Yellowstone CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

The mission of Yellowstone Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)is to provide volunteer court appointed advocates to work on behalf of abused and neglected children in Yellowstone County. Advocates work to support and promote the best interests of children by promoting the health, safety and welfare of the children.

Description:
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are appointed by a judge to serve as an advocate for children who are removed from their homes due to allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment. The CASA is an independent objective advocate who prepares a recommendation for the guardian ad litem to use in court. To determine what is in the best interest of the child, the CASA talks with the child, interviews teachers, friends and neighbors; searches for information; and reviews records. Using this knowledge base, a child's CASA also serves as his or her advocate in all facets of the child protection system. A volunteer works with just one or two cases at a time. Yellowstone CASA has 25 active volunteers who work with 55 of the 350 children currently in foster care in Yellowstone County. CASA volunteers work independently but cooperatively with Child & Family Services, guardians ad litem, district court officials, community service agencies, schools, and all entities impacting the child's life.

History:
Yellowstone CASA is one of 18 court appointed special advocate/guardian ad litem programs in Montana. The concept of trained, community volunteers serving as advocates for abused and neglected children was conceived by a judge in Seattle 26 years ago, and has grown into a nationwide program with over 900 programs. Yellowstone CASA began services in July 2000 as a project of Family Support Network in Billings. Each program is developed to meet local needs, but is supported by standards developed by the National CASA Association. Yellowstone CASA is a non profit organization funded primarily by donations from individuals, businesses, faith communities, and foundations. The Montana district court budget provides some funding. Yellowstone CASA received startup funding from the National CASA Association.

Contact person: Ronda Butler, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (406) 254-1273

Address:

111 North 30th Street, Suite 222 Billings, MT 59101 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.yellowstonecasa.org

Directions:

The office of Yellowstone CASA is in downtown Billings, Montana in the 100 block of North 30th Street. Suite 222 is on the second floor of 111 North 30th.

Last updated on October 28, 2009