WHO WE ARE

Our History

OUR HISTORY

In 1976, Seattle Superior Court Judge David Soukup was concerned about making a decision on behalf of a 3-year-old child who had experienced abuse. He conceived the idea of appointing community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children, who experienced abuse or neglect, in court. He made a request for volunteers; 50 citizens responded, and that was the start of the CASA movement.

CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties was locally founded in 1985, with major support from the National Council of Jewish Women. Annually we serve over 400 of the children who move through Johnson & Wyandotte County court systems as a direct cause of abuse and neglect. We are able to advocate for these children through the dedication and compassion of our CASA volunteers as well as other committed community volunteers.

OUR MISSION

To provide a meaningful voice and connection that instills hope and builds resilience for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

OUR VISION

To create a community where every child who has experienced abuse and neglect is given the opportunity to thrive.

We fulfill our mission by recruiting, training, and supervising community volunteers. Our CASA volunteers are appointed by judges of the juvenile courts in Johnson & Wyandotte Counties to advocate for the best interests of children and youth in the foster care system. Through new advocates we are steps closer to our vision of support 100% of the youth in care.

OUR VALUES

At CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, our work will be guided and informed by our
beliefs and commitment to the following areas:

SAFETY

We prioritize the needs and safety of our children.

SUPPORT

We create an environment where all people are heard and supported.

CONNECTIONS

We believe in the power of providing meaningful connections.

INCLUSIVE & EQUITABLE

We are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

RESPECT

We approach all people with respect, dignity and compassion.

RESOURCES

We empower our volunteers and staff with tools and resources that support our kids to thrive.

COLLABORATION

We value collaboration to effect positive change.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We are dedicated to modeling diversity and inclusion throughout our community.

"CASA volunteers are the eyes and ears of the Court and are an important and essential ingredient to my ability to make the best decision possible for the children who have cases before me. If I could
have a CASA on all my cases, I would.”

- Judge Kathleen Sloan, Johnson County

Our Team