Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Since 1981, CASA-CAN has been advocating for abused or neglected children in child abuse proceedings. Our mission is to recruit, train, and support volunteers who assist the courts to protect the rights and best interests of local children, so they can have the safe, stable, supportive family they deserve.

Despite being sixth in population, Cascade County has the highest per capita rate of child abuse in Montana. These children need our help.

During child abuse and neglect court proceedings a CASA is appointed by the judge. The CASA's role in the courtroom is to report about what they have learned and observed, and to speak for the best interest of the child.

CASA-CAN recognizes the importance of family preservation. We strive to strengthen families, through recommendations for services, supports, visitation and communications, to achieve stability and/or reunification. When a court determines a child cannot be safely reunified with their family of origin, we work to ensure the child is permanently placed with a safe, stable, and supportive family so that they have the opportunity to thrive.

Core Values

INTEGRITY. We uphold our code of conduct and ethics.
EXCELLENCE. We are devoted to continuous quality improvement in our best interest’s advocacy.
INCLUSION. We recruit volunteers from all walks of life.
EMPOWERMENT. We strengthen our community through a robust network of professionally trained and sustained volunteer advocates.
COMMUNITY. We are an essential stakeholder in the child welfare system that prioritizes the wellbeing of children and youth and wherever possible preserves their connections to their families of origin.
GOOD STEWARDSHIP. We leverage resources responsibly and maintain best practice financial and internal controls.