CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties

Impact Statement

CASA Jeffco/Gilpin is the only program of its kind and the sole provider of volunteer advocacy in the 1st Judicial District for children who are victims of circumstances over which they have no control. Our goal is for our highly trained volunteers to play a key role in breaking the cycle of child abuse - one child at a time. Our objective is to ensure that each child is ultimately placed in a safe, permanent and nurturing home. In 2009, CASA volunteers advocated in Court for 347 children involved in 193 cases of abuse and neglect in Jefferson County-an increase of 26% over 2008. Hundreds of additional child victims would benefit from the advocacy of a CASA volunteer. Through early intervention, we have an opportunity to help ensure that child victims overcome the tragedy of abuse. Unlike every other important childhood cause, child abuse lacks a natural parental constituency to provide advocacy and funding. That makes the funds we raise vitally important to child victims who so need our help. However, resources to serve our most vulnerable children are shrinking. Now, more than ever, we must invest in protecting our children. The Department of Justice’s recent audit indicated that children with CASAs appointed to their cases receive better outcomes as far as stability, placement and services.

Needs Statement

Cases involving child abuse and neglect are increasingly complex. They usually involve a combination of exacerbating factors, including poverty, unstable employment, substance abuse, homelessness and mental health issues. Colorado has the fastest growing child poverty rate in the country; an increase of 72% since 2000. Statistically, child abuse increases as economic hardships grow. Babies are particularly vulnerable to abuse and more likely to die; 75% of abused or neglected children who died in 2007 were 3 years old or younger. We know that with more children at risk there is an even greater need for the vital services we perform on their behalf. CASA Jeffco/Gilpin's sole program and purpose is to recruit, train, manage and mentor volunteers who serve as independent lay advocates for children who are victims of abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers work first, last and always in the best interests of the children to ensure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. Through early intervention, we have an opportunity to help ensure that these children overcome the tragedy of abuse. Studies show that a child who has a CASA volunteer is 95% less likely to re-enter the foster care system. Judges in our District would like a CASA volunteer on every case. To achieve that goal, CASA Jeffco/Gilpin must continue to recruit, train and manage additional volunteers to add to our ranks of experienced advocates. In addition, we must hire and retain a qualified and respected staff that can build strong alliances and partnerships with the Courts, Human Services, guardian ad litem attorneys and other case professionals, as well as effectively manage our volunteers.

Background Statement

CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties was incorporated in July 2000 because of a need to improve the representation of abused and neglected children in the 1st Judicial District of Colorado. Our first class of 9 volunteers was sworn in February 2001 and we served 52 children that year.Today, we have over 150 active volunteers and have served over 900 children.

Volunteerism is at the heart of our Program. In 2009, our volunteers gave more than 18,000 hours advocating in 193 cases involving 347 children. Board members volunteer their stewardship and personal financial support to the program.

CASA volunteers are not mentors; they advocate for the child's best interests in areas of health, education, foster placement and most importantly, their placement in a safe, permanent home. Dedicated, highly trained volunteers are the very cornerstone of our Program. They are ordinary citizens who make an extraordinary commitment to playing a key role in breaking the cycle of child abuse – one child at a time. Volunteers strive to ensure that children in protective custody receive the necessary services for their physical, emotional and educational well-being and safety for the near and long term. Volunteer applicants undergo a rigorous screening and interview process before being accepted into the program. They must successfully pass a criminal background investigation. They must complete 35 hours of intensive training led by CASA staff and local experts in the fields of court proceedings, child development, the dynamics of child abuse, substance abuse, and sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences. Annually, volunteers must also complete 12 hours of continuing education to improve their skills and effectiveness.

It is at the discretion of the Court and by Court Order that a specially trained CASA volunteer advocates on behalf of a child or sibling group in a case of abuse and neglect. Case workers and guardian ad litem attorneys are charged with providing abused and neglected children with temporary protection. These professionals have tremendous caseloads and struggle to devote sufficient time to each child to ensure that all their needs are being met. By contrast, the CASA volunteer is typically appointed to one case at a time and handles that case to its successful conclusion-when the children are placed in a safe, stable, nurturing and permanent home and the court's jurisdiction is terminated. The volunteer becomes well acquainted with the child’s needs; they submit regular, formal reports directly to the presiding judge, appear at all court hearing and monitor court-ordered treatment and placement plans. They frequently have contact with parents and independently report on their participation and progress related to efforts to satisfy the requirements for family reunification. While his or her investigation is an independent one, the CASA volunteer partners with and often serves as a valuable resource to case workers, other professionals and the Court. In the Matching Project we participate in the arduous matching process to select the best adoptive family for a child or sibling group in cases where parental rights must be terminated. In the Family-to-Family Project, CASA volunteers facilitate “ice breaker" meetings between parents and their children’s foster families. In the tormented lives of these children, the CASA volunteer may be the only constant, trusted adult they know.

Executive Director Statement

I’ve been with CASA Jeffco/Gilpin since its inception as a volunteer, as its Program Manager and as its Executive Director. I’ve watched the Program grow in size, strength and stature. I’ve witnessed challenges and successes as ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things on behalf of children in crisis – children whose young lives can truly be our worst nightmare. I share our volunteers’ and staff’s passion for the work we do. I’m extremely proud of our accomplishments and our reputation. There is so much more to be done. I know we are up to the challenge.

All of our children deserve a permanent, stable home in which they are physically and emotionally safe. The issues surrounding child abuse are complex, the statistics can be daunting and the plight of the children we serve can wrench our hearts. We must give voice to these children. Ultimately our Program is about hope –active hope - and the often challenging work it takes to make a meaningful and positive difference in the life of a child.

Board Chair/President Statement

I too have been involved with CASA Jeffco/Gilpin from its infancy and I share a passion for the invaluable service it provides to abused children in our community. Lending my time, energies and skills to the Program’s stewardship is truly a labor of love.

The guiding principals in our Program are to ensure that the children are served with dignity, care and compassion; that we thoughtfully grow our Program; and that we commit to the full and best utilization of all our resources.

A multi-year Strategic Plan with four specific goals gives substance and direction to those principals:
I. Strong financial management – ensuring the near and long-term viability and growth of the Program. Objectives include tapping a broader, more diverse pool of grantors; the most effective utilization of large and small-scale fund raising events; cultivation of a large, diverse and sustaining base of individual donors and the establishment of an endowment fund through the CommunityFirst Foundation.
II. Attract, develop and retain a quality and diverse Board, Staff and Volunteer base. Hiring a full-time Recruitment and Training Coordinator in 2008 has met a crucial need in this area.
III. Advocating for the best interest of the children by actively partnering with and supporting the Courts, Human Services and other agencies by instituting collaborative programs, sharing best practices and building strong alliances and relationships.
VI. Strengthening our strategic communications efforts and outreach in support of all other goal; increase awareness of the need for and value of the Program; position CASA Jeffco/Gilpin as an authoritative source in the prevention of child abuse.