CASA program warns of rising child-welfare caseloads, asks Bannock County for $25,000

Leslie Shy, executive director of the Sixth Judicial District CASA program, told Bannock County commissioners the program now serves 361 children across the district, including 284 in Bannock County, and is requesting $25,000 from the county in this year’s budget.

“We continue to provide a trained guardian ad litem for every child that enters the child protection system here in our sixth judicial district,” Shy said, describing a caseload that has increased by 10 children since a May 12 memo. She said Bannock County currently provides about 63% of the local share of county funding for the program.

Shy told commissioners the program uses volunteer CASA advocates and pro bono attorneys to represent volunteers rather than appointing paid counsel for each child, which she said is more cost‑effective. She said the requested county funds would primarily pay a staff member who assigns volunteers and coordinates attorney support.

Commissioners pressed for details about ages and case length. Shy said the program serves children from birth through age 23 because Idaho extended foster care; most cases are newborns through 17, and average case duration is roughly 18 months to two years though some teenagers may remain in care longer.

Shy also described the referral process: Health and Welfare investigates reports, prosecutors review files, and judges — including Judge Anson Call — sign appointment orders that bring CASA into cases to provide independent investigation and reports back to the court.

The presentation emphasized the impact of a recent state funding cut and the program’s limited reserves. Shy said the program’s statement of activity showed roughly $60,000 in revenue through March, with much of that earmarked for next year or near-term operating costs.

The commissioners did not take a vote during the presentation; the request will be considered as part of the ongoing budget process.