Seven new volunteers were sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates by 21st Judicial District Chief Judge Brian Flynn on April 8 at the Mesa County Justice Center in Grand Junction.

CASA of Mesa County trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected. Volunteers monitor their case and report back to the judge about the status of the case and the wellbeing of the child. CASA volunteers are the eyes and ears of the court, and the voice of the child in court.

The new volunteer advocates participated in an extensive 30-hour training program before being sworn in to be assigned to a child in the foster care system. They will receive more on-the-job training and coaching as they begin their first case.”

“Volunteers come from all walks of life, and they don’t need a background in social work or child welfare,” said Joy Thompson, executive director for CASA. “This group of volunteers will join 40 other CASA volunteers who range from air traffic controllers to pediatricians. Anyone with a heart for kids can be a CASA volunteer.

“We currently have 60 kids in foster care waiting for a CASA advocate, and more children are added to our waiting list on a regular basis. These new volunteers are a much-welcomed addition, but we have a goal of 25 new CASAs in 2025. We must recruit 25 more volunteers if we want to ensure that every child-abuse victim has a voice.”

Interested citizens who are considering becoming a CASA Advocate can learn more by attending a volunteer information session April 17 at 6 p.m. on Facebook Live or April 19 at 10 a.m. at CASA’s office, 2139 N. 12th St., Suite 5, Grand Junction. To register go to www.CASAMC.org or call 970-242-4191.