Court Order of Protection Assistance Projects (COPA City & County)
These programs work in partnership with the St. Louis City and County Family Courts to assist petitioners of Orders of Protection.
Advocates work from courthouse offices to provide immediate crisis support, safety planning, referrals for legal assistance and social services, information about the legal process, and assistance in completing the petition.
Legal information includes victims’ rights under the Adult Abuse Act in order to request all to which they are entitled, provisions of the ex parte Order of Protection should one granted, and the importance of returning for the Full Hearing. County COPA also partners with the Domestic Violence Court to provide court advocacy to petitioners at all Domestic Violence Dockets.
These programs serve as resources for judges, Adult Abuse Clerks, other court personnel, and law enforcement.
City COPA began in 1999 and County COPA in 2001.
