Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Pikes Peak Region is a nonprofit organization that trains and supervises volunteers to represent the best interests of victims of child abuse, neglect, and severe domestic conflict. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court and in the community. The desired result is that children be placed in safe, loving homes where they can thrive.
 
Through comprehensive training programs, CASA educates a carefully screened and selected group of volunteers about child abuse, neglect, and domestic relations conflicts. They learn about the dynamics of child abuse and neglect, child development, advocating within the court system, the roles of the Department of Human Services, the judicial system, and many of the community resources available to children and families involved in these cases. The volunteers continue their training through regular in-services that provide additional information and support.

The volunteers, or CASAs, appointed by the Court, generally work on one case at a time. They provide the families and victims of child abuse, neglect, and domestic conflict with information on court procedures, community resources, and support. CASAs monitor the court-ordered treatment plan to assure positive progress is being made and to assess if the children can be returned home. They write reports to the court, speak up in court and make recommendations as to the child's best interest. They provide factual, unbiased information to the Court about the child's and family's situation and progress, enabling the Court to make more informed decisions in the best interest of the child.

Since its creation by a family court judge in Seattle, Court Appointed Special Advocates has become one of the most effective programs of its kind. Today there are almost 1,000 CASA programs around the country, including our local program which serves El Paso and Teller counties. It is a unique blend of private support, public need and the kind of people power that comes from 70,000 volunteers all committed to the rights of every child in the foster care and child welfare system.

Speakers Bureau: CASA of the Pikes Peak Region educates the community about factors contributing to child abuse, neglect, and domestic conflicts, and how involved individuals can positively impact efforts to end this cycle. To request a CASA speaker, please contact Angela Rose 447-9898 x1015.