About Bitterroot CASA...

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Bitterroot CASA trains and supports volunteers who strive to ensure the emotional, physical and educational well-being of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. We advocate to establish safe, permanent, and nurturing homes, giving children the                      opportunity to thrive.

We are committed to making a difference in the lives of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Through our dedicated volunteers and community outreach efforts, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children in need.

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CASA volunteers are compassionate, objective, self-motivated individuals from the community who are trained to speak on behalf of abused and neglected children.

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Folks interested in becoming a CASA volunteer submit an on-line application with references, complete an interview with the program staff, and attend training. A complete criminal history and child abuse registry check are performed on each applicant. Upon completion of their training, CASA volunteers are sworn in by the juvenile court judge and adhere to strict confidentiality and professionalism throughout their appointment.

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What is a CASA?

Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” of the judge, gathering relevant information about the child and the family. They make recommendations to the judge regarding what is in the child’s best interests. A CASA volunteer works to ensure that the child is placed in a safe, permanent, nurturing home as quickly as possible.

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Who is a CASA?

CASA volunteers are everyday people, from all walks of life interested in serving the needs of children. Advocate volunteers strive to ensure the emotional, physical, and educational well-being of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The work with families and youth serving agencies to establish safe, permanent homes, giving children the opportunity to thrive.

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What does a CASA do?​

Advocate: CASA gives the child a voice in court. CASA volunteers speak up for the child by making recommendations regarding the child’s best interests in a written court report.

​Investigate: CASA evaluates the child’s situation through an objective lens. CASA volunteers carry out an objective examination of the situation, including relevant history, environment, relationships, and needs of the child.

​Facilitate: CASA identifies resources and services for the child to encourage a collaborative relationship between all the parties on a case.

​Monitor: CASA ensures the rights of abused and neglected children are being protected and the child’s best interests are being met.

Advocates are asked to serve a minimum of 15 hours a month advocating for children. The time a CASA serves weekly is dictated by the case at hand, some periods of time requiring more attention, while other require very little. There are ongoing training opportunities, supervision, and supports in place that also count toward hours served.