Child Advocate (CASA)

Save to Favorites

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are community volunteers who work with abused and neglected children in foster care and serve as the children’s advocate and voice to the court as their case moves through the courts and the child welfare system.

Our CASA Advocates serve as the "eyes and ears" of the court. They meet with the children every month and interview foster parents, family members, teachers, health care providers and anyone else involved in the children’s lives. The CASA then provides a monthly written report and recommendations directly to the judge presiding over the case. Our volunteer Advocates are appointed to a group of siblings, or sometimes one child, and dedicate 5-15 hours per month to their case. Often the CASA is the one constant in the children’s lives through their journey in the child welfare system, and as such we ask that the volunteer commit to a case through its entirety which can last up to 2 years.

When someone decides to become a CASA Advocate, our office begins the application process which includes an online application, interview, background checks, and an 8 week training course. Once a volunteer has completed these requirements they will be sworn in by a 13th Judicial District Judge at which time the CASA becomes eligible for appointment to a case.

To help you learn more about the role of a CASA Advocate, we hold Information Sessions twice per month. We ask that each person interested in becoming an Advocate attend one of these sessions. To reserve a spot, please call 406-259-1233 or email ben@yellowstonecasa.org