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Over the last year, the number of children in Great Falls needing a court appointed advocate because of abuse or neglect has been on the rise.

"When I first began this work, I kind of thought that parents would be resistant to this strange person entering into their life," says Marg Greer, a Guardian ad Litem for the CASA-CAN program.

But over the last two and a half years as a volunteer, Marg has seen the exact opposite.

"I have found that I have made really close friendships with parents, as well as children," said Marg.

Despite these close relationships, the reason for Marg's presence in a child's life isn't always positive. She is appointed by the court to advocate on behalf of a child who has been the victim of abuse or neglect.

"Children frequently will feel very bonded to the guardian and as time goes on, will reveal information that perhaps they haven't revealed to anybody else," she says.

However, during 2010, the number of cases has increased nearly 28 percent.

Executive director Lisa Goff says the last time they saw a similar increase, it was because of the meth crisis.

"It is not due to meth, we do have several cases that involve meth, but not enough to warrant this number of increase," says Goff.

Regardless of the reason, an increase in cases means guardians like Marg have to take on more than one case. If there aren't enough volunteers, an attorney can be appointed, but it costs the program $60 an hour.

"Now, that would equate to, I think last year it was over 5,000 hours of volunteer time. That $60 an hour, would be over $300,000 coming out of our pockets, tax payer pockets," she explains.

The program has been able to match every child with a volunteer since 2006. And for guardians like Marg, the experience is extremely rewarding.

"For families to get the help that they need, in parenting, it gives you a really good feeling. And that's why I do it, is because I feel like I'm making a difference," Marg says.

Right now there 56 guardians at litem at the CASA-CAN program but they can always use more help.

Visit the CASA-CAN Web site for more information.