Program Evaluation For CASA Organizations Across Colorado
Colorado CASA’s Statewide Impact: Strengthening Families, Building Resilience
To understand the full impact of CASA organizations across Colorado, Colorado CASA partnered with Corona Insights to conduct a comprehensive, statewide program evaluation. The evaluation examined both core Dependency and Neglect (D&N) advocacy programs and the many supplemental services offered by local CASA organizations. The process included a data audit of existing evaluation practices, interviews with Executive Directors from all 18 CASA organizations, and conversations with key stakeholders such as judges, attorneys, caseworkers, parents, and youth who have experienced CASA’s services firsthand. Corona Insights also conducted a landscape analysis of community partners, facilitated group discussions with CASA leadership, and administered a network-wide survey to gather additional program data. Finally, the team analyzed results from Child Wellbeing Assessments completed by CASA volunteers to understand outcomes for children and families. Together, these methods informed a refined Theory of Change and provided a strong, evidence-based foundation for the findings and recommendations in the report.
With 18 local organizations serving 20 of Colorado’s 23 judicial districts, CASA programs support thousands of families every year. In FY 24/25 alone, the network engaged nearly 1,900 volunteers, employed 197 staff, and operated with a combined budget of just over $18 million—compared to the state’s $623 million investment in child welfare. Despite this funding gap, CASA’s impact is far-reaching.
A Clear Mission: Helping Children Heal and Thrive
CASA organizations serve children and youth who have experienced—or are at risk of—abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These young people often face complex challenges such as mental health struggles, housing instability, educational disruption, and limited family support.
Because CASA volunteers focus on one case at a time, they are uniquely positioned to build deep, trusting relationships with children. They advocate in court, connect families to resources, and provide consistent adult support when stability is hard to find. Ultimately, Colorado CASA organizations help children and families become resilient to the long-term effects of trauma.
How CASA Creates Change: A Proven Theory of Impact
Colorado CASA’s theory of change centers on trauma-informed care, strong relationships, and advocacy:
Volunteers build trusting relationships with children
Children’s voices are heard in court
Families are connected to vital resources
Caregivers gain tools to support healthy development
Youth develop life skills and confidence
These efforts lead to safer homes, stronger relationships, better health and education outcomes, and more successful transitions into adulthood.
Key Findings from the Evaluation
1. Outsized Impact
With limited funding, CASA organizations supported over 7,000 community members and engaged 2,000+ volunteers statewide in FY 24/25.
2. Long-Term Outcomes
CASA programming helps ensure:
Safe, stable, permanent homes
Supportive relationships
Strong caregiver capacity
Improved health
Educational success
Life skills for adulthood
3. A Trusted Connective Hub
CASA volunteers serve as a bridge between families, courts, and community resources, building trust that leads to better outcomes for children.
4. Expanded Programming
Many CASA organizations now offer:
Parenting classes
Supervised visitation
Trauma-informed training (e.g., TBRI®)
Housing and basic needs support
Youth transition programs
Truancy and prevention services
These programs help families both before and after court involvement, filling critical service gaps—especially in rural communities.
5. Evidence of Impact
Case closure assessments show:
80% of children maintained or improved housing stability
83% improved engagement with health services
6. Support for Volunteers
Judges, attorneys, and caseworkers consistently praised CASA volunteers for reducing system burdens and offering independent perspectives. Opportunities exist to strengthen training, communication, and peer support.
7. Improved Measurement
The evaluation recommends more consistent outcome tracking for newer programs and expanding Child Wellbeing Assessments beyond D&N cases.
What CASA Does in Communities
In FY 24/25, CASA organizations statewide:
Trained 2,600+ community members
Built positive adult relationships with 3,900+ youth
Represented 4,000+ children in court
Supported 1,300+ people through supervised visitation
Connected 7,000+ people to resources
Provided housing or basic needs support to 3,000+ individuals
From helping youth apply for college to connecting families with therapy, transportation, and housing, CASA’s support is both practical and transformative.
Voices from the Community
A 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.”
A magistrate explained:
“If a kid doesn’t have housing, nothing works. But if a kid has housing, we can intervene with college, therapy, food, and employment.”
A parent reflected:
“They’re angels. They listen to you and not judge you. They’re a voice for you.”
Looking Ahead
Colorado CASA’s network continues to evolve in response to community needs—expanding prevention programs, strengthening volunteer support, and refining outcome measurement. The evaluation confirms what families and courts experience every day: CASA’s presence changes lives.
When communities invest in CASA, they invest in resilient children, stronger families, and a future filled with hope.
Evaluation completed by Corona Insights | December 2025.
Read the full report below: