CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Volunteers are community volunteers, just like you, who stand up and speak out to help children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Jackson County CASA recruits, trains, and supports these CASA Volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who are in the Jackson County Family Court system until they have a safe and permanent home.

Jackson County children thrive when they have a consistent caring adult in their life to make sure their voices are heard. Discover how your support helps provide a CASA Volunteer for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Guests:

Sarah Ginther, Manager of Guardians ad Litem

Tiana Griffin, Manager of CASA Pro Bono Attorney Program

Invest in a child's life. Change yours.

To Donate to CASA:

https://my.onecause.com/fundraiser/organizations/08a8154c-42cd-4d0e-9690-e63239d3c08e/fundraisers/fundraiser:27ac0fc2-70c3-4b35-8883-dc497745080b

Advocating Justice: The Legal Battle

Welcome to Illuminating Hope, a podcast of Hope House. In the series Advocating Justice: The Legal Battle, we dive into the legal battles that shape the fight for domestic violence survivors. In each episode, we bring you powerful conversations with the legal teams, court advocates, and changemakers working tirelessly to bring justice, protection, and hope to survivors of domestic violence.

From the courtroom to policy changes, from survivor rights to legal strategies, we uncover the critical role the justice system plays in breaking cycles of abuse. Whether you’re a survivor, advocate, or someone passionate about justice, this podcast series will empower and inform you."

Justice isn’t just about the law—it’s about giving survivors a voice, protection, and a future.

Hosts: MaryAnne Metheny, Ilene Shehan and Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

Sherrill L. Rosen is a retired Missouri Circuit Court Commissioner who served with distinction in the 16th Judicial Circuit, based in the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse. With a legal career spanning a decade, Commissioner Rosen was widely respected for her commitment to family law and her tireless advocacy for survivors of domestic violence.

Born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Rosen earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder at just 20 years old. She went on to receive her law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1978.

Rosen began her legal career at Legal Aid of Western Missouri, where she represented survivors of domestic violence. She played a key role in drafting and lobbying for Missouri’s first adult abuse statute, laying the groundwork for stronger protections for abuse victims across the state. She later transitioned to private practice, continuing her focus on family law.

In 1994, she was appointed as a Family Court Commissioner, where she presided over contested family law cases and a truancy court program. Throughout her judicial tenure, she was recognized for her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice. She also served as a guardian ad litem.

Her contributions have been honored by the Kansas City Bar Association and Missouri Lawyers Weekly, reflecting her impact both in the courtroom and in the broader legal community.

Now retired, Commissioner Rosen leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, service, and leadership in Missouri’s family court system.

https://www.kcjc.com/current-news/top-stories/9963-sherrill-rosen-transformer-of-missouri-family-law-retires-after-46-years

Advocating Justice: The Legal Battle

Welcome to Illuminating Hope, a podcast of Hope House. In the series Advocating Justice: The Legal Battle, we dive into the legal battles that shape the fight for domestic violence survivors. In each episode, we bring you powerful conversations with the legal teams, court advocates, and changemakers working tirelessly to bring justice, protection, and hope to survivors of domestic violence.

From the courtroom to policy changes, from survivor rights to legal strategies, we uncover the critical role the justice system plays in breaking cycles of abuse. Whether you’re a survivor, advocate, or someone passionate about justice, this podcast series will empower and inform you."

Justice isn’t just about the law—it’s about giving survivors a voice, protection, and a future.

Hosts: MaryAnne Metheny, Ilene Shehan and Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net

This is Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Attorney and Professor Mary Kay O’Malley—a respected voice in family law and a dedicated educator shaping the future of justice.

In Part 1, Mary Kay gave us a look into her journey through law and education, and how both worlds intersect impact families and communities.

Today, we’re picking right where we left off—diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities in family law, her perspective on systemic change, and the role advocacy plays in creating safer, more supportive environments for children and families.

Advocating Justice: The Legal Battle

Welcome to Illuminating Hope, a podcast of Hope House. In the series Advocating Justice: The Legal Battle, we dive into the legal battles that shape the fight for domestic violence survivors. In each episode, we bring you powerful conversations with the legal teams, court advocates, and changemakers working tirelessly to bring justice, protection, and hope to survivors of domestic violence.

From the courtroom to policy changes, from survivor rights to legal strategies, we uncover the critical role the justice system plays in breaking cycles of abuse. Whether you’re a survivor, advocate, or someone passionate about justice, this podcast series will empower and inform you."

Justice isn’t just about the law—it’s about giving survivors a voice, protection, and a future.

Hosts: MaryAnne Metheny, Ilene Shehan and Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net