CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties

CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) located in Helena, Montana. The program provides trained volunteers who serve as advocates for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Since CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) began, we have worked to provide a volunteer for every child in need.  The organization is guided by a Board of Directors, which sets policy for the program.

CASA of Lewis & Clark and Broadwater Counties interviews, trains and supports the court appointed special advocates who are working on behalf of the best interests of youth in need of care, as described by the court.  CASAs are appointed by judges to speak out for children who have been removed from their homes through no fault of their own. These children are usually in temporary foster care and group homes. The CASA is often the only constant in the lives of such children.

Court appointed special advocates (CASAs) are community advocates trained by local program directors to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. With the information provided by the CASAs, judges are able to make more informed decisions as to what is best for the child. These volunteers are often appointed as a guardian ad litem (GAL) for a child.

CASA/GAL volunteers review records, gather information, and talk to everyone involved; parents, teachers, foster parents, therapists, and the child. From this information, they present recommendations to the judge as to what is best for the child.