunteer to serve as an advocate, board or committee member, or office assistant

Tell you friends, family, and co-workers about CASA of the Heartland

Assist with fundraising and public awareness activities

How is CASA of the Heartland funded?

CASA of the Heartland receives no financial support from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and instead is fully funded by corporate and private donations.