From Henrico CASA:
At Henrico CASA, we are always looking for ways to highlight tools and resources that strengthen and support our Advocates in their work. Continuing education is a vital part of effective advocacy, and CASA College is one of the most valuable statewide resources available to help Advocates grow their knowledge and confidence. CASA College is Virginia CASA’s statewide training hub, designed to help Advocates feel knowledgeable, prepared, and confident when speaking on behalf of the best interests of the children they serve.
Through virtual training courses led by subject matter experts, CASA College provides opportunities to deepen advocacy skills, strengthen understanding, and stay informed on topics impacting children and families.
This week, Volunteer Coordinator, Lorrie Moore shares reflections from Advocacy in Special Education Parts 1 & 2, presented by Dr. Pamela Moody. The training explores Virginia’s special education process and the important role CASA Advocates can play in helping children receive the educational support they need.
When Children Struggle to Learn
Many children referred to Henrico CASA face challenges in school. These struggles may stem from disabilities, behavioral concerns, unstable home environments, or the lasting effects of trauma. Whatever the cause, the result is often the same. Children struggle to fully participate in their education.
Virginia law protects students whose disabilities affect their ability to learn. Schools have systems to identify students who need additional support. However, not every child is identified.
Limited resources, inconsistent advocacy, or a lack of family support can allow children to fall through the cracks.
For children in foster care or involved in the child welfare system, there may not be an adult consistently advocating for evaluations or accommodations. CASA Advocates cannot authorize evaluations or determine eligibility for services. However, they can encourage families, schools, and the court to ensure children receive appropriate assessments and support.
Understanding the Special Education Process
Dr. Pamela Moody has dedicated her career to serving children with disabilities and improving educational opportunities. During her 38 years with Prince William County Public Schools, she became a recognized leader in special education. She also volunteered with CASA to advocate for abused and neglected children.
In her two-part CASA College training, Dr. Moody explains Virginia’s responsibility to provide every child with a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
She begins with Child Find, Virginia’s statewide effort to identify students who may have disabilities. From there, she explains evaluations and the process for determining eligibility for either an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan.
Understanding this process helps CASA Advocates recognize when a child may need additional support. It also prepares them to ask informed questions throughout a case.
Building Strong School Partnerships
One of the biggest takeaways from this training was that advocacy often begins with relationships.
Dr. Moody emphasized the importance of connecting with the adults who know the child best during the school day. Classroom teachers, school counselors, administrators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other educational professionals all offer valuable insight into a child’s strengths and challenges.
CASA Advocates can also share their own observations about a child’s development, communication, behavior, or learning needs. Those conversations may help school staff recognize patterns that warrant additional evaluation.
Supporting parents and caregivers is equally important. Encouraging families to stay engaged, attend meetings, complete paperwork, and communicate with the school can make a meaningful difference.
Advocacy in Action
This training reminded me of a case involving a high-school student who struggled with depression and lacked motivation to attend school. Their parents worked early mornings, leaving the child responsible for getting himself to school each day. Attendance became a major challenge, and he was at risk of failing their sophomore year for the second time.
Throughout the case, CASA built a strong partnership with the school counselor. The counselor had developed a trusting relationship with the young person and kept CASA informed whenever paperwork for specialized educational programs was sent home.
CASA regularly followed up with the child’s parents to ensure paperwork was completed. The Advocate also attended school meetings and remained actively involved in educational planning.
Progress took time. However, collaboration between CASA, the family, and the school team led to the student being accepted into a specialized program. The program provided the accommodations and support he needed to succeed while working toward an age-appropriate grade level.
This experience demonstrated how persistence, communication, and collaboration can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Learn
Educational advocacy is about more than academics. It is about ensuring every child has access to the support, accommodations, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
CASA Advocates may not determine eligibility for special education services. However, they can ask important questions, encourage timely evaluations, attend school meetings, and help ensure concerns do not go unheard.
When children have someone consistently advocating for their educational needs, they are more likely to receive the resources that help them thrive.
By understanding Virginia’s special education process and building strong relationships with schools and families, CASA Advocates can help ensure no child’s potential is overlooked. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
