New CASA program launches in the San Luis Valley; volunteers sought to advocate for children in dependency cases

Casa del Vallea newly formed nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program for the San Luis Valleyasked the Alamosa City Council to help recruit volunteers as it prepares to serve children involved in dependency and neglect proceedings.

Executive Director Brett Phillips told council members Casa del Valle will operate in the 12th Judicial District and provide trained volunteers who meet one-on-one with children, attend court hearings and report observations and recommendations to judges. Phillips said a CASA volunteer generally serves one child or case and can be a consistent adult presence throughout a child's involvement with the child welfare and court system.

Phillips described the programwhich he said offers 40 hours of pre-service training (30 hours in person and about 10 hours of out-of-class study), background checks and court swearing-inand asked the council and community to help recruit volunteers. He said the valley historically has a high rate of dependency and neglect cases and estimated an average of about 50 unduplicated children involved in such cases locally; the program's initial goal is about 20 volunteers by the end of 2026 to begin serving cases.

Council members welcomed the program and expressed willingness to share pamphlets and refer potential volunteers. Councilor Vigil, who said he works in child welfare, told Phillips he appreciated local access to CASA volunteers because they offer stability for children navigating the system.

Ending: Phillips said training is scheduled in April and May with flexible scheduling available, and he left contact materials and flyers with council.