Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Since 1988, CASA-CAN has been advocating for abused and neglected children in Cascade County. Our mission is to recruit, train, and support court-appointed volunteer advocates who assist the courts to protect the rights and best interests of local children, so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.

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

Our vision is a world where every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.

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 interests 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

ADAPTABILITY: We are willing to adapt our thinking and behavior to improve our work.
COLLABORATION: We collaborate with each other and our child welfare stakeholders.
INTEGRITY: We are responsive, ethical, honest, fair, and humane.
RESPECT: We respect and celebrate differences and strive to be welcoming.
QUALITY: We continually improve and pursue excellence in everything we do.
STEWARDSHIP: We operate from a common purpose and manage resources responsibly.
SERVICE: We are faithful to our mission, vision, and values, and believe that each of us plays an integral role in serving the best interests of our community’s children.