Each week, child protective services (CPS) agencies in the United States collectively receive more than 50,000 referrals alleging that children have been abused or neglected. As referrals may involve more than one child, the total 2.9 million referrals concerned approximately 5.5 million children. In Adams and BroomfieldCounties, there are over 8,000 referrals per year. From those referrals, around 400 cases are opened, involving 1,500 children from right here in our communities.

On any given day, over 500,000 children in the U.S. are living in foster care. These children have been abused or neglected and represent the most vulnerable segment of our population. Often children are not able to navigate the child welfare system or to have a voice in court. This is where CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Volunteers come in. CASA Volunteers advocate for the physical, emotional and educational needs of children who have been abused or neglected, and work to help the children find safe and permanent homes. CASA volunteers ensure that each child has a voice in court and that the Judge receives up-to-date, pertinent information, so important decisions may be made regarding the child's needs.

CASA Volunteers are often the only consistent person in these children's lives. In order to represent the best interests of the children on their cases, CASAs:

·Meet with the child or sibling group regularly

·Communicate regularly with the caseworker, child's attorney and other professionals on the case

·Review social services, court, educational and medical records

·Interview parents, foster parents, teachers and relatives

·Prepare detailed, objective court reports

·Make recommendations to the judge

·Ensure that the children's educational needs are met

If you are interested in becoming a CASA, please call (303) 654-3378 or visit www.casa17th.org. Our next training class begins June 9 th!

Volunteers must:

·Be at least 21 years of age

·Submit an application

·Pass a background check and personal interview

·Complete a 30+ hour initial training class

In 2006, the US Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an extensive audit of the National CASA Association and its member programs. The OIG collected data directly from CASA programs on activities and outcomes as well as from a nationwide survey of programs and several existing research studies. The officials also conducted site visits to gain a greater understanding of how CASA programs operate.

The audit reported the following positive outcomes for children:

·Once a CASA volunteer has been assigned to a child, that child is substantially less likely to languish in long-term foster care.

·When a CASA volunteer is involved, both children and their parents receive more support services, "an indication that CASA is effective in identifying the needs of children and parents."

·The percentage of children who reenter the foster care system because of subsequent abuse is lower when a CASA volunteer is assigned to the case.

·Judges appoint CASA volunteers to their most complex cases with the most risk factors.

Make a Difference in the Life of a Child. Become a CASA today.

The next training class starts June 9 th - call Today! (303) 654-3378