Description
Every year abused and neglected children throughout Eastern Montana end up without a home to call their own. Eastern Montana CASA/GAL Inc. (Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children brought into the family court system because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Eastern Montana CASA advocates in the 7th and 16th judicial districts representing 12 counties throughout Eastern Montana including Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Treasure and Wibaux counties. As the numbers of children in need continues to climb, more volunteers are needed.
CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as appointed members of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers change that. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time - and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive.
CASA volunteers are not lawyers, social workers or foster care providers. CASA's are community volunteers trained to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children. The most important qualification to become a CASA volunteer is a sincere concern for children.
Volunteers are trained in the roles and responsibilities of a CASA including cultural awareness, the dynamics of child abuse and neglect, the court process and advocacy skills. CASA volunteers investigate a child's circumstances and advocate for their needs eventually recommending what is in their immediate and long-term best interest.
You have the power to change a child's life. Consider giving your time to an abused child. Last year, over 50,000 national CASA and GAL volunteers advocated for over 225,000 children - an impressive number yet just half of the children in the child welfare system at any given time. Our volunteers are an amazing force for good, but we need more of them.
Our vision is that every child who needs a volunteer will have one. With your help, we can reach that goal. Are you ready to stand up for a child who needs you? With your help, we can ensure neglected children are placed in safe, loving and permanent homes.
