Henrico CASA welcomes 9 new advocates

Henrico Court Appointed Special Advocates welcomed nine new volunteers during a March 9 ceremony.

Presiding Judge Stacy E. Lee, of the Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, officially swore in nine new CASAs, who will work with the organization to advocate for children and families involved in the child welfare system because of allegations of abuse or neglect.

Lee congratulated the new advocates on taking the oath, noting the significant investment each advocate already has made by completing CASA’s 40 hours of pre-service training. Lee emphasized the importance that volunteer advocates play in providing continuity throughout a child’s case and noted that the context and case history provided by advocates is vital to making the best decisions possible for a child’s well-being.

The new class of CASA volunteers quickly will be assigned to a child or sibling group, since cases are waiting for advocates. The volunteers then will advocate in court and in the community for the children and families assigned to them. As a part of their advocacy, they will get to know important adults in the life of the child they represent, including parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, therapists and more.

Since 1994, Henrico CASA has served more than 3,750 children in the Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. More volunteers are needed, and the organization is hosting two information sessions to provide details about the role.

To learn more, visit www.henricocasa.org/volunteers/ or contact Program Manager Trish Stewart at (804) 501-1672 or ste118@henrico.us.