For the children

COEUR d’ALENE — When KJ Brant looked around the room of about 150 people at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, she was grateful.

The CEO of Court Appointed Special Advocates saw plenty of partners who share resources and share themselves.

“As the children, adults and families we serve endure ongoing challenges, the individuals in this room work together to collaborate, innovate, provide wrap-around services, build better support systems and expand outreach,” she said.

North Idaho CASA held its annual Ray of Hope luncheon on Thursday.

Celebrating its 40th birthday nationwide, CASA supports trained advocates for child abuse and neglect victims. In North Idaho, 120 advocates served 335 child victims in 2021.

Brant said CASA provides services beyond the courtroom.  

Through Project Permanency, CASA provides families with essential items like tables, beds and refrigerators.

Its newest wrap-around service is Birthday Books, which provides every child in child protection with books for their birthday.

Through the Learning Lab program, it connects students with teachers to overcome educational barriers found in difficult home environments.

More than 240,000 children have CASA advocates nationwide.

"They tirelessly dedicate themselves to helping others turn their lives around," Brant said.

Advocates help children navigate court and the child welfare system, listening to the child’s situation and what the child wants and putting that information in a report to the court.

They recommend services to the judge, such as medical, behavioral health, dental and educational, and connect children and families to resources.

“Most importantly, advocates provide hope,” Brant said.

A Distinguished Service in Victims Advocacy Award went to Christian “CJ” Jones with the Post Falls Police Department.

Jones started in victim advocacy in 2003.

Among her many roles, Jones responds to accidents to assist police with the youngest victims and spends hours comforting them. 

“Jones has an enormous heart for the victims she serves, especially the children involved,” Brant said. "She is driven by a genuine and selfless passion for helping those whose lives have been upended by abuse.”

Detective Sgt. Neil Uhrig, also with Post Falls Police, was honored for his service, as well.

Uhrig has investigated child sex crimes, child exploitation and cyber-crimes since 2015.

He also serves as a task force officer for the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Brant said Uhrig goes above and beyond as he investigates, organizes, analyzes and catalogs thousands of images.

“Many cases could not have been prosecuted if Sgt. Uhrig had not been involved," she said.

Brant, who announced she is leaving CASA after 14 years, said she appreciated every person in the room.

“I will carry your dedication forward as I pursue new opportunities to serve victims in our community and beyond,” she said. “Thank you for your service, and please know how immensely proud I am to have served alongside you all.”