Connection is a powerful thing, and families access our Family Connections services at a variety of different points along their journeys. Some families begin visitation or exchange services due to new conflicts at home, some begin services during a time of recovery from past trauma. Several years a…Read More
“Best birthday ever,” Leianna squealed after her adoption was finalized by Judge Susan Blanco on her 11th birthday two Fridays ago. This day was 3 ½ years in the making, and quite a journey for Leianna and her two siblings, 6-year-old Matthew, and 8-year-old Dominaya. The trio of siblings were …Read More
Kyle* is a teenage boy who has been in foster care for many years. Like so many older youth in the system, he will likely “age out” of foster care. Without additional resources, he will officially emancipate as an adult when he turns 18. Unfortunately, that new freedom will come with all the cha…Read More
When we reflect on what makes our visitation and exchange program special, one of the first things that comes to mind is our Harmony House property. The historic farmhouse has been well lived-in and well-loved across its life, and is a big part of what sets our program apart. Families visiting here …Read More
Here at CASA of Larimer County, we’re constantly amazed by the creativity and commitment of our volunteers. We know that for many children and youth in the foster care system, their CASA volunteer is the one stable adult in their life. We also know that the connection those kiddos feel to their CA…Read More
Across both of our child-serving programs, positive outcomes for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect is paramount. Over the past year, we've implemented new strategies within our programs to better support the kids we serve, and build better supports for their families, the vol…Read More
“It’s cases like this that are the reason CASA exists,” says CASA Case Supervisor, DeAnn Zamora. She’s talking about a Dependency & Neglect case involving two teenage girls. The case had been open for years and involved a myriad of issues, including drugs, violence, and suspected traffic…Read More
One of the girls who had regularly been visiting with her Dad at Harmony House was missing her special time with him. Dad and daughter had tried to host virtual visits to see each other during the period of mandated social distancing, but couldn't due to connection issues with their Zoom visits from…Read More
After not seeing her dad for several months, a young child was nervous about doing a supervised visit with him. When it came time for the visit, she decided she wasn't ready and choose to not see her dad. Her brother did the supervised visit and had a really fun time. The following week the little g…Read More
When a CASA was requested for Dylan, a 17 year-old, the Guardian ad Litem warned that he would be difficult to engage and this would be a tough case for a CASA. She described Dylan as being completely checked out, disinterested in school, friends, and other activities. Ashley was undeterred. When …Read More
Last fall, the Harmony House case management team began piloting a new service-- a parent education program called Nurturing Skills for Families. The purpose of the program is to help families flourish by providing them skills and knowledge to help them parent more successfully. Parents work one-on-…Read More
Johnny* entered foster care when he was three years old, after both of his parents were incarcerated. He was adopted by his grandma but reentered the system at 12 years old when she passed away. After several placements over only six months, Johnny was sent to a residential treatment center. Because…Read More
