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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Become a CASA

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!

Ways to Give

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

See Details

Black Hills Super 6

Sat, Aug 16, 2025

See Details

Dueling Pianos

Sat, Nov 15, 2025

See Details

Upcoming Events

February 26, 2025

February 26, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Virtual Learning: Understanding Trauma’s Impact on the Brain and De-Escalation Techniques
https://sdcpcm.com/events/february2025-cip/

February 27, 2025

February 27, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

New CASA Volunteer Orientation
Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

New CASA Volunteer Training
Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Dueling Pianos Committee Meeting
Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
March 6, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

New CASA Volunteer Training
Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 W Kansas St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

New CASA Volunteer Training
Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

March 13, 2025

March 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
March 13, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

New CASA Volunteer Training
Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 W Kansas St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

March 14, 2025

March 14, 2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am

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

March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

New CASA Volunteer Training
Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 W Kansas St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Understanding ACEs: Building Self-Healing Communities
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvcuirpzojHNC-HRn1V1y1TsiPkTzm2ovf#/registration

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Traveling Lunch & Learn; Northern Hills DUI Court
Clerk of Court of Lawrence County, 78 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
March 20, 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

New CASA Volunteer Training
Northern Hills Area CASA Program, 741 N 5th St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

New CASA Volunteer Courtroom Training
Clerk of Court of Lawrence County, 78 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Virtual Learning: Identifying and Managing Common Mental Health Disorders in Maltreated Children
https://sdcpcm.com/events/march2025-cip/

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

MDT Response to Victims Services Conference
Rapid City, SD, USA
March 27, 2025 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESPONSE TO VICTIM SERVICES CONFERENCE - Registration Required
631 Watiki Way 631 Watiki Way Rapid City, SD 57719

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025 8:00 am - 9:30 am

Cup O'CASA / Spearfish Chamber of Commerce Coffee Connection
Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce, 106 W Kansas St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA