CASA advocates praised for stepping up to help children hurt by family addictions

COEUR d’ALENE — Last year, 147 North Idaho Court Appointed Special Advocates helped more than 300 families and 500 children. And half of those children were in the range of 5 years old.

“The folks with CASA are really the people on the front line,” said board member Matt Lyman. “And a lot of the people in this room are on the front line.”

To the crowd of about 200 at The Coeur d’Alene Resort on Thursday, he said there were a lot of ways they could help: Time, money and resources.

“Learn how you, too, can become an everyday hero for children,” Lyman said.

During the nonprofit’s annual Ray of Hope luncheon, the spotlight fell on the CASA advocates, who investigate child protection cases, represent the child’s best interest in court and help find them a safe home with a forever family.

The Distinguished Service of Victim Advocacy Award went to Bryan Elementary School Principal Kristin Gorringe, while the Advocate of the Year was presented to John Sahlin.

KJ Brant, CASA CEO, asked everyone in the room who has served and volunteered with CASA to stand up. Many did.

“These individuals have a critical role in helping victims heal of the trauma they have experienced,” she said.

Keynote speaker Idaho State Police Capt. John Kempf spoke of the two major drug problems that tear apart families — methamphetamine and opioids — and take a heavy toll on children.

He said last year there was an 11 percent increase in drug arrests in Kootenai County. Drug seizures totaled 8 pounds of meth in 2019, which was double 2018.

Authorities seized 1.2 pounds of heroin in Kootenai County last year, more than double what was seized in 2018.

“I have bad news for you,” Kempf said.

Two weeks ago, the Drug Enforcement Administration task force operating out of his office seized 3 1/2 pounds of heroin.

He said police, during their investigations, are finding parents dealing with addictions and mental health issues. They are often limited in education, vocational skills and finances.

“It is expensive to be a drug addict,” Kempf said.

Those same people deal with problems by self-medicating.

“These are not the wheeler, dealers of the drug world,” he said. “This is the bottom of the drug world. These are the users. The addicts, that are in our very communities that us as police officers deal with on a daily basis.”

Often, children in such situations wind up in foster care — Idaho has seen a 20 percent increase in children in foster care in the last five years. And they grow up to battle drug addictions, themselves.

“But we can break this cycle. We can change this,” Kempf said.

Children in the protective system are now getting court-ordered mental health services. CASA volunteers and staff are on the front line to help decrease the chances of kids becoming drug addicts and having problems later in life.

“The very people KJ asked to stand up just a few minutes ago are partners that are helping to make a difference,” Kempf said.

John Sahlin, Advocate of the Year, told stories of two families hurt by addictions where advocates helped them turn the corner to a better life.

“Heroes always show up, because as we know, if you don’t show up, you can’t win,” he said.

Brant said Sahlin has “fierce dedication toward the children he serves.”

“Sometimes that’s what it takes in this job to get things done,” she said.

Bryan Elementary School teacher Kim Conigliaro shared a few words for Gorringe, who couldn’t be there.

She said Gorringe has “love and compassion for all children,” but especially for those who come from difficult backgrounds.

“She would tell you her work with traumatized children is the most challenging, sometimes heart wrenching, and often rewarding, part of her job,” Conigliaro said.

Gorringe, she added, would be the first to say that “serving fragile children is our opportunity to be life-changers.”

Misty Davies, CASA advocate trainer, said substance abuse and mental health issues are affecting the community’s children.

“It may seem like one person can’t make a difference,” she said. “Well, they can’t. It takes a community effort with each person doing their part. You ask yourself, ‘How am I going to make a difference?’”