CASA Volunteers Make Impact on Vulnerable Children in Virginia

Across Virginia, a dedicated network of volunteers is working to protect vulnerable children caught in an overburdened system. With over 1,000 volunteers statewide, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) initiative is making a significant impact on the lives of children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

Theresa Orr, a retired Virginia Beach police captain, has devoted the past decade to advocating for children as a CASA volunteer. Although no longer a foster mother, she has directly influenced the lives of 30 children by providing consistent support. “You come into our house and you are a part of our family,” Orr stated. Each week, she visits her assigned child, compiles essential records, and interviews family members and friends to create comprehensive reports for the court. According to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, more than 3,400 children in the state have been assigned a CASA advocate this year alone.

Founded in 1977 by Judge David Soukup in Seattle, CASA was established to address the need for informed advocacy in juvenile court cases. The program expanded nationwide, reaching Virginia in 1985. By 1990, the Virginia General Assembly had passed legislation to ensure CASA’s presence in all local courts.

The commitment of CASA volunteers is profound. Each volunteer is responsible for only one child at a time, allowing them to dedicate their attention fully to that child’s needs. “The importance of having even one stable, consistent adult in a child’s life cannot be overstated,” said Roxie Hoven, executive director of Norfolk CASA. Stability, she explained, is crucial for developing self-worth and a sense of belonging.

Isiah Williams, a military police officer, has remained in contact with the five children he advocated for over a decade ago. He vividly recalls confronting their foster parents about abuse, demonstrating the courage and compassion required in this role. “I know when something is not right,” Williams noted, reflecting on the trauma he has witnessed both in his professional life and as a CASA volunteer.

Every week, CASA volunteers like Elizabeth Johnson, who began her first appointment in April, meet with children to provide a listening ear. Johnson, a 22-year-old graduate of Old Dominion University, engages with the teens she visits by discussing their interests, such as music and school life. “There are few opportunities for kids to just talk about themselves,” she mentioned. The insights gained from these meetings are essential for compiling court reports that inform judges about each child’s living conditions and family dynamics.

CASA volunteers conduct thorough assessments, documenting various aspects of a child’s situation, including their family’s access to resources like food and transportation. These reports can significantly influence court decisions, particularly when parents face challenges such as mental health issues or unemployment. “You can’t help everyone,” Johnson admitted, “but with each case, you can help a family.”

The emotional toll on volunteers is real, as illustrated by Gary Murphy, whose experience with a struggling parent resonated deeply with him. Murphy emphasized the need to prioritize the child’s best interests, even when it means recommending a placement in a new home. “Our mission is to advocate for the child’s best interests,” he stated, highlighting the sometimes difficult choices CASA volunteers face.

Currently, Norfolk CASA has 38 volunteers serving 67 children, but the demand remains high, with 45 children waiting for a CASA assignment in the local juvenile court system. To address this need, potential volunteers undergo more than 30 hours of training, covering topics such as juvenile court processes, child psychology, and court reporting.

As the CASA program continues to grow, the dedication of its volunteers remains a beacon of hope for many children facing adversity. Their commitment is not only about advocating for justice but also about nurturing the emotional well-being of the children they serve.