CASA of Hill County promotes happy childhoods

CASA release

Blue Pinwheels are blooming around Havre. April is National Child Abuse Prevention month and the pinwheels symbolize happy, healthy childhoods. Every child deserves a good one!

CASA of Hill County is spreading awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention. With the support of the Montana Children's Trust Fund, our volunteers are planting pinwheels, painting pinwheels, spreading awareness and promoting Strengthening Families.

Court Appointed Special Advocates, (CASA) of Hill County is a local non-profit which provides highly trained volunteers to advocate on behalf of children and youth in the courtroom. These volunteers also help identify resources for the child and their families to help strengthen families and prevent crises before they occur.

CASA of Hill County recruits and trains community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect: Best-Interest Advocacy. CASA volunteers learn all they can about the child and their family. They engage with the child during regular visits and speak up for the child's best interests in court. CASA volunteers make recommendations regarding the child's placement and needed services and monitor the child's situation until the case is dismissed by the court. They collaborate with others to ensure that necessary services are provided and are in the child's best interest. They then report what they have learned and observed to the court.

CASA of Hill County supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

Volunteers are needed to make sure all children in Hill, Liberty and Chouteau Counites have an adult to advocate for them. A job description is available at http://www.CASAofHillCounty.org or calling the CASA office at 406-262-8435. There is an application process and a training period prior to being sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the 12th Judicial District Court.

Follow CASA of Hill County - Montana on Facebook for activities and events during April, such as "Color a Pinwheel" and share with us for a chance to win free tickets to our "CASA for Kids Carnival" fundraiser being held Saturday, April 29, 3-6 p.m. Tickets are $1 each or people can purchase pre-sale coupon for 25 tickets for $20.

CASA of Hill County is selling raffle tickets for $20 each or three for $50 for a chance at four packages: Sleeping Buffalo Weekend, Family Staycation, Couples Staycation and BBQ/Knife Package.

Contact Chamene Plum at the CASA office 406-262-8435 for more info on any of our activities this month or to purchase tickets.