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 2023, 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 2025

Children Waiting for a CASA

Volunteers Active on a Case

Annual Premier Events

Dueling Pianos

Sat, Nov 15, 2025

Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon & 5K Race

Sat, Jul 11, 2026

Black Hills Super 6

Sat, Aug 15, 2026

Upcoming Events

November 13, 2025
  • November 13, 2025  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

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

November 15, 2025
  • November 15, 2025  5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

    4th Annual Dueling Pianos

November 17, 2025
  • November 17, 2025

    Christmas Wish Lists Due

November 18, 2025
  • November 18, 2025  12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

    Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities
    https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsdOigqD0tHdwB06bzGz-olPEHFtEAmhIR#/registration

November 19, 2025
  • November 19, 2025  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    NHCASA Lunch & Learn
    Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

  • November 19, 2025  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Virtual Learning: Utilizing Native American Lakota Culture to Heal and Examine Social Determinants of Tribal Health and Persevering Through Unsolved Trauma

November 20, 2025
  • November 20, 2025

    Make Christmas Wish List Tree Tags

November 21, 2025
  • November 21, 2025

    Christmas List Tree Tags Out to Locations

November 27, 2025
  • November 27, 2025

    NHCASA Closed

November 28, 2025
  • November 28, 2025

    Thanksgiving Break (NHCASA Closed)

December 8, 2025
  • December 8, 2025

    Christmas Gifts Due

December 11, 2025
  • December 11, 2025  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Wrap Day
    The Joy Center, 1351 St Joe St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

December 16, 2025
  • December 16, 2025  12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

    Enough Abuse: Strategies for Your Family and Community
    https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqduqhrD4oGdWB68cFHvA0xP6C2qXi0Vdo#/registration

December 18, 2025
  • December 18, 2025  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

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

Serving the Northern Black Hills

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