SANDPOINT — Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers give young child abuse and neglect victims a voice.

To raise awareness of the program, CASA North Idaho hosts a spring outreach event, the Ray of Hope. Sponsored by Finan McDonald, this year’s luncheon will be held Thursday, March 19, at Marigold Bistro. Lunch is free with an RSVP. 

Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the hour-long lunch program begins at noon. Community members are invited to learn how they can become child advocates by reporting suspicions of neglect or becoming a volunteer advocate, said Kristin Linville Ludwig, director of development for the First Judicial District CASA Program.

CASA supports trained advocates for over 70 child abuse and neglect victims in Bonner and Boundary counties each year. Advocates investigate child protection cases, represent the child’s best interests in court, and support them during their journey to a safe home with a forever family, Ludwig said.

At this year’s luncheon, five CASA advocates will be recognized for their service. Gerri Harvill, Judith York, Mary Toland, and Trisha Hawker, who will receive recognition for five years of service each; and Marilyn Porath will receive recognition for 15 years of service.

“The broken and neglected children of the world are the responsibility of us all. Volunteer CASA advocates are on board to assist in their healing and return to wholeness,” Harvill said. “I am deeply saddened that our elected officials in the legislature chose to vote to continue to cut funding for the Idaho Dept of Health and Welfare and the foster care program. Our children deserve better.”

To highlight the need to protect young victims, Ludwig said CASA introduced a new public service campaign this year, “Educate to Advocate: Report Child Neglect.” The campaign is designed to help the community understand that it is everyone's responsibility to monitor the well-being of children and report suspected child neglect or abuse, Ludwig said.

“Since 2020, there has been a significant decline in reported cases of child abuse and neglect in North Idaho,” she said. “However, with the population increasing, many children are suffering in silence and depend on adults in our communities to alert authorities at the slightest suspicion of maltreatment.”

Idaho law requires anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it immediately to either law enforcement or the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Both options allow for anonymous or confidential reporting.

“Trust your instincts,” Ludwig said. “You can save a child's life by making that one call.”

Ludwig encouraged residents to report any suspicions of child neglect or abuse to local law enforcement. However, if a child is in imminent danger, they should call 911 immediately.

Launched in 1993, CASA is the only non-profit in North Idaho that advocates for children in the child protective system. Grants and personal donations have kept the program functioning for over three decades. Sponsorships are available throughout the year as well as donations to its education endowment through Innovia.

For more information, go to NorthIdahoCASA.org.