CASA of Montana awarded national certification

CASA of Montana has been awarded certification by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. This certification recognizes that CASA of Montana meets National CASA’s high standards for program operations and management.

Michael Piraino, CEO of the National CASA Association, says, “The National CASA quality assurance process is very rigorous and reflects our commitment to ensure every child we serve has the most powerful volunteer advocate working on their behalf. This certification says CASA of Montana has demonstrated a strong capacity to support the work of CASA and GAL programs in Montana in advocating for abused and neglected children within the state.”

Almost all of the 15 local CASA/GAL offices throughout Montana also have been awarded certification, with one newer program in the 5th Judicial District still completing the quality assurance process. All these programs provide about 400 trained volunteers as advocates to 1,000 children involved in abuse/neglect cases in the state. Court Appointed Special Advocate programs cover 37 out of 56 counties. Judges appoint volunteers to cases.

CASA of Montana was started in 1998 and moved from state government to a nonprofit entity in 2005. The state office works with local programs and the state court system to provide education to the public, training, a state website and toll free number for more information.