VOLUNTEERS

Without our wonderful volunteer advocates, hundreds of abused and neglected children would not have a strong voice in their corner. If you would like to speak up for a child, no special experience is required. Our advocates come from all walks of life with a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. Free training is provided. Henrico CASA Volunteers have advocated for children from newborns to teenagers. Many more abused and neglected children could benefit from having a CASA Volunteer.

Getting started: Prospective CASA Volunteers can obtain an application by clicking here or by sending an email request to pan01@co.henrico.va.us. Prior to begining our intensive training, applicants are required to complete a personal interview and undergo criminal and child abuse registry checks.

Training: Volunteers attend at least 33 hours of pre-service training which is scheduled in the evenings after work hours. The trainees learn about the court process, the social service system, child development and educational advocacy, domestic violence, substance abuse and the special needs of children who have been abused and neglected. At "graduation," CASAs become sworn in as officers of the Court. As many children are waiting, new volunteers are likely to be assigned a case very quickly.

Time: Typically, a CASA Volunteer spends several hours a month on a case. Volunteers will complete home visits, follow up with case collaterals, write a report to the judge and attend court. The CASA's time commitment is dictated by the complexity of their assigned case. Volunteers are asked to commit at least one year, but many stay longer, knowing it is best for the child to stay with the case until it is fully resolved.

Support: CASA volunteers work closely with social workers, attorneys, treatment providers, and others involved in helping children. Each volunteer is guided and assisted through the complexities and challenges of his or her case by a member of the Henrico CASA staff.

THANK YOU HENRICO CASA VOLUNTEERS!

YOU HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN EVERY DAY!

Make A Difference

Now is the time to get involved!

Our next pre-service training class starts April 16, 2012.

Have you always wanted to make a real difference in the life of a child? You can by becoming an advocate for children in crisis! Henrico CASA will begin training new volunteers to provide much needed advocacy for abused or neglected children on April 16, 2012. The twelve sessions, presented by area professionals, will be held Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Henrico CASA office.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, but still have more questions, please contact Jeannine at 501-1673 for further information.

WANTED: Mature, responsible adults with a profound sense of caring for children.

SKILLS NEEDED: Willing to study laws, regulations, child development, interviewing and report writing techniques. Requires listening, writing and computer skills, and the ability to work with other professionals.

APPLY TODAY: To volunteer your time for a child, please complete our CASA volunteer application.

CASA Volunteer Application!