Community members interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate are invited to attend a 25-hour preservice training from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at RiverStone Church training room, 810 N. Buena Vista Ave.
CASA volunteers advocate for neglected or abused children in San Juan County. Volunteers work with professionals in children’s civil court cases to speak for the best interests of child victims of abuse and neglect to assure they reach a safe and permanent home in a timely fashion.
In 2021, 54 CASA volunteers advocated for 127 children in active abuse and neglect cases. Children’s court judges followed 87% of the recommendations made by CASA volunteers in their 112 court reports in 2021. This represents 88% of children who went before the children’s court judge in San Juan County. CASA volunteers donated 3,308 hours and 12,241 miles while advocating. More CASA volunteers are needed.
This is a free training program. Additional training sessions include:
- 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4
- 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 8
- 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, April 10
- 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12
- 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13
Independent guided learning modules are also available along with five hours of court observation.
To learn more about the CASA program and to apply online, visit childhavennm.org/casa. For more information, email advocatecoach@childhavennm.org or call (505) 325-5358, ext. 182.
