ACCESS TO JUSTICE
CASA organizations around the state are among MJF grant recipients for 2022. (Photo courtesy of CASA of Yellowstone County)
Montana Justice Foundation and CASA: A powerful partnership for Montana kids By Niki Zupanic Montana Justice Foundation
They are essential links in the chain of justice. They speak up for the youngest and most vulnerable. They are CASA volunteers, advocating for abused and neglected children in Montana. CASA groups are the only organizations empowering local citizens to speak on behalf of children in foster care. Their work is vital in “normal years.” During these challenging times, with Montana facing alarming increases in child abuse and neglect, they are even more essential. That’s why five of our grantees were CASA groups in 2021, and why this year, we hope to support them even more. WWW.MONTANABAR.ORG
According to CASA of Montana, even though 914 volunteers were working with 2,253 children in 2020, nearly 1,000 children await an advocate of their own. Besides recruitment, groups face other challenges that come with Montana’s great size and rural makeup. One of our grantees, Eastern Montana CASA, covers 18 counties and 105 small towns! Their hard-working volunteers often drive long distances on two-lane snow-covered roads to visit children. With gas costs rising, a single trip for a volunteer can run as high as $200. Our support of CASA organizations dates back more than 20 years. In 2021
RELATED ARTICLES Development director for CASA of Yellowstone County discusses CASA’s work, its needs, and its partnership with Montana Justice Foundation. Page 15 See the list of organizations and programs from around Montana that are 2022 MJF grant recipients. Page 16
MORE MJF, PAGE 15 APRIL/MAY2022
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