Virginia Beach Court-Appointed Special Advocates (VB CASA) Information Session

Want to learn more about Virginia Beach Court Appointed Special Advocates (VB CASA) program?  Well, this is the perfect opportunity to ask questions about a nationally- and highly-respected non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1977 by Judge David Soukup in Seattle.

VB CASA recruits, trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Juvenile & Domestic Relations courts. CASAs offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are prioritized/protected.

WHO are CASA Volunteers?

VB CASA need people from all walks of life who are good communicators, impartial, objective-thinking and care about the well-being of children.  As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and supported by professional staff.

HOW Do CASA Volunteers Help?

CASA volunteers talk with the child, parent, family member, social worker, school officials, health care providers and others who are knowledgeable of the child's history. CASAs also prepare written reports for the judge, providing the information gathered while on the case, and stays on each case until the child is placed in a safe/permanent home. 

WHO are the Children CASA Volunteers Help?

Judges appoint CASA volunteers to represent the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Each year, more than 600,000 children experience foster care in this country. Because there are not enough CASA volunteers to represent all the children in care, judges typically assign CASA volunteers to the most difficult cases; for many, a CASA volunteer is the most consistent adult presence in their lives.

IMPORTANT: 

• CASA Advocate volunteers must be 21 or older, pass background screnings, participate in 30 hours of pre-service training, and agree to stay with a case until it is closed -- approximately 12-18 months.
• For short-term volunteer opportunities, consider signing up with Friends of CASA -- an Ambassador Group -- that supports Tabling/Community/Fundraising events.  Volunteers must be 18 or older.  Email Meaghan Soel Martin at [email protected] for further information.