Bitterroot CASA

Bitterroot CASA trains and supports volunteers who strive to ensure the emotional, physical, and educational well-being of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children and youth in court and other settings. A CASA Volunteer acts as the voice of the chi

ld, offering another set of eyes and ears for the court. A CASA Volunteer is required to meet with the child at last once a month, attend and document court proceedings, help the child or youth understand what is happening, and recommends any services for them. As a member of the professional team assigned to the child, the CASA’s unique perspective is important to ensuring the best outcome for the child and the family. Vision: All children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect will have the support of a CASA volunteer that advocates for their placement in a safe, permanent home. Mission: Bitterroot CASA trains and supports volunteers who strive to ensure the emotional, physical, and educational well-being of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. We advocate to establish safe, permanent, and nurturing homes; giving children the opportunity to thrive. Bitterroot CASA wishes to acknowledge the lands on which we work and gather are the traditional home and lands of the Salish and Kootenai People. Bitterroot CASA is a Trauma-Informed Agency and is guided by the following principals:
Safety- Throughout the organization, staff, volunteers and the people we serve feel physically and psychologically safe. Trustworthiness and Transparency- Bitterroot CASA operations and decisions are conducted with transparency and the goal of building and maintaining trust among staff, advocate volunteers and family members of those receiving services. We commit to the continual assessment of practice, organizational, and financial outcomes to determine the system of care's effectiveness in meeting the needs of children and families. Peer Support and Mutual Self-Help- These are integral to the organizational and delivery approach and are understood as a key vehicle for building trust, establishing safety, and empowerment. Collaboration and Mutuality- There is true partnering and leveling of power differences between advocate volunteers, staff, and administration. We recognize that healing happens in relationships and in the meaningful sharing of power and decision-making. We engage home, school, and community-based resources as the optimal method for providing care and support to children and families. Empowerment, Voice, Choice- Throughout the organization, among the advocate volunteers, and the families we serve, individuals’ strengths are recognized, built on and validated, and new skills developed, as necessary. Bitterroot CASA seeks to strengthen the skills of staff, advocates, and the families we serve through the experience of choice. We recognize that every person’s experience is unique and requires and individualized approach. This includes a belief in resilience and in the ability of individuals, organizations, and communities to heal and promote recovery from trauma. This builds on what staff, advocates and the community have to offer, rather than responding to perceived deficits. Bitterroot CASA staff and volunteers acknowledge each child and family's unique set of strengths and challenges and builds care plans that optimize those strengths while meeting the challenges. We prioritize reunification and family preservation, incorporating family strengths and aspirations in every report to the court. Cultural, Historical and Gender Issues-Bitterroot CASA actively moves past cultural stereotypes and biases (e.g., based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, geography), leverages the healing value of traditional socio-economic, religious, cultural connections, and recognizes and addresses historical trauma.