Most Helena residents are fortunate enough to never see the effects of child neglect or abuse, but just because the issue doesn't register on their radar, it doesn't mean the problem isn't there.

No one knows that better than Bill Collins, program director for CASA n Advocates for Kids -- a nonprofit group of volunteers that act as advocates, or guardians ad litem, for abused and neglected children whose cases have been referred to the court system for some resolution.

"In this community, child abuse is a very living issue," said Collins this week, adding that the group served 107 children in 2003, roughly the same number as the group has served each year since its inception locally about five years ago.

Noting that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Collins said there's no better time than the present to educate the public about the CASA program, raise funds for the group's activities, and with any luck, attract some more volunteers.

In Helena, April 12-18 is CASA's "Light of Hope" week -- a week of activities including an appreciation ceremony and even a walk/run fundraiser.

The need for the types of advocacy services provided by CASA volunteers is by no means diminishing, he said.

With methamphetamine use on the rise in the community, Collins sees no relief in sight for the increasing number of children who often bear the brunt of their parents' addictions.

"About 70 percent of our cases are methamphetamine related," he said, adding that it's rare for the courts to refer a case to CASA that doesn't involve methamphetamine use or addiction on some level.

Collins said the insertion of the addictive nature of the drug into the equation only makes the volunteers' jobs more challenging.

"There is such an incredible relapse rate with (methamphetamine addicts)," he said.

Collins explained that because so many methamphetamine users fall back into their addictive patterns, it is becoming more difficult for CASA volunteers and court officials to achieve their primary goal -- reuniting children with their parents so the family can develop a healthy, nurturing relationship.

"So frequently we are left with no option but to recommend a termination (of parental rights)," he said.

While making such decisions may be difficult for CASA volunteers, the insight provided by the advocates into the inner workings of such parent/child relationships is invaluable to district court judges.

"A lot of times we'll be throwing our hands up," said Helena District Court Judge Jeffrey Sherlock, explaining that everyone involved in abuse and neglect cases has an agenda of some sort.

Except for the advocates, that is.

Sherlock said the work of the advocates with the children, parents, court officials and even state agencies involved in the cases often provides him with an unbiased opinion on which to base his ultimate decision.

"They're out of the fray," he said, adding that the advocates' main purpose is to establish a plan that would most benefit the child involved.

Combine the constant need and value of the advocates' services with the growing methamphetamine problem in the community, and Collins said the result is a worthy cause that could use the backing of members of the community.

"(Light of Hope week) is a reminder of the children who are abused," Collins said, encouraging area residents to get involved in any way possible.

Light of Hope events

- April 12-18 -- Lights will be shining in windows throughout the community to celebrate hope for a better future for abused and neglected children. Area residents are invited to sponsor a light for $25.

- April 13 -- Members of the public are invited to a candlelight ceremony at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse at 5:15 p.m. to honor CASA advocates. Deputy County Attorney Carolyn Clemens will be honored for her years of work on behalf of the community's children along with exemplary CASA volunteer Cherryl Taylor.

- April 17 -- Area residents are encouraged to participate in the Walk/Run for CASA Kids. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Yund Park (on Benton between Gilbert and Floweree) with the run beginning at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $15 for adults and $7 for children 12 years and under. If participants collect pledges in excess of $20, the registration fee will be waived.

For more information about any of these events, contact Bill Collins at 457-0797.