CHEYENNE, Wyo. — CASA of Laramie County is gearing up for another season of advocate training. Before that begins, though, the organization is holding an orientation at both noon and 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13 to prime potential volunteers on what it means to be an advocate and learn about the need that currently exists.
CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, serves on behalf of foster children and protects their rights within the court system. These volunteers are assigned to families with neglected or abused children and work with them to learn their needs. Volunteers serve a special purpose in speeding up the court processes to get children in permanent, safe households.
“We teach them what to keep an eye out for,” Program Coordinator Jennifer Quinlivan said. She said the organization is looking for skilled communicators and problem-solvers to join the ranks of CASA. “We’re just looking for more of those people who can make a difference.”
The organization currently serves 63 children. However, there are 78 kids currently without a court advocate, and 32 of those youth are in great need of help, Quinlivan said.
Children who have CASA advocates are less likely to spend time in the foster care system compared to those without one, Sarah Urbanek, executive director of CASA of Laramie County, told Cap City News in 2024.
Training will officially begin Feb. 4. All volunteer training sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the month of February from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each training day will be dedicated to a specific topic or issue that affects families, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, poverty, LGBTQ issues, abuse, neglect and mental illness.
CASA advocates can expect to work on their assigned case around 5–10 hours a month. The organization is looking for individuals who can commit to working on a case to completion.
Orientation and trainings will be held at CASA’s Cheyenne office at 1616 E. 19th St. Sign-up forms will be provided at the upcoming orientation, but interested participants can download a copy ahead of time online here.
