(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers, are people from the community who volunteer to advocate for kids who are involved in family court and child welfare systems due to abuse or neglect. Last week, 12 new CASA volunteers were sworn in by 4th Judicial District Judge Erin Sokol as officers of the court in El Paso County.
Between El Paso and Teller Counties, about 800 kids per year need a special advocate because they have experienced mistreatment by guardians. Volunteers can change the lives of these abused or neglected children by advocating for their best interests as they navigate the court system.
CASA volunteers go through a two-week training on trauma, poverty, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Last year, 376 volunteers with CASA of the Pikes Peak Region advocated for 657 children. CASA is always looking for more volunteers to help with this important labor of love.
Learn more about volunteering with CASA at any of the following Volunteer Information Sessions.
In-Person Info Session at CASA on Tuesday, June 11 from 12-1
Virtual Info Session on Thursday, June 27 from 5:30 – 6:30
In-Person Info Session at CASA on Tuesday, July 9 from 12-1
Virtual Info Session on Saturday, July 20 from 10-11
CASA would like to congratulate Cynthia Fernandez, Rebecca Gerke, Kelly Harris, John Jimenez, Michael Knott, Charles Mason Morgan, Abigail Pacheco, Charles Greg Piper, Kristin Richmann, Stuart Sussman, Brian West, and Clayton Wyatt on being sworn in as officers of the court to advocate for children in need.
