COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Change A Child’s Story as a CASA Volunteer “In the system” – “abused” – “neglected” – “traumatized” These are all words we most often use with kids in the foster care system. Not ours, not us, not our neighbors or friends, not even our city or our county. But the reality is that a record number of Colorado children experienced abuse and neglect last year – 13,329 to be exact – and many of those children had to walk through big, scary courtroom doors without a family member to support them, speak for them or consider their needs. For many Colorado children, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) stood beside them, listened to their fears, spoke on their behalf in court and ensured they were so much more than a number in the child welfare system. Challenge:
Colorado CASA is looking to change that. They are challenging 2,020 Coloradans to sign up to volunteer as a CASA in 2020, which would mean Colorado CASA could double its impact on the children who need us most.
What is a CASA? CASA volunteers are sworn officers of the court appointed by a juvenile court judge to advocate for children who are living in foster care as a result of abuse or neglect. State caseworkers are very busy and usually have an overload of cases. They are spread too thin, and CASA volunteers look out for the best interest of each individual child by reviewing documents and records pertaining to the child’s case, interviewing adult family members as well as other adults in the child’s life. CASA then serves as the voice of the
child in court and provides written reports for court hearing. A child’s CASA can simply change a child’s story and give that child the confidence that someone has his or her best interests at heart. CASA workers stay on board for the entire duration of the child’s case so things will move more smoothly and easily for the child. With an average of four hours a week anyone over the age of 21 – even working professionals and young adults – can Change a Child’s Story as a CASA volunteer. Children in foster care who have a CASA volunteer are more likely to succeed in school, adjust to change and feel a sense of purpose and worth. And they’re half as likely to re-enter the foster care system later.
Together, with your help in spreading the word regarding this critical need for more CASA volunteers, we can help change a child’s story. Visit www.ColoradoCasa.org to learn more.
Do you know a local person or organization who is committed to a cause, or simply makes their own corner of the world a better place? We’d like to shine a spotlight on them! Please send your nominations to: editor@loudmouthmedia.com
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Call today to advertise: 720-889-3300 | Spotlight® Magazine | February 2020
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