'Ray of Hope' set for Thursday

SANDPOINT — Community residents are invited to help give young child abuse and neglect victims a voice at Thursday's Ray of Hope luncheon.

The luncheon aims to raise awareness of the region's Court Appointed Special Advocate program. Sponsored by Finan McDonald, this event is Thursday, March 19, at Marigold Bistro. Lunch is free with an RSVP. 

Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the hourlong 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.

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.

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.