Who We Are
Richmond CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recruits, trains and supervises volunteers who advocate for the needs of abused, neglected, and at-risk children in juvenile dependency proceedings. By advocating for children in court cases, CASA volunteers promote safe, permanent homes for all children and educate the community about the needs of abused and neglected children.
CASA volunteers complete 35 hours of intensive training, are sworn in by the Chief Judge as Officers of the Court and are appointed to cases. Volunteers gather information on each child’s situation so they can determine the needs of the individual child. They submit reports to the court, providing insight into the child’s life and assist the court in making informed decisions regarding the child’s future.
As mandated in the Code of Virginia, Richmond CASA volunteers communicate with the people involved in the child’s life to collect information and monitor services provided to the child and the family. CASA volunteers report these findings to the Court and make recommendations for the child and family based on this information. While gathering information about the child’s circumstances, volunteers work alongside social workers, mental health workers, police officers, attorneys, teachers and physicians, always advocating for what is in the best interest of the child.