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

CASA Information Session
2026-05-26 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Denver) | 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/

Court Timelines and Effective Report Writing (Advocates Only)
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:00
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.

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.

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.

Strengthening Families: The Five Protective Factors Framework Training
2026-06-10 - 2026-06-11
🌱 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.

Faith Group-Virtual
2026-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Native Cultural Connection Training
2026-06-25 12:00 - 13:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
Join us for a training focused on helping Native children and youth stay connected to their culture, community, and identity while in care. This training goes beyond ICWA basics to explore why cultural connection matters and how advocates can support culturally responsive advocacy. We’ll introduce new tools and resources, including informational forms, a Native Cultural Resource Toolkit, and a guide for documenting ICWA and cultural efforts in court reports.

CASA OFFICE CLOSED- HOLIDAY
2026-07-04

Pre-Service Training Starts- Week 1
2026-07-08 17:30 - 20:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

BRAVE Skills Training
2026-07-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
BRAVE
(Breathe, Relate, Ask, Validate, Explore) Skills

BRAVE is a trauma-informed training offered by Eden Sowards of HOPE 406 (Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Education). This training equips parents, caregivers, educators, and other trusted adults with practical tools to have supportive conversations with teens about difficult topics, including mental health, suicide, substance use, and healthy relationships. BRAVE stands for Breathe, Relate, Ask, Validate, and Explore, providing a simple framework for building trust, connection, and open communication with youth.
Location: Virtual
Date & time
July 15, from 12:00 to 1:00pm

Pre-Service Week 2
2026-07-15 17:30 - 20:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

Informal PC Get Together
2026-07-20 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-22 08:00 - 10:00
Location TBD

Montana Empowerment Training
2026-07-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual

Pre-Service Week 3
2026-07-22 17:30 - 20:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

CASA Information Session
2026-07-28 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
Every child deserves someone in their corner. 💙
When a child enters foster care, their world can feel uncertain and overwhelming. One consistent, caring adult can make all the difference by providing stability, encouragement, and a voice when it’s needed most.
At CASA of Yellowstone County, our trained Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers stand beside children in foster care, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests remain at the heart of every decision.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a lasting impact in a child’s life, join us at an upcoming Information Session. Learn what it means to become a CASA Advocate and how you can help a child move toward a safe, stable, and permanent home.
💙 RSVP here: yellowstonecasa.org/information-sessions

Pre-Service Week 4
2026-07-29 17:30 - 20:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

Strangulation Training
2026-08-03 12:00 - 13:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
Bridget Nelson- a local SANE nurse will train on the significance of strangulation in DV cases.

Pre-Service Week 5
2026-08-05 17:30 - 20:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

CASA Day Proclamation at Billings City Council
2026-08-10 17:30 - 18:00
Join us at the Billings City Council Meeting on Monday, August 10 at 5:30 p.m., where Mayor Mike Nelson will read a proclamation declaring CASA Day in recognition of the impact CASA of Yellowstone County and our dedicated volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates have had on the community.
(From City Council website)
The City Council meeting will be held in a hybrid format that may include both in-person AND virtual attendance via Zoom. Unless they have cause to appear virtually, Councilmembers will attend the meeting in person in Council Chambers, fifth floor of City Hall, 316 N. 26th Street.
Citizens are also invited to:

Review the Agenda Packet on the City’s website at: www.billingsmt.gov and click on “Your Government,” “City Council,” and “Agendas & Minutes”.
View the meeting:

On Community 7 TV – Channel 7 or Channel 507 – Spectrum Cable. (On evenings when there is a conflict with School District No. 2 Board meetings, the City Council meeting will be broadcast on Channel 8 – Spectrum Cable.) Channel 7 or Channel 978 – TDS Fiber.
Online at www.comm7tv.com and click on the “Watch Live” icon. Community 7 also has links to their Facebook page and YouTube channel.
On the City’s website at www.billingsmt.gov and click on “Watch Meetings Online” on the homepage.
In-Person.

Pre-Service Week 6
2026-08-12 17:30 - 20:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

10-year Anniversary Party for Sherri Carlson
2026-08-13 10:00 - 12:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States
We are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating a very special milestone—Sherri Carlson’s 10-year anniversary as Training Coordinator at CASA of Yellowstone County.
Over the past decade, Sherri has been a cornerstone of our organization’s mission, by providing highly trained volunteers. In that time, she has had the incredible opportunity to train over 510 new advocates, equipping them with the knowledge and compassion needed to serve children and families across our community.
Sherri is not leaving the CASA team, but we want to take this moment to honor and celebrate a decade of learning, growth, and unwavering commitment to CASA’s mission.
Please join us for a celebration in her honor:
Date: THURSDAY, August 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: CASA of Yellowstone County Office (550 North 31st Street, Suite 240)
We invite current and past advocates, partners, and community members to stop by, share your gratitude, and help us recognize Sherri’s incredible contributions.

CASA Information Session
2026-08-13 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-09-01 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Every child deserves someone in their corner. 💙
When a child enters foster care, their world can feel uncertain and overwhelming. One consistent, caring adult can make all the difference by providing stability, encouragement, and a voice when it’s needed most.
At CASA of Yellowstone County, our trained Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers stand beside children in foster care, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests remain at the heart of every decision.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a lasting impact in a child’s life, join us at an upcoming Information Session. Learn what it means to become a CASA Advocate and how you can help a child move toward a safe, stable, and permanent home.
💙 RSVP here: yellowstonecasa.org/information-sessions/

Crow Fair Guided Experience 2026
2026-08-15 16:00 - 20:00
Join us for an opportunity to experience Native American culture and tradition at the world-famous Crow Fair! Jennifer Smith, Carrie Porter, and Mary Rose Swan will lead a group of CASAs to Crow Fair on Saturday, August 15th.
We’ll meet at the Town Pump at the first Lockwood exit (1030 US-87, next to the Second Shift Bar) at 4:00 p.m. The powwow’s evening session begins at 6:00 p.m.
Once there, Jennifer will share insights into the powwow’s history, Grand Entry, dances, and regalia. You’ll also have time to explore the vendor area.
Register in advance so we can plan for the group.

Pre-Service Week 7
2026-08-19 17:30 - 20:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

CASA Information Session
2026-08-26 12:00 - 13:00 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

Pre-Service Week 8
2026-08-26 17:30 - 20:30 | CASA of Yellowstone County, 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240, Building #3, Billings, MT, 59102, United States

Swearing- In
2026-09-02 16:00 - 17:00
