Diversity

There is a disproportionate representation of families of color in the social service system, and the so called "color-blind" approach to working with these families--which refers to not keying in on skin color but, instead, treating everyone the same. The concern with this approach is that being blind to differences in skin color can also mean being blind to differences in culture --and those differences in culture can be crucial to a CASA child's case.

Obviously, the intention is on target. The difficulty is that overlooking a family's race or culture could actually result in misinterpreting or flat out not recognizing characteristics or issues that could be valuable in determining "best interest" for the child. Applying our own personal values to a particular child's situation could lead to the wrong conclusions about their degree of cleanliness, manner of discipline, even level of independence.

Source: National CASA

 

Great Falls, Cascade County seat, has a higher Native American population than any other non-reservation community in Montana. Almost half the children CASA-CAN serves are Native American. One of the program goals is to recruit and train more Native American CASA GALS (guardians ad litem) so that these children's tribal customs and traditions are respected and honored, and their best interests are advocated for by fellow Native Americans.

 

lgoffcasa@gtfalls.com

325 2 Ave North, Great Falls MT  59401                                        406.454.6738