Jackson County CASA
Pascagoula, Mississippi
Frances Allsup, Executive Director
(228) 762-7370 ext. #38
CASA@co.jackson.ms.us

ABOUT US.
A Voice for Abused and Neglected Children in Court

Think child abuse doesn't happen in Jackson County, Mississippi? Think again.

CASA - Foster children In 2007 alone, there were over 1,600 cases of reported child abuse in our area. Think about that for a moment - 1,600 cases. That means there were at least 1,600 children right here in Jackson County who were either being abused, neglected or both by their guardians. For these children, life just isn't fair. First they suffer at home, and then they are thrown into a whirlwind of change by the system that is trying to help them. They have to adapt to new foster parents, a new school, a new lifestyle with new rules, and are surrounded by new people everywhere. For many of these children, the only constant in life is the smile and support of their Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Our organization has roughly 30 volunteers. These giving individuals work with the court to help the judge make the best possible decision regarding permanent placement of the children for which they advocate.

We are a non-profit and keep the doors open by donations and funding through the United Way and others. That is why we greatly need your help. If you want to do something to stop the cycle of child abuse, get involved with CASA. You can volunteer your time or your money or both. Contact us today to start helping out.

Our Staff

Frances Allsup
Executive Director
Jackson County CASA
Email Frances

Frances comes from Hokes Bluff, Alabama! Go Eagles!! Married to Jimmy with children, Adam and & Katie (aka - Administrative Assistant). Being raised on a cottom farm with wonderful parents and a loving home, my passion has always been to reach out to others and share with them the possibilities that the world has to offer them. No mountain is too high!

Learning about CASA, the incredible volunteers and the difference it makes, I began my journey to the unknown world of advocating for abused children.

My vision for CASA's future would simply be that child abuse be a thing of the past. However, until that mission is complete, I will continue to recruit and train volunteers to make an everlasting impact upon those whom are harmed at the hands of abuse.

Katie Allsup Allison Statham – Volunteer Coordinator
Allison_Statham@co.jackson.ms.us

Allison is a graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi and has been a resident of Ocean Springs Mississippi for 18 years. Allison moved here with her family in 1993 from Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Allison has two beautiful children ages 10 and 15 months and a beautiful 7 year old step daughter.

After dabbling with a couple of different majors, Allison found her calling in child and family studies. Allison began her career at MDHS as a child and family protection worker in November of 2009. Finally after a life changing journey, Allison found herself a home with Jackson County CASA.

"Every child needs at least one person that thinks they are the world and to show them that they care," says Allison, "My goal is to be that person for as many children possible."

Debbie Braudis – Volunteer Case Manager
Dbraudis@cableone.net

A National CASA-certified Training Facilitator, Debbie Braudis has been mentoring Jackson County CASA volunteers since 2009. She joined Jackson County CASA in 2008, following the recommendation of her youngest daughter, Leah (herself an active CASA Advocate in Jefferson County, Colorado).

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, with a degree in Industrial Technology, Debbie has 20 (plus) years of experience in Organizational & Programs Management.
She brings practical experience to the position as well. Married to Jack Braudis, she has raised 8 children and is the proud grandmother of ten wonderful boys & girls.

As Case Manager, Debbie seeks to assist all volunteers through mentoring, report development, & case discussion while provide the encouragement and confidence needed to successfully advocate for children - while maintaining balance in their personal lives. Debbie’s goal is to see Jackson County CASA grow to the point where all children in the foster care system can be assigned a CASA Advocate.