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Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate

And give a voice to vulnerable Montana children in Deer Lodge, Powell, and Granite Counties.

What is the CASA program?

The CASA program for Deer Lodge, Powell, and Granite counties recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers who act as court-appointed child advocates in abuse and neglect cases.

By acting as court-appointed advocates for children removed from their homes, CASA volunteers give children a voice that would otherwise be unheard.

CASA volunteers are involved in and out of court. They are responsible for speaking with the child, parents, family members, social workers, and others familiar with the child’s situation.

The CASA volunteers then prepare recommendations for the Judge regarding what action is in the child's best interest.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate is a volunteer role whose core responsibilities include:

Advocacy

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

Investigation

A CASA volunteer objectively examines the child’s situation, including a review of the relevant history, environment, relationships, and needs of the child.

Facilitation

CASA identify resources and services that the child needs, and facilitates collaborative relationships among all parties to meet those needs,

Monitoring

CASA volunteers make sure the rights of abused and neglected children are being protected and the child’s best interests are being met.

How Do I Become a CASA Advocate?

Over the years, CASA volunteer efforts with children have been instrumental in the placement of hundreds of abused children into permanent, loving homes.

Given their impact potential, we ensure that our CASA volunteers feel secure and ready before they begin their duties.

Young child in a yellow coat pointing their index finger at the camera with a happy expression

Once you’ve completed the application process and passed our background checks, you’ll undergo 30 hours of training before being sworn in as a court advocate.

When applying for a CASA volunteer position, you’ll be asked to complete the application form. If our team deems your application sufficient for the next step, we’ll invite you to interview with us. After being approved as a volunteer, you’ll be required to pass our background checks before proceeding with CASA training.

The CASA training includes:

  • Introduction to the CASA volunteer role

  • Introduction to the law, the child protection system, and the courts

  • An exploration of cultural awareness

  • Understanding children

  • Understanding families as they relate to the impact of substance abuse/chemical dependency and domestic violence, poverty, and the importance of the family to a child

  • Communicating as a CASA volunteer

  • Practicing the CASA volunteer role-gathering information

  • Practicing the CASA volunteer role-reporting and monitoring

As you continue your work as a CASA, you’ll be required to attend 12 hours of continuing education training every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Being a CASA is a lot of responsibility, and it’s important to make an informed decision before applying. Please browse the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more, or contact cjeffs@anacondafrc.org for more details.

  • Anyone can volunteer as a CASA. You do not have to be a lawyer, a social worker, or any other specialized professional. Any compassionate, objective, and self-motivated individual may volunteer.

    A typical CASA passionately cares about the health and welfare of children, believes that abuse has no place in the home, and understands that children who witness or experience abuse are forever affected.

  • Each case lasts an average of two years but only requires about 10-15 volunteer hours each month.

    So, you do not need to be retired or have vast amounts of free time to become a CASAvolunteer.

    Any full or part-time professionals, semi-retired or retired educators, stay-at-home parents, and college-age students may apply.

  • Through the Deerlodge, Powell, and Granite Counties CASA/GAL program, volunteers receive approximately 35 hours of in-depth training.

    Upon completion, all volunteers will be sworn in before the judge and assigned a case and a supervisor.

    Program staff and/or volunteer mentors will support you on your first case, and your future ones as needed.

  • Yes!

    Judges rely heavily on the testimony of the CASA volunteer to make an informed decision on the child’s future.

  • You can submit your reports by logging into Optima with your username and password.

Ready to Volunteer?

If you’re ready to apply, please click the button below and complete the application form.