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Community — Henrico CASA — Nonprofits — Government — Henrico government

Henrico CASA adds 11 new volunteers

,   and  Citizen Staff Reports
1 min read
New Henrico CASA advocates (from left): front row – Brenda Winston, Amy Ringberg, Ajanee Ransom, Deshawnda Johnson, Sydney Quinones, Ethel Hayes, Shakia Lane, Suzanne Harrison, Alejandra Lewis, Janet Hanson, and Portia Albrecht, with Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Stacy E. Lee (center, back). (Courtesy Henrico CASA)

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Eleven volunteers were sworn in Nov. 20 as Court Appointed Special Advocates by the Henrico County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Stacy E. Lee. The newly trained advocates will join Henrico CASA’s mission to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

CASA is a nonprofit organization that trains community members to advocate for the best interests of vulnerable children in court. Advocates provide critical information to Henrico County’s judges by reporting their observations and recommendations and act as a consistent and stable support system for the children throughout their legal journey.

“Every child deserves to have their voice heard,” said Henrico CASA Executive Director Jeannine Panzera. “The impact of one supportive adult being present in a child’s life is profound and truly makes a difference for the children that we serve.”

The newly sworn-in advocates received certificates recognizing their completion of Henrico CASA's 40-hour training program. During her remarks, Lee emphasized the significant role that the volunteers will play in the lives of the children they will serve.

The need for CASA volunteers continues to grow as more children require their services, according to CASA officials. In recent months, 45 children have been referred to CASA without an advocate.

In an attempt to meet this demand, Henrico CASA will host a virtual information session for new prospective volunteers Dec. 11 at noon, detailing the steps they can take to become advocates Those interested in attending can register by clicking here.

Since its founding in 1994, Henrico CASA has served 4,270 children in the Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. For details about Henrico CASA, visit henricocasa.org.