Mitchell’s CASA Program Honored for Two Decades of Advocacy for Foster Children
Individuals involved with CASA gather together for a group photo.
The First Circuit Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program of Mitchell has been around for more than 20 years and plays a crucial role in the success of many young foster children in the community. Over the years, the program has grown to serve nine South Dakota counties including Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson, and McCook. Nominated by former CASA volunteer Sandi Floyd, the program is being recognized and honored with an Acts of Excellence Award by the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Without CASA, many kids in the foster system would have no voice. Volunteer advocates with the program are responsible for checking on the overall well-being of abused and neglected children while playing a vital role in the court proceedings that take place. With a very thorough training experience, volunteers learn how to serve as a voice for the children and provide stability or support during some of these children’s most trying times.
Circuit Court Judge Bruce Anderson says, “I have found CASA to be invaluable in assisting with children and families who find themselves involved with the court system in abuse and neglect cases. The court often needs to make tough decisions and when doing so, the more information the court has, the easier it makes my work, and the better the outcomes for families and children.”
Volunteers are required to keep up with their education each year to maintain the level of knowledge and skill needed in tough cases. Each month, the program provides additional education offerings or partners with other organizations in the community. Two upcoming programs include “Understanding Psych Meds” in June and “Avoiding Burnout” in July. August gets into a little heavier, however, necessary, topic, “Understanding and Treating Childhood Trauma.”
“Unfortunately, a CASA volunteer can often be the only stable and supportive adult figure in these children’s lives,” Zachary Flood, a criminal defense attorney at Alvine Law Firm admits.
Since the introduction of the program in the Mitchell area, CASA has worked with more than 640 cases. The group is dedicated to going above and beyond what is asked to ensure the best interests of the children involved.
If you are interested in learning more about the CASA program in Mitchell, visit MitchellCASA.org