A CASA Volunteer has one purpose: to be the voice of the children and youth they serve by advocating for the needs and wants of the young people on their case. While other professionals within the system serve multiple families, a CASA Volunteer serves one child, youth or sibling group. This focus allows them to understand even the smallest details of the case and the complex network of relationships connected to the children and youth. Most of all, this intense focus ensures that placement, school and other services, like therapy, are appropriate and in the best interest of the children and youth. In fact, research has shown that children and youth with a CASA Volunteer receive more services, re-enter the system fewer times, and are more likely to graduate high school.

One of the only requirements for volunteering with Denver CASA is your dedication and willingness to advocate for what is in a child’s best interest for the duration of the case. CASA Volunteers in Denver are everyday people concerned about the safety and future of all children. Denver CASA Volunteers include people from all walks of life and economic and social backgrounds, who share the common goal of successfully serving children and youth in Denver. You do not have to have a professional background in social work or law to become a CASA Volunteer.

A CASA Volunteer commits to a young person’s current and future well being. Research demonstrates that premature resignation negatively impacts the youth and children we serve and can be more detrimental than not ever assigning a volunteer to the case. A CASA Volunteer must be willing to keep appointments and follow through with the entire case. Although it can be hard work, CASA Volunteers can be the one constant person during a case.

The role of a CASA Volunteer is to be the voice of the children and youth on their case. A CASA Volunteer will gather information, and must remain objective and submit facts instead of opinions to the court.

The role of a CASA Volunteer requires communication with a wide variety of people from a broad range of backgrounds and circumstances. CASA Volunteers will be in communication with CASA staff, submit written court reports, document interactions in Optima (CASA’s database), as well as speak in court to be the voice of the children and youth they serve. Communication strategies, as well as a general understanding of the systems the CASA Volunteer will be navigating will be imparted during the required 30 hour pre-service training.