Each year thousands of children in New Mexico are thrust into the court system through no fault of their own.

• Some are victims of violence, psychological torment, or sexual abuse. 
• Others have been neglected or even abandoned by their own parents. 
• Most of them are very frightened and confused. 
• Often these children also become victims of this state's child welfare and protection system, which is way too overburdened to give each child who comes through it the kind of thorough, continuous and detailed attention these innocents need. 
• Thousands of children will never know what it is like to have a permanent home. 
• Their formative years are spent in multiple temporary settings, shuttled from one placement to another, while Child Protective Services (CPS) and the courts decide their fate. 

The volunteers at Mesilla Valley CASA ensure that these abused and neglected children have a powerful voice of advocacy.  For more information about this volunteer work, contact our Volunteer Program Coordinator.