Frequently Asked Questions

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. Most of the children are victims of abuse and neglect.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. There are more than 97,000 CASA volunteers nationally. Aside from their CASA volunteer work, 50% are employed in full-or part-time jobs; the majority tend to be professionals with 58% college or university graduates. Nationally, the majority of volunteers are women. More male volunteers are needed.

CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. CASA volunteers are not mentors; they advocate for the child’s best interests in areas of education, health, foster placement and, most importantly, permanency in a safe home. They help explain to the child the events happening involving the case, reasons they are in court and the roles of the judge, lawyers and caseworkers. From helping siblings find permanent homes together, to helping a child access needed services, to uncovering information that helps reunite a loving family, volunteer advocates make an incredible difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

Each case is different. Cases can take months or years, but average is around 18 months. Upon completion of training, volunteers work about 12-15 hours a month on their assigned case. CASA volunteers meet with the children on the case once a week for at least one hour.

This is up to you! The CASA office regularly receives free or discounted tickets to events around Denver, toys for outdoor or indoor activities, and other resources for fun activities. Our CASA volunteers get to choose what they want to do each week with their CASA children, but some ideas include: completing homework together, attending a movie, checking out books at a library, playing on a playground, getting a drink from a coffee shop, learning a new skill together, etc.

A CASA volunteer has more time to devote to their case. A CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; they are an independent appointee of the court. A CASA volunteer thoroughly examines a child’s case, knows about various community resources and makes recommendations to the court independent of state agency restrictions.

Yes. Juvenile and family court judges implement the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint volunteers. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice.

CASA Jeffco/Gilpin is not a government agency. Although we get assistance from the Colorado State Legislature, we rely on grants funded by private foundations and trusts, a county grant and private individuals. Learn how you can support our work!

We ask for an 18-month commitment (or staying for duration of the case) when you become an advocate. Once assigned as a CASA volunteer, you are required to have contact with the child or youth at least once a week throughout the duration of the case.

You will be supported every step of the way by your Advocate Supervisor. Your Advocate Supervisor is there for you with whatever questions or concerns you have on your specific case. CASA Jeffco/Gilpin also sets up volunteer get-togethers, speakers, and other ways for you to continue your education.

Donate 

Follow & interact with us on social media

Provide in-kind donations

Post on NextDoor, your local neighborhood newsletter, church newsletters