CASA's stated mission is " To provide court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth from the child welfare system so every child can be safe, have a permanent home, and have the opportunity to thrive."
Paige started her comments by thanking our Club for the grant CASA received earlier this year and expressed their thanks for the support, Rotary and its individual members continue to provide. Several Rotary members have served as CASA volunteers, most especially our Past President Pete Snyder who is a bit of a legend as a long time CASA volunteer.
Paige noted that approximately 500 children (18 or younger) in Adams and Broomfield counties were represented by CASA volunteers in 2023. However, there were several hundred more they weren't able to work with because of lack of volunteers. There is a particular need for men and bi-lingual adults.
Paige answered questions about the training program provided before the court will accept volunteers into the program. She also emphasized the support team involved including trained case workers and attorneys that deal with the legal, medical, and support programs available through the court system.
The CASA volunteer is principally charged to communicate the needs they see lacking in the child's environment, including schooling, to their case worker. Visits at least twice a month with the child are usually the norm.
Paige also noted the increased problem with school truancy in that 1 in 4 students are reported to be chronically truant since the end of the COVID zoom days.
CASA has been asked to support the courts and assign volunteers to work with these students. This is a new area for CASA in 2024.
Paige asked the members to consider attending CASA's annual Light-of-Hope fundraising luncheon scheduled for April 11th at the Omni Interlocken Hotel. The events always include inspiring stories about how CASA Volunteers make a difference in the lives of children and families.
