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 foster care system because his or her home is no longer safe, a judge may appoint a volunteer to advocate for the best interest of the child. This trained community member is called a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

What We Do

NHCASA promotes and protects the best interests of victims of child maltreatment involved in court proceedings through the advocacy efforts of trained volunteers. In 2025, we served 80 children within the 4th Judicial Circuit which includes the counties of Butte, Lawrence, Meade, Corson, Dewey, Harding, Perkins, and Ziebach.

How To Help

A donation to NHCASA is an investment in children and our community. Your gift can help the CASA program ensure every abused/neglected child has a powerful voice and a trusted adult to walk alongside them through tumultuous times.

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

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

October 22, 2026
  • October 22, 2026  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    New CASA Volunteer Training

October 24, 2026
  • October 24, 2026  5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

    Dueling Pianos "Playing for Permenancy"
    Holiday Inn Spearfish-Convention Center by IHG, 305 N 27th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

October 26, 2026
  • October 26, 2026  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    New CASA Volunteer Training

October 28, 2026
  • October 28, 2026  11:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Court Improvement Program Virtual Learning: Child Welfare Proceedings and Courtroom Practice

October 29, 2026
  • October 29, 2026  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    New CASA Volunteer Training

October 30, 2026
  • October 30, 2026  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    Haunted Car Wash
    Buggy Bath Car Wash, 1700 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

November 2, 2026
  • November 2, 2026  6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    New CASA Volunteer Training

November 5, 2026
  • November 5, 2026  5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    Courtroom Training
    Deadwood, SD, USA

November 11, 2026
  • November 11, 2026

    NHCASA Office Closed

November 12, 2026
  • November 12, 2026  12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

    Board Meeting

  • November 12, 2026  5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

    Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
    The Joy Center, 1351 St Joe St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

November 16, 2026
  • November 16, 2026

    Christmas Wish Lists Due

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

    Lunch & Learn

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

    Virtual Learning: Understanding ACEs

November 18, 2026
  • November 18, 2026

    Make Tree Tags

November 20, 2026
  • November 20, 2026

    Christmas Tree Tags Out to Locations

Serving 8 Counties in Western South Dakota

Subscribe to Newsletter