Locals still needed for CASA

North Idaho CASA is still looking for advocates to help the children of Shoshone County.

Last week, North Idaho CASA hosted a Ray of Hope social event at Sol & Serre in Wallace, where the primary goal of reaching as many people within the community was once again paramount.

“Community outreach events like last night, gives us a chance to talk with local people about their backgrounds and interest in what is going on in their communities,” North Idaho director of development Kristin Ludwig said. “As development director, it helps me gauge what events will work in each area and how to manage specific program needs.”

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates and North Idaho CASA is looking for advocates for children who have been removed from their homes by law enforcement.

Shoshone County CASA supervisor Jessica Cagle explains that “what we try to do is give the voiceless a voice in court.”

CASA does this by training advocates to investigate child protection cases and report their findings. They talk to anyone that is involved in their assigned child’s life to get a sense of what their needs are. These reports can then be used by judges when determining what course of action to take in legal matters involving a CASA represented child.

These people are there for several aspects of a child’s life as they move through the foster home process as well when applicable.

“It is proven that child victims assigned a CASA are more likely to find a safe, permanent home and half as likely to re-enter the foster care system,” Ludwig said. “A child with a CASA is more likely to succeed in school and less likely to spend three or more years in care.”

In a county where the child poverty rate sits at 26 percent (compared to the state average of 15 percent), CASA certainly has their work cut out for them.

During the 2018 calendar year, North Idaho CASA served 31 children in Shoshone County — 25 of which were under the age of 25.

Helping children at such an early age is important for their progression and development, which is why North Idaho CASA holds regular training classes throughout the year and is always accepting volunteers.

“Our advocate trainer holds orientations and classes throughout the year, schedules can be seen on the advocate tab on our website,” Ludwig said. “We like to say ‘any ordinary person can become extraordinary by becoming a CASA.”

If a person would like to make a difference in their community and would like to become a child advocate, contact CASA at 208-667-9165, or visit their website at www.northidahocasa.org.