Yes. The training schedule is posted on our website and provided during the application and interview process to ensure that prospective volunteers can commit to attending all training sessions. The content taught in training is vital, in terms of knowledge and how to work a case as a volunteer advocate. The in-person nature allows for valuable dialogue as the training class works through a practice case together.

Many children are waiting for advocates, so new volunteers are likely to be assigned a case very quickly after the completion of training.

The length of a case varies based on several variables. Some end within weeks, others last years. The children we serve have experienced a significant amount of change and instability. CASA’s volunteer advocates are a consistent source of security for these children. Therefore, we ask that volunteers remain committed to a child until their case is fully resolved or CASA is relieved by the Judge.

Henrico CASA prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of not just the children we serve, but also our team of volunteer advocates. Since 1994, no volunteer advocate has been harmed while working with the children and families we serve. We encourage advocates to understand that the cases we serve involve allegations of abuse and neglect that may or may not have merit. If the physical safety of children was of significant concern to Child Protective Services, the children are oftentimes removed from that environment prior to CASA’s involvement. Our staff trains volunteers on how to proactively prioritize safety and utilize available resources to ensure the ongoing safety for our advocates.