Information session to learn more scheduled for Thursday, January 20
(PUEBLO, COLO.) – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Pueblo is looking for 35-45 new volunteers in 2022 to keep up with rising number of child abuse and neglect cases in the Pueblo community. The 20-year-old nonprofit is the singular organization in our community responsible for recruiting volunteers to keep eyes on kids who have been removed from the home due to abuse and or neglect, and serving as their voice in court as home permanency is determined – as quickly as possible!
“Our numbers were already steadily on the rise prior to the pandemic, but the pandemic has only exasperated conditions for our families – from economic hardship, isolation, depression, homelessness, and substance abuse – and unfortunately that pain has poured over into our most vulnerable youth,” said Executive Director, Zane Grant. “With school back in-person, and teachers now identifying and reporting those who are hurting most, our cases have surged – and we need help!”
The next informational session to learn more about becoming a volunteer is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 20. Interested participants can attend by zoom, accessing link from our Facebook page, or in-person by joining CASA at its Conference Center, located at 107 Quincy St. in Pueblo. A four-week training session, led by Program Director Tammy Prutch, will follow in February.
“There’s something wonderful and cathartic that happens when an individual dedicates their time to help the unheard,” said Prutch. “I would strongly encourage anyone who has a heart for hurting children to consider becoming a CASA volunteer, and help us give hope during this continuing challenging time.”
In 2021, CASA of Pueblo served a record 380 court-appointed youth appearing before the courts because of abuse and or neglect allegations, compared to 289 in 2020. Reports also show a 24 percent increase in child physical abuse cases, and an overwhelming 61 percent increase in drug exposed infants. Often, these infants and youth become a victim a second time as they’re thrust into an already overburdened child welfare system – a complex legal network of lawyers, caseworkers and judges.
“The CASA volunteer serves as the one constant in the lives of these same children, and is their greatest advocate in and outside of court,” said Prutch.
For more information about becoming a volunteer and attending by zoom or in-person, contact Prutch at 719.583.6326 or tammy@casaofpueblo.org.
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ABOUT CASA
The concept for CASA first began with Seattle Judge David Soukup in 1976 to ensure he was receiving all the facts as he made decisions impacting the long-term welfare of children. A pilot program soon followed, and by 1984, the National CASA Association was created. CASA of Pueblo was originally established in 1996 as part of the Pueblo Child Advocacy Center. The increased demand on services and program changes resulted in the need for an independent expansion. In January 2002, Chief District Court Judge Dennis Maes formally approved CASA of Pueblo as a non-profit (501[c][3]) to assist District Judges with the most difficult cases concerning the welfare of children in court custody. Pueblo’s office can be found at 130 W. Abriendo Ave. Learn more by visiting www.casaofpueblo.org.
