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New CASA program launches in Valley, seeks volunteers for April-May training
Summary
Casa del Valle told the city council it will create a Court Appointed Special Advocates program for the Twelfth Judicial District, seeking volunteers and planning 40 hours of preservice training to serve children in dependency and neglect cases.
Brett Phillips, executive director of the newly formed Casa del Valle, told the Alamosa City Council that the nonprofit will establish a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program to serve children involved in dependency and neglect cases in the Twelfth Judicial District.
Casa del Valle plans to recruit volunteers and hold an initial preservice training in April and May. Phillips described the CASA role as a one-to-one advocate who meets the child, attends court hearings and reports to the court on what they believe is in the child’s best interest. ‘‘A CASA is going to be one CASA to one child or one case,’’ Phillips said.
Phillips said the valley has a high rate of dependency and neglect cases and estimated roughly 50 unduplicated children could be involved in the caseload the program will serve. The organization is targeting about 20 volunteers by the end of 2026, allowing some volunteers to carry multiple cases. The training will total 40 hours (about 30 hours in person and 10 hours of outside coursework), include background checks, and conclude with volunteers being sworn in by the courts.
Council members expressed support and said they would assist recruiting volunteers. Councilor Vigil, who works in child welfare, called the program ‘‘very exciting’’ and said a stable adult presence significantly improves outcomes for children. Councilor Carson said she had completed CASA training previously and encouraged outreach for volunteers.
No formal council action or funding request accompanied the presentation. Phillips left pamphlets and contact information as outreach materials and asked community members and organizations to refer prospective volunteers.
