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, nearly 1,000 CASA and guardian ad litem (GAL) programs recruit, train, and support volunteers in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

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.

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:

6 Local CASA Program Offices

Serves 37 Counties

1050 children received CASA volunteer services in 2021

301 volunteers provided CASA volunteer services in 2021

South Dakota CASA Programs

First Circuit CASA Program

1st Judicial Circuit

115 E 11th Ave

Mitchell, SD 57301


Phone: 605.996.1212

Email: jackie.horton@mitchellcasa.org

Mitchell CASA Program

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  

Southeast CASA Program

Sioux Falls Circuit CASA Program

2nd Judicial Circuit

100 South Spring Avenue, Ste. 140

PO Box 1901

Sioux Falls, SD 57101-1901


Phone: 605.339.9492

Email: stacey@siouxfallscasa.org

Sioux Falls CASA Program

East Central CASA Program

3rd Judicial Circuit

1215 Trail Ridge Road

Brookings, SD 57006


Phone: 605.697.6106

Email: julie@eastcentralcasa.com

East Central CASA Program

Northern Hills Area CASA Program

4th Judicial Circuit

741 North 5th Street

Spearfish, SD 57783


Phone:605.722.4558

Email: kkelley@nhcasa.org

Northern Hills CASA Program

Seventh Circuit CASA Program

7th Judicial Circuit

1605 Evergreen Drive

Rapid City, SD 57702


Phone:605.394.2203

Email: kehalatb@casaofrapidcity.org

Rapid City CASA Program

South Dakota State CASA Organization

500 East Capitol Ave.

Pierre, SD 57501


Phone: 605.773.8459 (office)

Email: sara.kelly@ujs.state.sd.us

South Dakota CASA Commission: https://ujs.sd.gov/Resources/C...

South Dakota State CASA Organization

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.