CASA of Lincoln County is pleased to welcome six new Court Appointed Special Advocates to our team. On October 2, 2024, the class was sworn in by Judge Matthew J. Cuffe of the 19th Judicial District Court. These volunteers completed 30 hours of pre-service training and have taken an oath to act in the best interest of children and to support and strengthen families who are before the court
as a result of abuse or neglect
Pictured left to right: Willow Holm, Kristy Hensel, Faith Vaught, Judge Matthew J. Cuffe, Evan Comella, Stephanie Mullany, Keeli Anderson (Executive Director, Trainer), and Lacey Thompson
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Thank you, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers, for your dedication and tireless efforts transforming the lives of vulnerable children in our communities.
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Celebrating National Volunteer week (April 21-27) provides an opportunity for CASA of Lincoln County to honor and thank our volunteers who work hard to ensure Lincoln County children and youth have their voices heard.
CASA of Lincoln County supports highly trained CASA volunteers in their service to children, youth and their families in Lincoln County. CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children before the court due to allegations of abuse or neglect.
A CASA volunteer is appointed by Judge Matthew J. Cuffe and provides the court with the comprehensive and objective information the court needs to make the most well-informed decisions and help ensure positive outcomes for children and youth. These individuals not only advocate for children within the court, but also form relationships with them that last for years.
CASA volunteers take the time to get to know the child at the heart of each case. They also work in partnership with legal and child welfare professionals, educators, and service providers to ensure the child has what he or she needs to thrive.
Our volunteers are people from all walks of life who have been rigorously screened and trained extensively by our local program. Each volunteer receives more than 30 hours of training before they work with a child, with an additional 12 hours of continued education required annually. Volunteers receive ongoing support to help them advocate effectively on a child’s behalf.
This week gives the residents of Lincoln County the chance to better understand the critical role a CASA volunteer plays in the lives of young people and inspire others to contribute their time to support children who may be in/or at-risk of child welfare involvement. For more information or ways to get involved, visit www.lincolncasa.org.
Libby, Montana is proud to announce the opening of CASA of Lincoln County’s new Court Appointed Special Advocate program, which will serve Lincoln County’s 19th Judicial District Court with Judge Matthew J. Cuffe.
CASA of Lincoln County is the newest member of the National Court-Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children, a nationwide network of over 940 programs that recruit, train, and support volunteers who advocate for the best interest of children who have been abused or neglected. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to provide a voice for children who are in the foster care system or whose families are at risk of court involvement. They work to ensure children receive the necessary services and support to help them thrive and find a safe, permanent home.
CASA of Lincoln County will recruit and train volunteers from the local community to serve as advocates for these vulnerable children. The program will work in collaboration with local child welfare agencies, attorneys, and judges to ensure the children's needs are met and their voices are heard.
National studies have shown a child with a CASA volunteer:
· is more likely to do well in school, less likely to be expelled and have better conduct;
· will spend less time in foster care;
· is less likely to re-enter foster care;
· and is more likely to find a safe, permanent home.”
Executive Director, Keeli Anderson states, “there is an incredible need throughout Montana for CASA programs and volunteer advocates, so we’re very excited to provide this service for Lincoln County.” “It’s important for Lincoln County residents to understand how this program not only benefits children in foster care, but also provides benefits to everyone living in the county.” Program Director, Kerri Fahland further adds, “our goal is to provide a voice for every child in foster care. With the support of dedicated volunteers from our community, we can help these children navigate the complex child welfare system and ensure that they receive the services and support they need to thrive."
Recruitment is now underway for CASA of Lincoln County board members and people interested in becoming CASA advocates. Individuals interested in volunteering can learn more at www.lincolncasa.org or visit us at the Volunteer Drive hosted by the LOR Foundation, May 11 at the Memorial Center from 10 am to 1 pm.
The opening of CASA of Lincoln County is an exciting development for our community. By providing a voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, we can help ensure they receive the care and support they need to thrive. We are grateful for the support of our partners and volunteers who will make this program a success.
For more information on how to partner or volunteer, please visit:
CASA of Lincoln County Program www.lincolncasa.org
Montana CASA/GAL Association www.montanacasagal.org
National CASA/GAL Association for Children www.nationalcasagal.org.
(Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem)
CASA of Lincoln County (CASA-Court Appointed Special Advocate) is excited to announce they will be launching into 2024 as an independent program, making them the 16th Montana CASA/GAL (Guardian Ad Litem) program. The stand-alone program has been in the works since July 2023 after submitting their application to National CASA/GAL and the completion of an extensive vetting process to receive recognition along with the IRS tax-exempt status.
Establishing a local CASA Program in Lincoln County will provide the local communities an agency to recruit, train, and supervise community volunteers for the best interest of children and to support and strengthen families who are before the Court as a result of abuse or neglect.
The new CASA Program will allow Lincoln County to address issues related to the unique needs of their county, which expands a large distance of 60 to 80 miles between communities.
The CASA Program is located in the FVCC/Lincoln County Campus, Suite 211 and includes two part-time employees, Keeli Anderson, Executive Director and Kerri Fahland (standing), Program Director; along with the support of the 19th Judicial District Court Judge, Matthew Cuffe, they anticipate to create a sustainable support system in Lincoln County which assists the Court in identifying a safe, permanent home for the child(ren) they serve.
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