SANDPOINT — In calendar year 2015, CASA served 353 North Idaho children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or violence last year. In just Bonner County, 69 children were advocated for in court by CASA. Those numbers have doubled with 62 children served by CASA already this year compared to 31 at this time last year. Fifty percent of these children are ages 5 and under.

“Our CASA advocates are volunteers. The increase in number of children needing a CASA advocate puts a strain on our existing advocates. Historically, one advocate serves an average of three children.

“Currently, that number is much higher. With case numbers on the rise, it is critical that CASA train a substantial number of new advocates to meet the demand,” explains Lora Whalen, CASA board president.

Without adequate funding for training, CASA cannot train enough advocates to meet the caseload demand. CASA then has to triage cases — remove an advocate from one case to another more desperate case, resulting in CASA only “monitoring” a case.

So far this year, CASA has had to monitor 10 cases, a disheartening situation for all involved.

CASA provides a diverse network of court appointed special advocates to represent and protect neglected and abused children of North Idaho.

CASA is holding its largest fundraiser and awareness event of the year, the Ray of Hope breakfast, Wednesday, May 25 from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Tango Café in Sandpoint. The breakfast is free.

“It is our goal that we raise enough funds and recruit enough new advocates so that every child has a CASA advocate to serve as their voice in court,” Diane Shriner, advocate trainer, said.

The keynote speaker is internationally renowned child and adult psychiatrist, Dr. Foster Cline. He also is the co-founder of the Love and Logic Institute.

“His love of children and passion for changing lives give him a unique sense of clarity as he turns difficult and often confusing child development concepts into straight talk and answers for adults,” said KJ Torgerson, CASA CEO.

Dr. Cline has served as a consultant to school systems, pupil personnel teams and hospitals around the world. He also is a grandparent, as well as the father of three biological children, one adopted child and several foster children.

Guinness world record holder, Tim Storms, will be performing at the free breakfast, as well as members of the Northern Dance Academy, who will be performing the dance number “Break the Cycle.”

CASA’s vision is to ensure that every child in the five northern counties of Idaho lives in a safe, healthy and nurturing family environment. CASA relies on the contributions from the many generous individuals and corporations of North Idaho.

For information about CASA, contact KJ Torgerson, CEO, at 667-9165. To reserve a spot at the breakfast, go online to www.NorthIdahoCASA.com or text names of attendees to 208-771-4274.