Volunteers wanted for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program

Thursday, Aug 25, 2016

By MTN News

HELENA - The Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties Program needs more volunteers as the new school year gets underway.

Volunteers are trained to be advocates for abused and neglected children who are placed in the foster care system.

They say that kids returning to school could lead to more reported cases, as teachers, staff or other parents may notice signs of abuse.

CASA currently has 60 advocates in the Helena area and hopes to have 100 this year.

Learn more at the CASA website, including this overview: 

• Be 21 years old
• Be willing to complete necessary background checks, provide references and participate in an interview
• Complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training and sign all needed forms
• Be available for court appearances, with advance notice
• Be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed
• Have 4-10 hours per month of time to give to your case

CASA advocates receive 30 hours of initial training, plus 12 additional hours a year in monthly training, readings and related opportunities.

Advocates also have ongoing one-on-one supervision and group supervision to assist with the technical steps of helping these children.

Every advocate is trained in the special needs of abused and neglected children, courtroom procedures, social services and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).