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.
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.
CASA volunteer candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be 21 years of age;
- Be able to devote time for training, meetings, court appearances and case follow-up (New volunteer training is 35 hours;
- post training service is approximately 15 hours per month;
- Have excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Have a professional attitude;
- Have a genuine desire to help a child in need;
- Have no significant criminal, child abuse registry or driving violations history.
If you are interested please download the CASA Application 2017-2018 form. Please email the completed form to Heather Farber at Heather.Farber@richmondgov.com or fax it to (804) 646-0624.