Casa del Valle begins CASA program to support child welfare in Colorado's Twelfth Judicial District

The City of Alamosa is set to enhance its support for vulnerable children with the introduction of a new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, as announced during the recent City Council meeting. Brett Phillips, the executive director of Casa del Valle, presented the initiative, which aims to provide dedicated volunteer advocates for children involved in dependency and neglect cases.

The CASA program will serve as a vital resource in the Twelfth Judicial District, which has one of the highest rates of such cases in Colorado. Volunteers will be trained to represent the best interests of children, ensuring they have a consistent adult figure in their lives during challenging times. Phillips emphasized the importance of this program, noting that many children have expressed that their CASA advocate was the only stable adult they could rely on throughout their involvement in the child welfare system.

Casa del Valle is actively seeking volunteers to join this important cause. The organization plans to hold its first volunteer training sessions in April and May, with a goal of recruiting around 20 volunteers by the end of 2026. Each volunteer will undergo 40 hours of training, including both in-person and online components, to prepare them for their roles as advocates.

Phillips highlighted the urgent need for community engagement, stating that the CASA program is essential for breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect in the area. With an average of 50 unduplicated children involved in dependency and neglect cases, the program aims to ensure that every child has a voice in the court system.

As Casa del Valle prepares to launch this initiative, the community is encouraged to step forward and support the mission of advocating for the rights and needs of children in the valley. The CASA program represents a significant step toward fostering a safer and more supportive environment for the youth of Alamosa.