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Helping Douglas County youth with a personal touch


By Liz Jurkowski

To date this year, there have been more than 1,400 calls to Douglas County’s Department of Human Services about children who may be abused or neglected. It seems shocking to imagine that stuff like that even happens here in our neighborhoods, but the truth is it happens everywhere. However, there is hope and there is help.

Ruby Richards, who works for the Department of Human Services, says the calls are on the rise and that case workers who work for the county try hard to determine which calls warrant a visit from a social worker. In 2009, out of more than 2,000 referrals, case workers were able to directly assess 818 cases. So far in 2013, already 430 cases have resulted in a visit from a social worker. The county is doing a great job, but unfortunately some kids still fall through the cracks.

That is where Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) can step in. These advocates offer another set of eyes and a different perspective. They form relationships with the child and are almost always a volunteer from the child’s community.

Peggy Rudden, a CASA volunteer for more than fifteen years and now the executive director of the organization says, “All these kids need is someone who will listen to them and not judge them.”

The CASA organization started thirty-six years ago, promoting “solid working relationships with the Department of Social Services,” said Rudden.

At an informational meeting last month hosted by Vicki and Ted Hopkins at their home in Castle Pines, Rudden stressed that CASA is valuable, offering support and help on the child’s level. “We need people who will cheer for them, help them, and be there for them,” she said.

CASA has been active in Douglas County for ten years, but are in need of more volunteers. After training, the time commitment varies by case. A CASA volunteer may interact with the child’s teachers, parents, the court, and of course the child him/herself. They act as “…the friend that these kids need after being moved around and [after] having a tough start.” Richards added, “The collective voice is so much better than the solo voice.” She admits that while the county tries hard to make sure all the children in the system have an equal opportunity to succeed and move forward, when a CASA volunteer is involved real progress can be made.

Many more CASA volunteers are needed. Nationwide, only 26 percent of children in foster care have a CASA volunteer. For more information about CASA or to learn about becoming a volunteer, visit www.adv4children.org or call Peggy Rudden at 303-695-1882. 

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