Piedmont CASA Advocates work with the most serious cases of child abuse and neglect in our community
Their ages range from newborn to 21, and their cases come to us through the courts of Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Madison.
These children and youth need CASA Advocates to work through the court and child welfare system on their behalf. Someone who will address their needs - basic needs that so many of us take for granted like physical health, mental health, education, and protection from abuse.
There is no one else performing this service, and we do not charge fees.
CASA Advocates devote about 15 hours per month and their duties include:
- Conducting independent investigations
- Submitting written reports with recommendations to the court
- Monitoring the case to assure the court's orders are being implemented and that the child receives needed services
CASA Advocates interview parents, caretakers, foster parents, social workers, therapists, educators, and other service providers. They attend service planning and Family Partnership Meetings, and they meet with children in their placements at least once a month.
CASA Advocates collaborate extensively with the social workers and treatment providers to ensure that all parties stay informed of progress and issues in each case, and that the children receive the services they need. Their investigations culminate with fact-based reports to the judge that include recommendations for how best to meet the needs of each child.
Children who have CASA Advocates have more hope
We’ve known for a long time that kids with CASAs receive more medical, therapeutic, and educational support. And we’ve known that kids with CASA Advocates spend less time in foster care because they find safe, permanent homes faster. Now studies are also showing the logical product of that advocacy: hope. When kids have CASAs, they have more hope - and kids with hope are more likely to thrive.
Steps to becoming a Piedmont CASA Advocate
CASA Advocates must be at least 21, complete a written application, participate in personal interviews, undergo a thorough background check, and successfully complete 42 hours of pre-service training. Training sessions are held in the spring and in the fall.
Ready to start?
Please join us for a one-hour Information Session. We hold them on Zoom as well as in-person. You can find the current schedule on our website. Go to pcasa.org and click on the red Advocate button. Scroll down to the blue bar that reads: How do I become a CASA?
