EP Townsquare: Kids In Court? CASA of El Paso Is Here to Help

Everybody deserves to be represented in a court of law. The law itself demands it. But what about children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a courtroom that may decide their futures for months, or even years?

Representing those children is the mission of CASA of El Paso.

CASA – or, Court Appointed Special Advocates – volunteers represent the interests of El Paso children in court, most often family courts where parental rights might be curtailed, or even severed, for children's welfare and safety.

In court, the state gets a say. Parents get a say. But, if not for CASA, children might be left without a legal voice; and, often, it's the immediate future of children caught in the middle of less-than-desirable, or even dangerous, domestic situations that is most important.

Who are these trained volunteers and where do they come from?

CASA of El Paso Community Outreach Coordinator Sandy Jackson, a former volunteer herself, says the organization's volunteers come from all over El Paso, and from all walks of life. The only requirement to begin is the desire to help.

In our interview, Jackson talked about a specific case she remembers from her time as a volunteer. Not only was that case one of the most rewarding she had, but it and others helped prepare her for motherhood.

CASA of El Paso is signing up volunteers for their next training sessions now. As everything has gone virtual, including court cases, Jackson says now is the perfect time to step in, as volunteers can get their feet wet from the comfort of home.

If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Sandy Jackson directly: sjackson@casaofelpaso.org, or call, 915.225.5214.