In Spanish, casa means "home."
In today's family court system, CASA refers to a Court Appointed Special Advocate--a trained community volunteer appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. CASA of Missoula's mission is to provide independent, trained advocates for the best interests of children within the judicial system who are at substantial risk or have experienced abuse or neglect. We provide consistent, long-term advocacy until every child resides in a safe, permanent home.

Today, 68,000 people nationwide are speaking up for these children as Court-Appointed Special Advocates--CASA Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are well-trained community members who are assigned by a District Court Judge to represent the best interests of children whose cases are before the court. CASA volunteers serve as the "eyes and ears" of the judge, gathering relevant information about the child and the family. They interview anyone who might have information about the case; parents, foster parents, relatives, teachers, doctors, and most importantly, the child. They then make recommendations to the judge regarding what is in the child's best interests. A CASA volunteer works to ensure that the child is placed in a safe, permanent, nurturing home as quickly as possible.