CASA of Yellowstone County | Serving kids in Foster Care | Court Appointed Special Advocates

Faith Group-Virtual
2026-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | Virtual
If you would like to join us for Faith Small Group and discuss Supporting Children and Families with Compassion and Hope. Let Carrie know and she will send you the link/calendar invite.

Strengthening Families: The Five Protective Factors Framework Training
2026-06-10 - 2026-06-11 | MT
🌱 Why This Training Matters
Every family has strengths. This training helps advocates and partners recognize, build, and support those strengths to promote safety, resilience, and well-being for children.
Grounded in prevention and relationship-based practice, the Strengthening Families Framework offers practical tools you can use immediately in your advocacy and professional roles.
👥 Who Should Attend

CASA Advocates & GALs
Child welfare professionals
Legal and court partners
Service providers & community partners
Anyone supporting children and families

🛠️ What You’ll Gain
✔ A clear understanding of the Five Protective Factors
✔ Practical strategies to strengthen families
✔ Tools for authentic, respectful family engagement
✔ Time for reflection and discussion
✔ Resources you can use right away
📅 Training Details
Dates: June 10 & 11
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day
Format: In-person, interactive training
Total Hours: 14 hours
Certificates of Completion: Provided
Reach out to Carrie Porter (carrie@yellowstonecasa.org) for more information.

Advocate Appreciation Event
2026-06-09 16:00 - 19:00 | Zoo Montana, 2100 Shiloh Road, Billings, MT, 59106
Join us for our annual advocate appreciation event being held at Zoo Montana.

Swearing -In Spring Class
2026-06-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Yellowstone County Courthouse, 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT, 59101
Join us as we swear in our newest class of advocates.

Court Timelines and Effective Report Writing (Advocates Only)
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 | MT
This training for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) will provide a clear overview of court timelines and what to expect as a case progresses through the legal system. Participants will also learn practical tips for writing effective, professional court reports that are clear, concise, and impactful. The session will focus on helping advocates feel confident in meeting deadlines, understanding key milestones, and communicating their recommendations in a way that supports the best interests of the children they serve.

CASA Information Session
2026-05-26 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
Every child deserves someone in their corner especially during seasons of change

When a child enters foster care, their world can feel uncertain and overwhelming. But just like a seed needs care to grow, one consistent, compassionate adult can help a child find stability, strength, and hope.

At CASA of Yellowstone County, our trained Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers stand beside children in foster care, making sure their voices are heard and their best interests are at the heart of every decision.

Join our upcoming Information Session to learn how you can grow hope, advocate for a child, and help them move toward a safe and permanent home.

RSVP here: yellowstonecasa.org/information-sessions/

CASA Office Closed
2026-05-25 | MT

CASA Information Session
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

Kinship Care & Foster Home Expectations
2026-05-05 12:00 - 13:00 | MT
CASA of Yellowstone County invites you to join a training presented by Jen Daniels, Resource Family Specialist Supervisor, focused on kinship care and foster home expectations. Jen will provide an overview of how kinship placements work, the role and responsibilities of foster homes, and what advocates should understand when children are placed with relatives or foster families. This training will offer helpful insight into the processes and expectations that support safe, stable placements for children involved in the child welfare system.

ICWA Small Group and Book Club (Advocates)
2026-04-29 11:00 - 13:00 | Mazevo Coffee, 1405 38th St W, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
Will be held at Mazevo Coffee on 3911 Central Ave. Please reach out to Jennifer Smith for more information

PC Summit (PCs Only)
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
PCs, join us for all of the latest CASA updates! Please reach out to Shayla or Carrie for more information.

PC Summit (PCs Only)
2026-04-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Virtual

Saint Johns Family Services Training (Advocates)
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join us for an informative and engaging training highlighting the wide range of Family Services offered by St. John’s United, presented by Jamie Rettig, Director of Family Services. Jamie will introduce participants to C.A.R.E.S., a model emphasizing connection, advocacy, resources, education, and support for families as well as Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, an evidence-based program focused on achieving permanency for children in foster care who are hardest to place. Jamie will share practical insight into how these services intersect with child welfare and CASA advocacy.

Please reach out to Sherri Carlson for more information on how to register for this training.

Spring 2026 Pre-Service Training Starts
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-09 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
Our newest class of trainees will start their journey of becoming advocates for CASA of Yellowstone County.

Tumbleweed and Chafee In-Service Training (Advocates Only)
2026-04-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join us for a conversation with Tony Sandoval, Tumbleweed’s Chafee Program Manager, who will share insight into the resources and supports available for older youth in care. We will discuss the most common struggles youth experience as they transition to adulthood, what effective advocacy looks like for teens and young adults, and how advocates can help youth build the skills, connections, and confidence they need for a successful future.
This session will help advocates understand better how to support older youth ensuring their voices are heard as they plan for life after foster care.

