(EL PASO/TELLER COUNTY) — Twelve new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers, were sworn in as officers on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

CASA of the Pikes Peak Region swore in 12 new volunteers, as officers of the court by Magistrate Deborah Pearson at the El Paso County Courthouse on Tuesday.

Each year, there are about 800 kids in El Paso and Teller Counties who need a CASA volunteer each year due to abuse or neglect. The new volunteers will be assigned to an open Dependency and Neglect case within the 4th Judicial District and will advocate for the best interest of an abused or neglected child.

Last year, CASA of the Pikes Peak Region had 353 volunteers who advocated for 572 children.

CASA will be hosting an in-person volunteer information session on Thursday, Feb. 6 from noon to 1 p.m. Anyone who wants to make a difference for a child is invited to attend and learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.