To inspire, empower, and educate the community and volunteers to advocate for the best interests of the child.
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To inspire, empower, and educate the community and volunteers to advocate for the best interests of the child.
Northwest Rocky Mountain (NWRM) CASA began in 2008, first serving children in 2009 in Grand County. NWRM CASA was originally formed under an umbrella agency, Colorado CASA, based in Denver. A grant from National CASA was awarded as part of a rural initiative enabling the program to expand to Moffat and Routt Counties in 2010 and 2011. NWRM CASA became an independent not for profit effective March 5, 2012 allowing all funds to remain local and to better serve each community. It is one of 16 CASA program in the State of Colorado. NWRM CASA is accredited by National CASA assuring a quality and standardized program.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are citizens who are thoroughly screened and trained to work within the Dependency and Neglect court system to help Judges get the most accurate picture possible of the children's situation. A CASA volunteer is a child's voice in court, devoted solely to the children and to help assure a safe, timely and permanent home. The children in the Dependency and Neglect system have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused or neglected and the Department of Human Services (DHS) has determined that due to the severity or risk to the child, court action and oversight is required.
The duties of a CASA volunteer, as outlined in the Colorado Revised Statues, include meeting with the child regularly (usually weekly); interviewing all relevant adults including parents, family members, doctors, school officials, counselors and others who may have facts about the case; reviewing appropriate records; monitoring the child's physical, emotional, developmental and educational needs; and assisting the parents in finding community resources. The volunteers then utilize this information to write reports for the court in order to advocate for the child's best interests.
"My CASA is a good guy, he helped me get a tutor and helped me with all this [court process and placement]". 9 yr old male
"My CASA is who I called when I was nervous to move and start a new school. She also helped me move to a home with family instead if being in a big place [facilitiy]". 15yr old female
"My CASA was there for me when I was placed in a treatment center and helped get me moved to my Aunts; she even brought me my dog. She was there for me when I was scared." 15-yr-old female
"My CASA explained everything to me that was happening and now I am home and I still get to hang out with him." 9yr old male
"In my cases CASA has been a team player that helps assure the children's needs are being met." Local Guardian ad Litem
"I can think of many cases where the CASA volunteer was obviously critical for the impacted child. I value and rely upon the reports from volunteers as much as anyone else involved in these cases." Local Judge
