Children’s Advocacy Services awarded for its services to the legal community

The Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis was awarded the 2021 Missouri Bar Young Lawyers’ Section Liberty Bell Award for its services to thousands of child victims and their families, aiding the justice system and legal community. 

The Liberty Bell Award recognizes a non-lawyer or non-legal organization that betters the legal community through public service activities and is dedicated to the advancement of justice.  

The CASGSL serves as the Child Advocacy Center for the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, providing services to thousands of child victims and their families each year. Their services include conducting forensic interviews of children; coordinating a team of professionals who investigate child abuse and neglect; offering psychotherapy intervention, therapy, and school-based interventions to children exposed to trauma; and training professionals in trauma-informed practices in Missouri and the Midwest region. 

“Our staff works hard to meet the needs of children and families we serve,” said Maren Mellem, manager of the CASGSL’s forensic team. “I am thrilled that their dedication is being recognized by young lawyers across the state.” 

Mellem, who is also a lawyer and social worker, said she is proud of how CASGSL adapted its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the forensic team she oversees. She added instances of abuse and neglect continued during the pandemic, making it vital for the CASGSL to continue its services to help its community while keeping the public and the organization’s workers safe. 

Click here to learn more about annual awards presented by The Missouri Bar and Young Lawyers’ Section.