GOLDEN, Colo. -- In a child abuse case, a judge and lawyers are in the courtroom, but the person who speaks for the child victim is often a volunteer.

They are called CASAs, Court Appointed Special Advocates. They are often a child's best friend because CASAs represent children in abuse and neglect cases.

"You are kind of like a mom for them. You are kind of like a best friend," said longtime CASA Ginny Lee.

"I wish we had a CASA on every case we have. I wish every child involved in the system had a CASA because a CASA's role is to be the voice for a child and to represent the child's best interest," said Magistrate Gail Meinster.

Lee has been a CASA in the first Judicial District of Jefferson and Gilpin counties since 2004.

CASA volunteers are trained to keep the court aware of how the child is coping during the stress of an abuse or neglect case. While the judge and lawyers focus on the legalities of a case, the CASAs concentrate on offering the child other things.

"Stability, friendship, nurturing, support, comfort," said Magistrate Gail Meinster.

"To me it is all about the kids. They need to get on that right path to get on with life," said Lee.

The work is rewarding, but it takes time and commitment.

"I am always available by phone. They can always call me if there is a situation they need to talk to me about," said Lee.

"Ginny Lee is one of our superstar volunteers, and we have many," said Leah Varnell, executive director of CASA Jeffco-Gilpin.

Lee has given more than on 1,000 hours as a CASA even while working full time.

"If I need anything extra, if we need her to do an event for us, she is right there. She is the one we call," said Angela Bisel, volunteer coordinator.

To learn more about Court Appointed Special Advocates, visit the website:www.CASAJeffCoGilpin.com.