COLORADO SPRINGS — We are now in a world where basically all contact has gone virtual. Even volunteering has to happen in a digital setting. At CASA, or the Court Appointed Special Advocates agency, despite everything being shut down, they're still adding volunteers, virtual or not.
After two weeks of training, volunteers are sworn in by a judge, taking the oath to protect life's most vulnerable.
"Our volunteers, instead of sitting on the sidelines and saying that's so sad, and I wish something could be done, these are people that have decided to take action," said Keri Kahn, Communications Manager At the Casa Pikes Peak Region office. "Despite what is going on in the world this virus can not stop people who care."
The newest volunteers were just sworn in through a zoom meeting by Judge Jill Brady. Their job is to defend kids in the foster care system, looking out for their best interests, so that one day they can find the right home. It's a task that Kahn says looks a lot different these days
"We had an information hour on zoom Monday, and 14 or 15 people came to that," she said.
Not only swearing-in ceremonies, but checking on kids, training sessions, and group meetings have gone virtual. Kahn says they may need more volunteers than originally thought, because the agencys is expecting a rise in child abuse incidents.
"With the stress that's being placed on families during social distancing, and the financial problems that might come out of COVID-19, we know that child abuse is happening and it's growing."
A drop in calls does not mean the abuse has stopped. if you suspect a child is being abused, call 1-844-CO4-KIDS. If you'd like more information on volunteering, click here.
