PROGRESS: CASA launches Educate to Advocate campaign

North Idaho CASA is the only non-profit organization in the region that serves child victims of neglect and abuse in court.

CASA supports trained volunteers throughout the First Judicial District, which covers Kootenai, Shoshone, Bonner, Boundary, and Benewah counties. These advocates investigate child protection cases, represent the child's best interests in court, and help place them in safe homes with forever families or assist in successful reunification with their biological families. CASA volunteers can only serve on cases assigned by a judge.

Retired Magistrate Judge Lori Muelenberg, who is currently a member of the CASA Board of Directors, understands and supports the importance of Advocates. "North Idaho CASA volunteers have always been and continue to be a vital part of Child Protection cases. Unfortunately, for some children, their home is not a safe place, and they suffer abuse and neglect. Having an advocate for that child’s best interests in court can literally save a life."

In 2026, CASA launched the public service campaign "Educate to Advocate: Report Child Neglect" to raise awareness about reporting requirements. The campaign aims to help the community understand that it is everyone's responsibility to monitor the well-being of children and report any suspected child neglect or abuse.

Since 2020, North Idaho has seen a significant decline in reported cases of child abuse and neglect. However, as the population continues to grow, it is evident that many children are suffering in silence. They rely on the adults in our communities to alert authorities to the slightest suspicion of maltreatment.

Did you know? There are anonymous ways to report child neglect and abuse. Idaho law requires anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it immediately to either (1) law enforcement or (2) the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Both reporting options allow for anonymous or confidential reporting.

If a child is in imminent danger, always call 9-1-1 immediately. Trust your instincts. You can save a child's life by making that one call. Report any suspicions of child neglect or abuse to local law enforcement using the appropriate non-emergency number for your area.

Last year, CASA appointed 85 new advocates, serving a total of 216 youth. In that time, 96 cases were closed. The First Judicial District provided 88 volunteers who logged over 3,700 hours on cases. Additionally, 19 new volunteers were recruited, trained, and sworn in. In the first week of January, the program received 6 new cases. As part of the Educate to Advocate campaign, CASA aims to raise community awareness about the growing concern of child neglect.

In Bonner County, CASA is currently serving 39 cases involving 63 children. Twenty-three dedicated Advocates are building trust through relationships while advocating for the best interests of these foster children.

Director of Advocacy in Bonner and Boundary County, Jennifer Plummer, is a licensed social worker who has spent much of her career working with children and families. “I am grateful for every step that has brought me here. Being able to serve local children is an honor.”

For more information on Educate to Advocate or to locate reporting numbers in your area, visit: www.NorthIdahoCASA.org.

Kristin LInville Ludwig is the director of development for North Idaho CASA.