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

Spearfish Canyon Half Marathon & 5K Race

Sat, Jul 12, 2025

Black Hills Super 6

Sat, Aug 16, 2025

Dueling Pianos

Sat, Nov 15, 2025

Upcoming Events

April 23, 2025
  • April 23, 2025  9:00 am - 10:00 am

    Community Cup O'CASA -Sturgis Coffee Company (Sturgis)
    2275 Lazelle St, Sturgis, SD 57785, USA

April 25, 2025
  • April 25, 2025  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    NHCASA Bowling Social
    Sturgis Strikers, 910 1st St, Sturgis, SD 57785, USA

April 30, 2025
  • April 30, 2025  9:00 am - 10:00 am

    Community Cup O'CASA
    Common Grounds, 135 E Hudson St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

  • April 30, 2025  11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Virtual Learning: Understanding the Impact of Maltreatment on Child Development
    https://sdcpcm.com/events/april2025-cip/

May 1, 2025
  • May 1, 2025  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Dueling Pianos Committee Meeting
    Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

May 8, 2025
  • May 8, 2025  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

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

  • May 8, 2025  5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    NHCASA Bunko Social
    Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

May 14, 2025
  • May 14, 2025  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Half Marathon & 5K Committee Meeting
    Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

May 16, 2025
  • May 16, 2025  8:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Child Watch Tour

May 20, 2025
  • May 20, 2025  5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities
    https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtdu6sqTktHtaFURdAVJAylu9YSjrHMlYl#/registration

May 26, 2025
  • May 26, 2025

    NHCASA Closed

May 28, 2025
  • May 28, 2025  9:00 am - 10:00 am

    Cup O'CASA
    Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

  • May 28, 2025  11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Virtual Learning: Independent Living Services for Youth in Foster Care
    https://sdcpcm.com/events/may2025-cip/

Serving the Northern Black Hills

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