Denver Court Appointed Special Advocates – or Denver CASA – provides support and advocacy for children with an open case in juvenile court. Since 1995, Denver CASA has partnered with Denver Juvenile Court to provide a critical voice for these survivors of trauma, loss, abuse and neglect.
We advocate for permanency whenever possible, secure appropriate educational, mental and physical health services, and guide the court’s decisions towards more restorative solutions, whether through safely reunifying children with their family of origin or finding nurturing and stable kinship or foster care homes where children can thrive.
CASA Volunteers are trained, long-term volunteers who spend an average of 18 months advocating for one child in the court system. In 2022, 294 CASA volunteers contributed 6,148 hours of service (an estimated value of over $193,723 of donated time). The time they spend with each child’s case saves the time and expense of paid professionals. Unlike paid professionals, CASA Volunteers only have one case to focus on and can form supportive and meaningful bonds with children, youth and families.
We understand the importance of seeking out compassionate volunteers who reflect the communities we serve. CASA Volunteers have the unique opportunity to connect with a child or youth. Supporting communities through transformational advocacy is an opportunity to change a child's story.
CASA Volunteers are:
CASA Volunteers provide the support and advocacy necessary to change a child's story.
"CASAs are our eyes and ears. They are precious in our court. I wish I had a CASA on every case I saw." - Retired Judge Donna Schmalberger, District Court Judge for the Denver Juvenile Court
Testimonies from CASA Volunteers
"This is the most quality work that can be done to support children and families in the foster care system."
"Children deserve to have a voice and be heard no matter their age, gender, situation, or intellect. As a CASA, I have the opportunity to be that voice for a child who is rarely listened to or heard."
"I know that I can't fix the world, but... by showing up for this one child, I can make a little change in their world and that to me makes all the difference."
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be even a small part of my youth's story. Serving as a CASA is a lesson in growth, resilience, and love."
"If you look at the world and feel any measure of despair or discomfort, coming alongside a child or a family is a small but powerful way of bringing light to darkness and lessening the load of people who just need some help. It's a total delight to get to know these children and to stand beside them."
Child Advocates – Denver CASA advocates for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect by training diverse volunteers who create opportunities for children, youth and families to thrive.
For over 25 years, Denver CASA has recruited and trained volunteers to serve in the 2nd Judicial District of Denver advocating for children and providing a stable, caring adult to help children through a difficult time. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a nationwide program of volunteers appointed to support abused and neglected children who are involved with both Child Welfare and the Juvenile Court System. The idea of a Court Appointed Special Advocate was originally started by Seattle Judge David W. Soukup in Seattle, Washington in 1977 who felt that children needed more support as they moved through the dependency and neglect system. As a judge, he did not think he had enough information to make decisions about the fate of children in dependency and neglect cases. He came up with the idea that a trained volunteer could speak up on behalf of children who had experienced abuse and neglect.
Since then, this idea of a CASA has expanded into 49 states, including the National CASA Association, located in Seattle. In 1995, Child Advocates – Denver CASA was founded.
Organization name
Child Advocates - Denver CASA
other names
Court Appointed Special Advocates
1995
Tax id (EIN)
84-1300565
Category
Human Services, Youth Development, Public & Societal Benefit
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
1325 S. Colorado Blvd B-402Denver County, CO, US