Welcome six new advocates!

Six new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) were sworn in as officers of the court at CASA of the Pikes Peak Region’s swearing-in ceremony on Nov. 6.

The ceremony took place at the El Paso County Courthouse and was presided over by 4^th Judicial District Judge William Bain. It was the final step taken by these community volunteers after weeks of training which covered topics like trauma, resiliency, poverty, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and the role of the CASA volunteer.

Now, each new advocate will be appointed to an open case Dependency & Neglect by a judge so that they may speak up for an abused or neglected child and ensure that child’s best interest remains front and center during court proceedings.

Congratulations new advocates James Divine, Edward Franceschina III, Laura Lasco, Jennifer Latham, Paul Petyo, and Jolene Wheeland.

CASA continues to seek new volunteers to support children in El Paso and Teller counties who are involved in the child welfare system due to abuse, neglect, or severe domestic conflict. Anyone who is interested in serving their community in this capacity is encouraged to attend an upcoming CASA Volunteer Information Hour. Info hour dates can be found here: www.casappr.org/volunteer.