(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) gained a few newly appointed special advocates in September.
CASA volunteers are appointed to advocate for a child or sibling group. In 2023 alone, the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline from Colorado’s Pikes Peak Region received more than 18,000 calls just from El Paso and Teller counties. From these calls, hundreds of children were removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
During these times, children need a trusted and dependable adult to stand by them as they navigate the welfare system. That’s what CASA volunteers are all about. In September, 13 advocates were appointed by a court to be 13 CASA’s newest advocates.
“The children who need our help are involved in the family court and child welfare systems due to being mistreated by people who are supposed to take care of them, people who they love and trust,” said CASA of the Pikes Peak Region Executive Director Angela Rose. “These kids have done nothing wrong. They are the most vulnerable members of our community and it is our duty to stand up for them.”
Volunteers do not need any specific background or expertise to begin their journey as advocates. Applicants need to be at least 21 with the ability to pass a background check. After being accepted into the program, future CASA volunteers will complete a two-week training course which culminates with an oath taken before a judge at the courthouse.
CASA is on the lookout for more volunteers and community members are invited to volunteer information sessions if they are interested in becoming an advocate. The sessions will be held on:
- Virtual Info Session: Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Virtual Info Hour: Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- In-Person Info Hour: Tuesday, Nov. 5 from noon to 1 p.m.
To RSVP to an information session, click the link above.
