New CASA Program Launches in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle, Secures Key Funding to Serve Children in Need

A new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program has officially been established in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle region, marking a significant step forward in supporting children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The program will begin serving children this spring, following the training of its first cohort of volunteer advocates.

The newly formed program has already secured critical early funding to support its launch and operations. This includes a $5,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care – Starkville, as well as a growth grant exceeding $135,000 from National CASA/GAL Association for Children. These investments will help ensure the program has the resources needed to recruit, train, and support volunteers as they begin advocating for children in the local youth court systems.

Oktibbeha County Court Judge Lee Ann S. Turner said she is excited that The CASA of the Golden Triangle is starting.  “We have been working on starting a local CASA since the spring of 2023, and I cannot wait to have CASA volunteers working with our children.”

CASA programs empower trained community volunteers to serve as the voice of children in foster care. Each CASA volunteer completes approximately 30 hours of specialized training before being sworn in as an officer of the court. Once appointed by a judge, volunteers work closely with children, families, and professionals involved in the case to provide informed, independent recommendations that prioritize the child’s best interests.

Research consistently demonstrates that children paired with CASA volunteers experience significantly better outcomes. Children with a CASA advocate have fewer foster care placements, receive more services and resources, and are about 50% less likely to re-enter the foster care system. They are also more likely to succeed in school—passing their classes, avoiding expulsion, and demonstrating improved behavior—and report higher levels of hope and overall well-being. In addition, families connected with CASA programs are more likely to receive services that support stable housing and successful reunification.

CASA volunteers typically spend 12–15 hours per month advocating for the children they serve, often building consistent, supportive relationships that are critical to a child’s stability and long-term success. By helping to reduce placement disruptions—which are linked to negative developmental, behavioral, and academic outcomes—CASA programs play a vital role in improving the trajectory of children’s lives.

“We are excited to bring CASA services to the Golden Triangle community,” said Carolyn Poston, Interim Executive Director. “This program represents a powerful opportunity for local volunteers to make a lasting difference in the lives of children who need a consistent, caring adult advocating just for them.”

The Golden Triangle program is currently training its first group of volunteer advocates and anticipates beginning case assignments in April 2026. Community members interested in volunteering or supporting the program are encouraged to get involved as the program grows.

For more information about the CASA program in the Golden Triangle area, please contact: