CASA of Hill County promotes happy childhoods

Press 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; and how we can all help as a community. With the support of the Montana Children's Trust Fund, CASA 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. In 2023, it served 57 children who were removed from their parents due to abuse or neglect.

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 or resources 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 the children in Hill, Liberty and Chouteau counites have an adult to advocate for them when they enter the state child welfare system. 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," "Staycation Raffle" and its "Kids Carnival" to be held Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the St. Jude Parish Center. Free games, prizes and free lunch will be available.

CASA of Hill County is raising funds with its Staycation Raffle. Tickets for $20 each or 3/$50 for four chances to win: Sleeping Buffalo Getaway, Family Staycation, Date Night and Backyard Party Package. Contact Chamene Plum at the CASA office 406-262-8435 for more information.