Our Mission

Northern Hills Court Appointed Special Advocate (NHCASA) Program seeks to promote and protect the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in the court proceedings through the advocacy efforts of trained volunteers.

We Advocate

The philosophy of NHCASA differs from that of most other non-profit organizations which advocate within the court system. We recruit and train volunteers to become a powerful voice within abuse and neglect proceedings. Case by case, we strive to minimize the cycle of child abuse. 

We Educate

In addition to advocating for children in the context of court, we also strive to educate the public about CASA, abuse and neglect issues that children face, and ways to intervene and make a difference for children. Stay up to date on upcoming events via our calendar.

We Connect

CASA Connection is a place designed for volunteers to visit with the children they serve. This can also be utilized for team meetings and family time supervised by the Department of Social Services. It includes a family-friendly space with a full kitchen, laundry, games, crafts, toys, books, private restroom, and an outdoor play area. 

Who We Are

When a child enters the child welfare system because his or her home is no longer safe due to abuse or neglect, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer to advocate for the best interest of the child in court and other settings, called a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

What We Do

NHCASA promotes and protects the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings through the advocacy efforts of trained volunteers. In 2025, we served 85 children in the 4th Judicial Circuit which includes the counties of Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Corson, Perkins, Harding, Ziebach, and Dewey.

How To Help

A donation to NHCASA is an investment in a child and the community. With your gift, you can help the CASA program to provide the very best volunteer advocacy for children removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. The children appreciate your support!

Children Served in 2026

Children Waiting for a CASA volunteer

Volunteers Active on a Case

Annual Premier Events

Dueling Pianos

Sat, Oct 24, 2026

Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon & 5K

Sat, Jul 10, 2027

Black Hills Super 6 Mountain Bike Race & Trail Run

Sat, Aug 21, 2027

Upcoming Events

September 10, 2026
  • September 10, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Board Meeting (Via ZOOM)

September 15, 2026
  • September 15, 2026  5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    Virtual Learning: Enough Abuse

September 17, 2026
  • September 17, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Dueling Pianos Committee Meeting

  • September 17, 2026  5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    NHCASA Social Mixer

September 22, 2026
  • September 22, 2026  11:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Traveling Lunch & Learn

September 29, 2026
  • September 29, 2026  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    Learn About CASA

October 1, 2026
  • October 1, 2026  11:30 am - 1:00 pm

    Board Meeting
    Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 W Kansas St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

  • October 1, 2026  1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

    Dueling Pianos Committee Meeting
    Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 W Kansas St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

  • October 1, 2026  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    CASA Book Club "Invisible Child"
    Spearfish Creek Wine Bar, 127 W Grant St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

October 6, 2026
  • October 6, 2026  9:00 am - 10:00 am

    Cup O'CASA

October 8, 2026
  • October 8, 2026  8:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Community Response to Child Abuse Conference
    Sioux Falls Convention Center, 1201 N W Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA

October 12, 2026
  • October 12, 2026

    Indigenous Peoples' Day: NHCASA Closed

October 13, 2026
  • October 13, 2026  6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    New CASA Volunteer Orientation

October 15, 2026
  • October 15, 2026  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    New CASA Volunteer Training

October 16, 2026
  • October 16, 2026

    Request CASA Christmas Gift Project Wish Lists

October 19, 2026
  • October 19, 2026  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    New CASA Volunteer Training

October 20, 2026
  • October 20, 2026  5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    Virtual Learning: Enough Abuse

Serving 8 Counties in Western South Dakota

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