Raising Awareness for Vulnerable Children

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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience

By Kristin Blalock | April 2, 2023

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can take place within three realms: All three types of ACEs create toxic stress, which can hinder a child’s development. If left unaddressed, toxic stress limits resiliency and negatively impacts future health and well-being.  This April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are focusing our discussion of ACEs to those that…

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Courtroom Perspectives: Judge Soukup

By Kristin Blalock | March 25, 2023

As COURT Appointed Special Advocates, the courtroom is essential to our work. This is where a Judge initially appoints us to serve a child. It is also where we then bring forth information and observations that assist the Judge in making weighty decisions on behalf of that child. This month, we welcome “guest bloggers” to…

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Courtroom Perspectives: Clerk of Court

By Shannon Meadowcroft | March 11, 2023

As COURT Appointed Special Advocates, the courtroom is essential to our work. This is where a Judge initially appoints us to serve a child. It is also where we then bring forth information and observations that assist the Judge in making weighty decisions on behalf of that child. This month, we welcome “guest bloggers” to…

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Courtroom Perspectives: CASA

By Molly Ratliff | March 5, 2023

As COURT Appointed Special Advocates, the courtroom is essential to our work. This is where a Judge initially appoints us to serve a child. It is also where we then bring forth information and observations that assist the Judge in making weighty decisions on behalf of that child. This month, we welcome “guest bloggers” to…

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Anatomy of a CASA: MIND

By Kristin Blalock | February 25, 2023

We consulted with CASA children to find out what makes a great advocate. It turns out there are four key components of a Court Appointed Special Advocate… and they happen to be things we all have: eyes, ears, hearts, and minds! MIND Our CASA volunteers have hearts of gold. They are driven by compassion to…

CASA Advocate with child

Anatomy of a CASA: Ears

By Kristin Blalock | February 17, 2023

We consulted with CASA children to find out what makes a great advocate. It turns out there are four key components of a Court Appointed Special Advocate… and they happen to be things we all have: eyes, ears, hearts, and minds! EARS All children deserve to be heard. Vulnerable children, like those who are the…

CASA Advocate with young child

Anatomy of a CASA: Heart

By Kristin Blalock | February 11, 2023

We consulted with CASA children to find out what makes a great advocate. It turns out there are four key components of a Court Appointed Special Advocate… and they happen to be things we all have: eyes, ears, hearts, and minds! HEART This time of year, images of love surround us. With children, we speak…

CASA Advocate with teenager

Anatomy of a CASA: Eyes

By Kristin Blalock | February 4, 2023

We consulted with CASA children to find out what makes a great advocate. It turns out there are four key components of a Court Appointed Special Advocate… and they happen to be things we all have: eyes, ears, hearts, and minds! EYES At their core, Court Appointed Special Advocates are individuals simply looking out for…

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CASA Values: Stewardship

By Kristin Blalock | January 29, 2023

January is known as a time for vision. It is a season to look ahead and make commitments for the new year. However, before we move forward, there is benefit in reflection. At Henrico CASA, we are using this time to meditate on our core values, remembering what is most important to us. Our core…

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CASA Core Values: Gratitude

By Kristin Blalock | January 22, 2023

January is known as a time for vision. It is a season to look ahead and make commitments for the new year. However, before we move forward, there is benefit in reflection. At Henrico CASA, we are using this time to meditate on our core values, remembering what is most important to us. Our core…