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History:

In 1977, a Seattle juvenile court judge concerned about making drastic decisions with insufficient information conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom. Nationwide, over 930 CASA and guardian ad litem (GAL) programs recruit, train, and support volunteers in 49 states and the District of Columbia, with 97,000 volunteers. 

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A CASA VOLUNTEER?

Judges appoint a trained CASA volunteer to represent the best interests of children due to abuse or neglect. Each year, more than 600,000 children experience foster care in this country.

In most cases, a CASA/GAL volunteer will stay with a case until it closes and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA/GAL volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.

CASA/GAL volunteers get to know the child by talking with the child and others in the child's life, such as, parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers, and others. They use the information they gather and submit a report to the judge overseeing the case prior to court hearings.

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HOW TO BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER?

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. A CASA volunteer is someone who is committed and cares about children. As a CASA volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case. Requirements include:

  • Be 21 years old
  • Be willing to complete necessary background checks, provide references, and participate in an interview
  • Complete a 30-hour new volunteer training and annual continuing education
  • Be available as needed for court appearances

SOUTH DAKOTA CASA PROGRAM FACTS:

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6 LOCAL CASA PROGRAM OFFICES

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SERVES 41 COUNTIES

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700 CHILDREN RECEIVED CASA VOLUNTEER SERVICES IN 2023

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365 VOLUNTEERS PROVIDED CASA VOLUNTEER SERVICES IN 2023

SOUTH DAKOTA CASA PROGRAMS

CASA Map 2024

FIRST CIRCUIT CASA PROGRAM

1st Judicial Circuit

115 E 11th Ave

Mitchell, SD 57301

 

Phone: 605.996.1212

Email: jackie.horton@mitchellcasa.org

 

SOUTHEAST CIRCUIT CASA PROGRAM

1st Judicial Circuit

413 W. 15th Street, #108

PO Box 7017

Yankton, SD 57078

 

Phone: 605.760.4825

Email: southeastcasadirector@gmail.com

SIOUX FALLS CIRCUIT CASA PROGRAM

2nd Judicial Circuit

100 South Spring Avenue, St. 140

PO Box 1901

Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1901

 

Phone: 605.339.9492

Email: stacey@siouxfallscasa.org

EAST CENTRAL CASA PROGRAM

3rd Judicial Circuit

1215 Trail Ridge Road

Brookings, SD 57006

 

Phone: 605.697.6106

Email: julie@eastcentralcasa.com

NORTHERN HILLS AREA CASA PROGRAM

4th Judicial Circuit

741 North 5th Street

Spearfish, SD 57783

 

Phone: 605.722.4558

Email: director@nhcasa.org

 

SEVENTH CIRCUIT CASA PROGRAM

7th Judicial Circuit

1605 Evergreen Drive

Rapid City, SD 57702

 

Phone: 605.394.2203

Email: kehalatb@casaofrapidcity.org

 

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE CASA PROGRAM

500 East Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501

 

Phone: 605.773.8459 (office)

Email: sara.kelly@ujs.state.sd.us

South Dakota CASA

Commission: ujs.sd.gov/Resources/CourtImprovement.aspx

 

 

 

MISSION

The South Dakota CASA State Administered Organization, in collaboration with the National CASA Association and the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, State Court Administrator's Office is committed to providing leadership, support, and encouragement to the state's CASA programs that provide a service to the court that oversees child abuse and neglect cases and to the children involved in the court proceedings.

VISION

For every child in South Dakota to live in a safe and nurturing home.

VALUE

Support success in partnership, welcome teamwork and cooperation, grow with knowledge and experience, understand uniqueness, and ensure transparency.