For children navigating the court system after experiencing abuse, neglect, or instability, having one trusted adult advocating for their best interests can be life-changing. That’s the work at the heart of Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County, an organization dedicated to ensuring vulnerable youth in Boulder County have a voice when it matters most.
Founded in 1985, Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County is part of the broader CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) network that began in the 1970s when a judge realized that children in dependency and neglect cases often had no one focused solely on their best interest and well-being in court.
“Our mission is to build a healthier community by providing services, support, and best-interest advocacy to youth who have experienced trauma, namely abuse and neglect,” said Jessica Schultz, Development Officer. “Our volunteers really get to know the children and serve as their voice in the courtroom.”
Margaret Bachrach, CEO, has spent her entire career working with nonprofits focused on children and families. And for Bachrach, the work with Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County is deeply personal. “This is where I grew up. My roots are here in Boulder,” she shared. “To be able to give back to a community that provided for me as a child is incredibly meaningful.”
Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County primarily serves youth involved in dependency, neglect and truancy cases, but the organization has also expanded its work recently to address challenges affecting children before they escalate into court involvement. One example is a new Truancy Prevention Pilot, developed in partnership with Boulder Valley School District and St. Vrain Valley School District.
“We heard from judges that once kids made it to truancy court, it was almost too late,” Schultz explained. “So the question became: how can we get ahead of that?”
Through the program, students experiencing chronic absenteeism are paired with an educational mentor who helps identify and address the barriers preventing them from attending school. By addressing those issues early, the organization hopes to help students stay connected to school and avoid entering the court system.
“What we’re finding is that kids aren’t missing school because they just don’t want to go,” Schultz said. “Rather it can be related to mental health challenges, bullying, transportation issues, or family responsibilities like caring for siblings.”
At the core of Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder’s County’s work are its volunteers – community members who dedicate significant time to advocating for children. Last year, 192 volunteers supported 275 youth, contributing more than 6,000 hours of service.
For Bachrach, the willingness of community members to step into such complex and emotionally demanding roles is extraordinary.
“These are difficult cases,” she said. “They’re complicated and often heartbreaking. But we are incredibly fortunate that people in this community step up and help serve these children.”
Becoming a CASA volunteer requires commitment. Advocates complete approximately 30 hours of training before being sworn in by a magistrate and assigned to a case. Most cases last about a year and a half, during which volunteers maintain consistent contact with the child and work closely with others involved in the case.
“Volunteers truly become that one stable adult in a child’s life,” Bachrach said. “The world may have been ripped apart for that child, but they know there is someone there for them.”
Like many nonprofits, Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County faces ongoing challenges. Recruiting enough volunteers, particularly those who reflect the diversity of the children served is a top priority.
“Nearly 49 percent of the children we served last year were children of color, and close to 30 percent of families speak Spanish,” Bachrach said. “We are definitely in need of more volunteers including bilingual volunteers.”
Each year, Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County brings together supporters, volunteers, and community members for its annual gala, Night of Hope. Taking place on April 29, 2026, the event celebrates the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting children while also raising critical funds for the organization’s work. Community members can learn more and register online: https://vfcboulder.org/events/night-of-hope
As Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County continues to grow and respond to community needs, one thing remains constant: the belief that every child deserves someone standing firmly in their corner.
And in Boulder County, hundreds of volunteers are stepping up to make sure those children are heard.
To volunteer or get involved with Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County visit: vfcboulder.org
