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the child (or children)
until a safe, permanent,
and thriving home is
found. At times, this can
mean the reunification of
the family.
In 2014, Mon-
tana CASA volunteer
advocates served approximately 2,000 children. Some of these
children were the result of new cases and some were related to
older cases which were ongoing. For the first time ever, some
programs have not been able to serve 100% of the children who
need CASA services due to the increased caseloads.
e local programs are responsible for the recruitment, su-
pervision, and retention of qualified citizen volunteer advocates.
To become an advocate, one must complete the application and
interview process, extensive background checks and a minimum
of 30 hours of intensive pre-service training. Upon completion
of this process, new ad-
vocates are sworn in by
the local district court
judge. CASA advocates
are widely known as "the
voice of the child".
CASA advocates
come to know their
child(ren) almost better than anyone. CASA volunteer advo-
cates see their assigned children regularly and interview all the
adults who impact their lives. Advocates typically visit with the
child in different places, will often spend private time talking,
playing or engaging in a fun activity. And, the advocate appears
at all court hearings.
How can you help CASA? Inquire about becoming a volun-
teer advocate, make a donation, join a local Board and spread
awareness.
