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The Old Agency 4H club in Choteau made fleece blanket, sewed pillowcases and put together care bags to donate to Front Range CASA again this year. Many thanks to this young group of kids who took the time to put together these thoughtful gifts for the CASA kids. The kids collected items from local businesses and put together care bags. They were much appreciated. What an amazing group of kids. Thank you!

 


Volunteers attending continuing education classes


APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Front Range CASA/GAL, Inc. challenges residents to take a stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected.

At any given time, there are between 70-90 children in foster care in our area. These children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own. Many are victims of the opioid epidemic that is spreading throughout the state.

“The number of children coming into care continues to grow and we aim to meet that need,” said Kiersta Sullivan, Executive Director. “Every child deserves the support of caring, consistent, trained adult to help them find a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive.”

Without intervention, the odds are stacked against children in foster care. A child with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/guardian ad litem volunteer, however, spends 20 percent less time in foster care, on average, compared to a child without a CASA volunteer. Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their well-being and are four times more likely to find a permanent home.

“CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” said Sullivan. “A child may have multiple social workers, attorneys, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future.”

For more information about to become a supporter or to volunteer, contact Sullivan today.



FRONT RANGE CASA Calls Local Residents to
Action for Child Abuse Prevention Month

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Front Range CASA is issuing a call to action for residents of the 9th Judicial District, Glacier, Pondera, Teton and Toole Counties to stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected.

At any given time, Front Range CASA provides advocacy for nearly 100 children. Many who are in foster care in Montana. These children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own. We are seeing a huge increase in cases due to use of illegal drugs.

“The needs of our children coming into care are more complicated than ever before, and life in foster care can be chaotic,” said Kiersta Sullivan, Executive Director. “Every child deserves the support of a caring, consistent adult with the training to help them heal and thrive.”

Throughout the month of April, Front Range CASA is calling on members of the communities to help our program serve more of Montana’s most vulnerable children.

Without intervention the odds are stacked against children in foster care. A child with a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, however, will leave the foster care system two and a half months earlier, on average, compared to a child without a CASA volunteer. Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their well-being than children without an advocate, and those children are more likely to achieve educational success.

“CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” said Sullivan. “A child may have multiple social workers, attorneys, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future.”

Front Range CASA is a member of National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA), a nationwide network of programs in nearly 1,000 communities. At the heart of the movement are nearly 77,000 highly trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of more than 250,000 of America’s children who have been abused or neglected. In the 9th Judicial District there are 24 highly trained volunteer advocates fighting for the best interests of over 70 children.

For more information about Front Range CASA, to become a supporter or a volunteer, contact us or call Sullivan at 576-7041.


The following article was in the Conrad Independent Observer on Thursday, April 14, 2016.
Written By Daryl Engelby

Kiersta Sullivan was my CASA worker when I was placed into the foster care system five to six years ago. She not only encouraged me while I was in foster care, she also stuck with me until I was placed into a home.

My siblings were in Conrad, so Kiersta helped me stay in my hometown because she doesn’t believe in splitting up a family. She understands that family is everything because we all need family to get through hard times. She was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to, and she is like a mother because she was always worrying about me and wanted to make sure I was always safe.

But here’s the thing, after I was placed with the Diedrich’s, Kiersta didn’t stop contacting me. She would call and make sure everything was going well. We talked at least once or twice a month, in person, throughout my high school education. She didn’t have to stay in touch with me, but she chose to, so she could help me achieve my goals in the future, beyond High School.

My senior year she helped me find scholarships to fill out for the degree I wanted to get in college. She is still helping me by finding new scholarships for me to fill out while I’m in college. She has taken her time to help me still when she doesn’t need to. Like I said, she’s like a mother to me, and she helps children like me achieve their future goals because she has a beautiful heart. She has done a lot for me, and for that, I am very grateful.

Nobody longs for a safe and loving family more than a child in foster care. As a CASA volunteer, you are empowered by the courts to help make children’s dreams a reality. They will not only bring positive changes to the lives of the children they’re helping, but also to their children and generations to come. Kiersta influenced my future along with many other children, who needed help. Many people don’t know what CASA stands for or what they even do. I didn’t until I was one of those children, several years ago.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Together with its state and local member programs, the organization supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocates so every abused or neglected child in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and have the opportunity to thrive.

The role of local CASA is to recruit, train and support these volunteers in their work with abused children. Volunteers get to know the child by talking with everyone in that child’s life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, and others who know the child very well. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them.

These people work their tails off to help children in need, and we can help prevent child abuse and help the children that need the support from people like Kiersta and everyone who helped me out.

Thank you Kiersta Sullivan for what you have done for me and all the other kids like me. I also want to thank all the CASA workers for helping children in need. It means a lot to have someone help flip your life around and to achieve future goals. Thank you, everyone, for what you do because it can impact a kids life like Kiersta impacted mine, along with others, for which I’m truly thankful for all your help.