CASA of the Ninth

Description

CASA of the Ninth is a nonprofit organization aimed at providing court appointed advocates to abused and neglected children in Colorado’s Ninth Judicial District (comprised of Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco Counties).

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.

Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care.

Founded and incorporated in the fall of 2011, CASA of the Ninth received 501 (c)3 status in spring of 2012. The board of CASA of the Ninth hopes to hold volunteer advocate training in fall 2012 and begin receiving case referrals soon thereafter.