Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Programs
Find out how you can support Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and be a voice for children facing adversity in South Dakota. Additionally, find information about the state CASA Commission.
Get Involved as a CASA Volunteer
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of the child in court. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom home placement is being determined in court. These children are often victims of abuse or neglect. Volunteers are trained in courtroom procedure; reporting and monitoring; understanding child abuse and neglect; impacts of mental illness and substance abuse; and advocating for services.
South Dakota State CASA Program
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605-773-8459 (office)
Email: sara.kelly@ujs.state.sd.us
South Dakota Programs
The state of South Dakota has 6 CASA programs, each servicing various areas of the state. Expand to view contact information of each CASA program, learn more about each program, and reach out to coordinators if you are interested in getting involved.
First Judicial Circuit
Address:
115 East 11th Avenue
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: (605)-996-1212
Email: jackie.horton@mitchellcasa.org
First Judicial Circuit
Address:
413 West 15th Street, Suite 108
PO Box 7017
Yankton, SD 57078
Phone: (605)-760-4825
Second Judicial Circuit
Address:
100 South Spring Avenue, Suite 140
PO Box 1901
Sioux Falls, SD 57101
Phone: (605) 339-9492
Email: stacey@siouxfallscasa.org
Third Judicial Circuit
Address:
1215 Trail Ridge Road
Brookings, SD 57006
Phone: (605) 697-6106
Email: casadir@brookings.net
Fourth Judicial Circuit
Address:
741 North 5th Street
Spearfish, SD 57783
Phone: (605) 722-4558
Email: kkelley@nhcasa.org
Seventh Judicial Circuit
Address:
1605 Evergreen Drive
Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: (605) 394-2203
Email: kehalatb@casaofrapidcity.org
CASA FAQ
Have some questions? We have answers.
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 the CASA program has grown to a network of nearly 1,000 CASA and guardian ad litem (GAL) programs that are recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
Judges appoint CASA volunteers to represent the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Each year, more than 600,000 children experience foster care in this country. CASA/GAL volunteers stay with each case until it is closed 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. 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.
CASA welcomes people from all walks of life. CASA is simply looking for people who are committed and care about children. As a 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 Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Commission
The South Dakota Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Commission is a state-established body dedicated to supporting and enhancing CASA programs across South Dakota. These programs train volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the judicial system. The Commission administers a grant program, awarding funds to entities recognized by the National CASA Association, as well as to the South Dakota CASA Association, to foster the development, growth and sustainability of CASA initiatives statewide.
Quick Access
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Who Comprises the Commission?
The Commission comprises five state residents appointed to three-year terms, bringing diverse expertise in areas such as child abuse investigation, legislative experience, tribal issues, judicial proceedings, and treatment services for child victims. This diverse composition ensures comprehensive support for CASA programs, aiming to provide every child in South Dakota with a safe and nurturing home.
Commissioners
- Kristie Fiegen, PUC Commissioner, Commission Chairwoman
- Patrick Smith, Circuit Judge
- JoLynn Bostrom, DSS-CPS
- Crystal Aman, SD UJS-CSO
- Tribal Representative - Vacant
Documents
Access all relevant applications and documents related to South Dakota CASA.
CASA Commission Information
Learn about the state statutes that created the South Dakota CASA Commission and how the commissioners are appointed.
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Requirements & Attachments for SD CASA Grant
Review this checklist if you're applying for an SD CASA Grant to ensure you have met all the requirements and have all the correct attachments.
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CASA Grant Requests vs. Awards
This document shows a record of the requested grant funds for each CASA program in South Dakota from the last few years.
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2023 CASA Impact Report
See a breakdown of the impact made in 2023 by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children in South Dakota.
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2022 CASA Impact Report
See a breakdown of the impact made in 2022 by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children in South Dakota.
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