Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties (CASA Jeffco/Gilpin) works to ensure children who suffer abuse and neglect, be it physical or emotional, are safe. Our volunteer advocates are the eyes and ears of the court and the voice of the child in these court cases. CASA Jeffco/Gilpin has served 3,204 children over 16 years and opened more than 200 cases last year. Of the 350 children in these cases, 14% suffered physical abuse and 10% suffered sexual abuse.
More than 240 volunteers currently serve children in the 1st Judicial District. CASA volunteers are community members who are appointed by the court to help make an extraordinary impact on the life of a child. A CASA volunteer works closely with case workers and attorneys and builds relationships with the child’s teachers, therapists and doctors. Most importantly, a CASA volunteer provides a consistent and caring adult presence in the child’s life by making weekly visits to the child to check in and provide support.
Giving children hope is at the core of CASA Jeffco/Gilpin’s mission. More than half of CASA Jeffco/Gilpin cases close with the children reunified with their parents and nearly 20% of cases close with an adoption. Placing children in a safe, lasting home is just one way that CASA Jeffco/Gilpin helps our most vulnerable children.
There is a huge demand for CASA volunteers, as only 34% of children in the court system are appointed a CASA volunteer. It is proven that children who receive a CASA volunteer’s support are relocated less frequently and are placed in a safe and lasting home sooner than children without a CASA advocate.
CASA Jeffco/Gilpin relies on grants and private donations to offer advocacy services and the many community programs that these children become a part such as the annual school supply drive and holiday Giving Tree. Two annual events help support these efforts – the Champions for Children Breakfast held in April and A Night for CASA held in September. This year’s A Night for CASA gala is coming up on September 29, 2018, which includes a sit-down dinner with live and silent auctions to benefit CASA programming.
Children are resilient, but they need help planting a seed of hope in their lives. CASA Jeffco/Gilpin works to ensure children’s safety. An abused and neglected child’s hope for a better life is greatly enhanced with a CASA volunteer. Visit the CASA Jeffco/Gilpin website to learn more, donate or become a volunteer – www.casajeffcogilpin.com.
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