On June 25, 2008, Judge Kathy Delgado swore in 19 new CASA of Adams and BroomfieldCounties volunteers. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a non-profit organization that trains community volunteers to be advocates for children that are in the court system due to abuse and neglect. CASA provides volunteers with over 30 hours of initial training in child abuse and neglect, the juvenile court system, child advocacy, the special needs of children that have suffered sexual and physical abuse, child development, and appropriate services for the children that we serve.

The CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to only one case at a time. The volunteer then conducts an independent investigation of the child's current situation by interviewing the child's family, teachers, therapists, and especially the child himself. The CASA volunteer ultimately presents the Courts with objective recommendations regarding the best interests of the child and advocates for the child's physical, emotional and educational needs. CASA Volunteers truly make a difference in the health, safety, permanence, and lives of a child or sibling group.

Our next training class will be held in September 2008. Because of the high number of abuse and neglect filings in the 17 th Judicial District (1500 per year), we are always in need of more volunteers from the community. For more information, call (303) 654-3378 or visit www.casa17th.org.

Congratulations to the following volunteers!