2025 Colorado CASA Network Evaluation Summary

Colorado CASA and its 18 local programs are proving that powerful change doesn’t require massive budgets—just committed people, strong partnerships, and a clear mission. With a combined annual budget of just over $18 million, the CASA network supports children and families across the state, even as Colorado’s Division of Child Welfare operates with more than $623 million. Despite this disparity, CASA’s reach and impact are remarkable.

In a single year, Colorado CASA organizations:

  • Supported 7,000+ community members

  • Engaged 2,000+ trained volunteers

  • Served families in nearly every corner of the state

How CASA Creates Lasting Change

Colorado CASA recently partnered with Corona Insights to evaluate the network’s impact. The evaluation included audits of data from all 18 local programs and 34 interviews with CASA leaders, judges, child welfare professionals, parents, and youth. This research helped refine the CASA Network’s Theory of Change and assess outcomes through Child Wellbeing Assessments.

The CASA model follows a powerful progression:

  • Local organizations provide direct services to children and caregivers

  • Children’s voices are heard and their needs are identified

  • Families build assets to navigate trauma

  • Children and caregivers develop long-term resilience

Real Results for Colorado’s Children

The evaluation found strong evidence that CASA programs are improving outcomes for children involved in Dependency & Neglect (D&N) cases:

  • 83% maintained or improved access to health care

  • 80% saw better permanency and safety

  • 73% met developmental milestones

  • 68% improved their transition to adulthood

  • 63% showed education improvements CASA Network Evaluation Summary…

CASA also supports six long-term outcomes that help families navigate trauma:

  • Relationships

  • Caregiver capacity

  • Safe and stable homes

  • Health

  • Education

  • Life skills

Voices That Show the Impact

The numbers tell a powerful story—but the voices of youth and leaders bring CASA’s impact to life.

One former CASA youth shared:

“My CASA volunteer always came to my IEP meetings… I eventually got on the honor roll… She even came to my graduation.”

An Executive Director from Denver CASA emphasized the importance of connection:

“Trying to build community around that child and making sure that there are people that they can rely on…”

Another leader from the Pikes Peak Region described how CASA fills service gaps:

“The courts asked us to fill that gap in the community… and we’re still the only ones in our area doing either of those things.”

Expanding Support Beyond the Courtroom

Many Colorado CASA programs have expanded services upstream and downstream of child welfare involvement—supporting families before crises escalate and after cases close. These organizations are trusted community partners who identify service gaps and respond to local needs.

CASA volunteers also serve as a connective hub between families, courts, and community resources, helping ensure children don’t fall through the cracks.

Opportunities to Grow Stronger

The evaluation highlighted two key areas for continued improvement:

  • Volunteer Support: Judges and caseworkers value CASA volunteers but see opportunities to better support them in their critical role.

  • Refined Measurement: While outcomes are promising, improving consistency in Child Wellbeing Assessments will strengthen future impact tracking.

Looking Ahead

Colorado CASA’s network demonstrates what’s possible when communities come together for children. With dedicated volunteers, strong partnerships, and a clear mission, CASA continues to deliver outsized impact—helping children find stability, build resilience, and thrive.

Evaluation completed by Corona Insights | Revised January 14, 2026

To read the full evaluation report and learn more about Colorado CASA, visit the link below.

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Program Evaluation For CASA Organizations Across Colorado