CASA seeks advocates

SANDPOINT — North Idaho CASA is in need of volunteer Advocates to serve local children in need.

North Idaho CASA provides Court Appointed Special Advocates for children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or violence. In 2015, 410 children were served by CASA Advocates. Currently, the caseload is up 15 percent from last year.

CASA advocates investigate, monitor and report on the circumstances surrounding child protection cases. Advocates ensure the children are in safe homes throughout their cases and personally visit the children. They help the children understand their situations and court proceedings. Advocates document findings and provide written reports to the judge, keeping them informed on developments within the families. They also advocate for medical, dental, mental health and educational services.

CASA advocates also provide children removed from their homes much-needed supplies and comforts through the CASA Kidz Closet, such as clothing, coats, shoes, diapers, educational supplies, blankets, books, toys, birthday and holiday gifts.

“Often times these children are removed from their homes by the police or Idaho Department of Health and Welfare with just the clothes on their backs. The advocates step right in providing the child or foster family items they urgently need from diapers to backpacks loaded with school supplies,” explains Lisa Aitken, community relations coordinator with Kootenai Health. “Then, they advocate for the child’s best interest for the duration of their court case.”

Currently, Bonner and Boundary counties are in need of CASA advocates. A five-week fall training class will begin the first week of October. Registration in open.

For more details about CASA or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer CASA advocate, please visit the North Idaho CASA website at NorthIdahoCASA.org or call the office at 667-9165.