Volunteer for CASA

How Do I Get Involved?

Download the volunteer packet or call the CASA Volunteer Coordinator at 970-377-9445 to request a packet.

What Do CASA Volunteers Do?

CASA volunteers work for the juvenile judge as appointed officers of the court, alongside attorneys and social workers. When appointed to a child's case, the CASA volunteer is responsible for gathering information about the child and family, reporting to the court the needs and progress of the case and spending consistent time with the child.

How Important Are CASA Volunteers?

Perhaps the CASA volunteers' most important contribution is their regular and close contact with the child. They become a much needed support for the child who may be living in an out-of-home placement and who is overwhelmed by the complexities of the child welfare system. CASA volunteers monitor a child's case until a permanent plan for the child's placement is approved by the court.

In 2011, 241 children were served by the 79 volunteers of the CASA program. This is about half of the children in the county who need this kind of advocacy. Many, many more children could be served. We need your help.

Our CASA Volunteer Spotlight

Regina Gold - Volunteer Since 2001!

Meet Harmony House’s top Elf – Regina Gold! She has led the Xmas Wishlist project between Harmony House and Timberline Church since 2001. Each year Harmony House families can sign up for gifts through this program. It has brightened the Christmas morning of approximately 250 families. Not only that, but Regina is a long time CASA volunteer. Why does she do it? “Knowing I have made a difference for our kids. Whether it's for a lifetime , as with my first case, or a day with the x-mas wishlists. I especially enjoyed a case where I was involved with 3 girls being raised by a relative. During the course of the case, I was able to watch the youngest child grow from a non-verbal toddler into a self-assured kindergartner. I still think of them today. ” Thank you so much Regina, we're lucky to have you on our team!"

Who Can Become a CASA Volunteer?

Potential CASA volunteers are mature, are responsible, can talk to people who are having problems, have time to commit to the program, and care about children.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They have a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. No special experience is required. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment. Volunteers must be 21 years of age.

What Type of Training Is Required?

Once volunteers have completed the application and interview process and background check, volunteers are required to complete 40 hours of classroom training and 12 hours of annual inservice training. Classroom training occurs twice a year. Topics include:

dynamics of child abuse and neglect
the legal system
the child welfare system
communication and negotiation skills
interviewing techniques
community resources
report writing
recognizing and handling the special needs of abused and neglected children

How Much Time Does It Take?

After training, the average involvement by CASA volunteers is 10 – 15 hours per month. Volunteers are asked to commit to the program for the length of the case, typically 12-18 months and to attend quarterly in-service trainings.

Where can I get Additional Information?

Visit About CASA, call the CASA Volunteer Coordinator at 970-377-9445, send an email to Serena@CASALarimer.com, or write:

           CASA
           Larimer County Justice Center
           201 LaPorte Ave, Suite 100
           Fort Collins, CO 80521

To volunteer, download the volunteer packet or call the CASA Volunteer Coordinator at 970-377-9445.

Remember . . .

CASA helps communities invest in their most precious resource – the future of their children.
CASA's goals are to break the cycle of child abuse and to advocate for a safe and supportive environment for the children we serve.
In Larimer County about 500 children in abuse cases end up in Juvenile Court each year.