Faith Small Group (Advocates)
2026-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Our next Faith Small Group will be March 18th and will be virtual. I am hoping you can join me 😊 Below are some thoughts/questions. They are questions we can discuss as a group and questions for personal self-reflection. Please reach out to Carrie for the link.
Speaking Up in Court with Courage
Group Discussion

What fears come up when you think about speaking in court?
How do we balance humility with bold advocacy?
What does it mean to speak truth with grace?
When have you felt God give you courage in a hard moment?

Personal Reflection

Where do I hold back in advocacy?
Am I more afraid of being wrong, or of being bold?
What would it look like to see my court report as ministry?

Scripture:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…” (Proverbs 31:8)

Advocacy in Practice (Advocates)
2026-03-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Join us in reviewing the new and improved Advocate Handbook. We will walk you through polices, procedures, best practices, and more. All advocates are encouraged to attend this session or the one being offered in-person on March 10th. This is considered a mandatory training. Please reach out to Sherri for more information. sherri@yellowstonecasa.org.

Advocacy in Practice (advocates)
2026-03-10 11:00 - 12:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
Join us in reviewing the new and improved Advocate Handbook. We will walk you through polices, procedures, best practices, and more. All advocates are encouraged to attend this session or the one being offered virtually on March 12th. This is considered a mandatory training. Please reach out to Sherri for more information. sherri@yellowstonecasa.org.

Swearing-In of Winter Advocates (open to all)
2026-03-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Yellowstone County Courthouse, 217 N 27th St, Billings, MT, 59101
Please join us in Judge Pardy’s courtroom as we celebrate our trainees in taking the final step, before they are officially CASA Volunteers! Swearing-in ceremonies are always a great time! Reach out to the CASA office if you would like more information!

TBRI Part 2 (Advocates who attended TBRI Part 1)
2026-03-04 11:00 - 13:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
Trust Based Relational Intervention – Part 2

Join us for Part 2 of our Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) training, an evidence-based, trauma-informed, attachment-centered model supporting children who have experienced complex trauma.
In this session, Carrie will build on Part 1, continuing to explore the core TBRI® principles with practical tools and real-world applications for your advocacy work.
Completion of both sessions supports CASA’s goal of having all advocates fully trained in TBRI® by the end of 2026. Reach out to Carrie or Sherri to get registered for this training.

The Child Voice Podcast: New Episode Release
2026-03-02 | Virtual
The 1st and 3rd Monday, a new podcast episode is released. Check out our Youtube channel below.
https://www.youtube.com/@CASAofYellowstoneCounty

Older Youth Small Group (Advocates)
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join Mary Rose and other advocates assigned to older youth, to share ideas, resources, and support one another in advocating for this vulnerable population. Reach out to Mary Rose for more information. This is a virtual meeting.

CASA Information Session
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
When a child enters foster care, they deserve someone who will stand beside them and make sure their voice is heard. During an uncertain and overwhelming time, one caring adult can make all the difference

At CASA of Yellowstone County, trained Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers support children in the foster care system by advocating for their best interests and helping guide them toward safe, stable, and permanent homes.

Join our upcoming Information Session to learn how you can become the voice a child needs and make a lasting impact.
RSVP here: yellowstonecasa.org/information-sessions/

Faith Chapel Non-Profit Tabling (open to all)
2026-02-21 17:00 - 2026-02-22 12:00 | MT
CASA advocates will have a table set up at Faith Chapel on Sat evening and Sunday morning, promoting CASA and recruiting new volunteers. Stop on by and say Hi!

Kratom, Kava, and Youth Safety (Advocate Training)
2026-02-16 12:00 - 13:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
This training is being offered both virtually and in-person. It will highlight what kratom is, public health concerns, and why RiverStone Health is regulating its sale. Presenters Shayla and Kourtney attended a specialized RiverStone Health training and received resources to support their presentations. They will also discuss kava, often marketed as a drinking alternative, including its risks and current legal issues. The session will emphasize why neither substance is safe for youth and offer guidance on how to talk with kids about kratom and kava to support prevention and community safety. Please reach out to Sherri Carlson- sherri@yellowstonecasa.org if you need to register.

The Child Voice Podcast; New Episode Release
2026-02-16 | Virtual

Domestic Violence 101 (Advocates)
2026-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join us for this virtual training to learn the ins and outs of domestic violence and how it impacts the children and families we work with. Reach out to Sherri Carlson if you want to register.

CASA Information Session
2026-02-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual

CASA Information Session
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
“My CASA gave me the best gift. They gave me hope.”
At CASA of Yellowstone County, we train everyday people to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), trusted adults who speak up for children in foster care and help them find safe, permanent homes.
This holiday season, give a child the best gift of all: hope. While many kids are wishing for toys or treats, children in foster care are wishing for someone who will truly care — someone who will listen, believe in them, and help make their future bright. Join this upcoming CASA Information Session to learn how you can make a difference for a child right here in Yellowstone County.
🔗 RSVP: www.yellowstonecasa.org/information-sessions
📞 (406) 259-1233
🎄 Can’t make it? We’re happy to meet one-on-one! volunteer@yellowstonecasa.org

CASA Information Session
2025-11-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
