South Dakota Court Appointed Special Advocates Association (SDCASAA) seeks to ensure safe, permanent nurturing homes for abused and neglected children involved in State and Tribal Court proceedings in South Dakota through the development, growth and support of local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs.

PURPOSE

The specific purposes and objectives of SDCASAA shall include the following:

• Promote advocacy for abused and neglected children with the goal that every abused and neglected child in State and Tribal Court has a CASA appointed to their case.

• Support the development, growth, quality and continuation of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs in the State of South Dakota, which recruit and train volunteers to serve as CASA advocates for abused and neglected children in court proceedings.

• Facilitate fundraising for the Corporation or individual member programs by increasing funding with equitable distribution for all local and tribal programs.

• Facilitate education of the public, the legislature and the courts in South Dakota regarding the status and needs of abused and neglected children and to be a leading voice in the state that advocates for safe, permanent nurturing homes for all children.

• Enter into a committed partnership with all local CASA programs and provide training to the staff of CASA organizations, CASA advocates, guardian ad litem, and others involved in the social network designed to protect abused and neglected children and to break the cycle of abuse.

South Dakota CASA Programs