CASA First

The mission of CASA, First Judicial District is to support and promote volunteer advocacy so that children and youth from Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties who are trauma-impacted or system-involved can be safe, have permanent connections, and the opportunity to thrive. CASA First was formed in 1977 out of a concern for decisions made about abused and neglected children without sufficient information. CASA First (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the New Mexico First Judicial District believes every child who has been abused or neglected deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in our community. To accomplish this, CASA First educates and empowers diverse community volunteers who advocate for the best interest and enhance the lives of children who are in the foster care system as a result of abuse and neglect. When the state steps in to protect a child’s safety, a judge appoints a trained CASA volunteer to make independent and informed recommendations and help the judge decide what is best for the child. CASA First has advocated for thousands of children in foster care from Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos since 1995. We are active members of the National CASA Association and the New Mexico CASA Network.