Today, approximately 672,000 children in the US are caught up in the court and child welfare maze because they are unable to live safely at home. Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they can't - or won't - take care of you. Now, into these children's lives come dozens of strangers...police officers, social workers, foster parents, thera
pists, judges, lawyers, and more. CASA Volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. They stay with each case until it is closed, and the child is living in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the only constant adult presence - the only adult who cares only for them! The Sioux Falls Area CASA Program provides trained volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in the 2nd Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. These volunteers represent the victims of child abuse and neglect throughout the duration of circuit court proceedings to assist the judge in determining the children's legal and physical custodial placements.
