7 new advocates join Henrico CASA
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Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Sharon G. Jacobs officially swore in seven new court appointed special advocates, or CASAs, recently. The volunteers completed training and now will be supervised by Henrico CASA as they advocate for children involved in the child welfare and judicial system because of allegations of abuse or neglect.
Jacobs congratulated the new advocates – Kenneth Bradford, Allison Dandridge, Jason Jones, Charlene Leahy, Lillian Miller, David Shotwell and Ian Turner – on taking the oath, noting the significant investment each advocate already had made by completing CASA’s 40 hours of pre-service training. Jacobs highlighted the value that CASAs provide by being volunteers focused exclusively on the best interests of a child or sibling group.
She explained that CASAs personalize cases, allowing judges access to information and observations that support their decision-making process.
This new class of CASA volunteers quickly will be assigned to a child or sibling group, as cases are waiting for advocates. The volunteers then will advocate in court and in the community for the children and families assigned to them.
Henrico CASA volunteers provide both connection and permanency by being a consistent presence in a child’s life, helping to increase overall well-being and strengthen support systems
Since 1994, Henrico CASA has served more than 3,825 children in the Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
The organization is hosting two upcoming information sessions to share more about the opportunity. For details, visit www.henricocasa.org/volunteers/ or contact Program Manager Trish Stewart at (804) 501-1672 or ste118@henrico.us.
