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. We’re grateful to Jessica Carter, Statewide CASA Training Coordinator with the Department of Criminal Justice Services, for sharing more about this important learning community in the below guest blog!
CASA College: A Fresh Look at Our Statewide Learning Community
By: Jessica Carter
Every so often, Henrico CASA highlights continuing education opportunities for Advocates, and I was excited when they reached out and asked me to help kick things off.
My name is Jessica Carter, and I serve as the Statewide CASA Training Coordinator with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. In this role, I support the training efforts of local CASA programs across Virginia. A big part of my work is ensuring that CASA College continues to offer meaningful, relevant learning opportunities for Advocates, along with supporting a statewide pre-service training initiative for programs throughout the Commonwealth, including Henrico CASA.
Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many dedicated staff members and volunteers. Every conversation, every training, every shared experience has reinforced how committed this community is to children and families. I am genuinely grateful to be part of it.
This felt like a good moment to reintroduce CASA College, not because it’s new, but because sometimes a refresher helps us see all the ways it can support the work you’re already doing every day.
A statewide learning hub built for Advocates
CASA College is our statewide training hub, designed for every Advocate across Virginia. Its purpose is simple: to help you feel knowledgeable, prepared, and confident when speaking on behalf of the best interests of the children you serve.
That responsibility is significant. Your recommendations help shape decisions that can change the course of a child’s life. CASA College exists to make sure you feel supported in that role with training that is practical, relevant, and accessible.
One thing I hear consistently from Advocates and staff is that casework doesn’t stay the same for long. One month may bring school-related challenges, while the next involves navigating complex adult dynamics or understanding new mental health needs. CASA College is designed with that reality in mind.
The goal is to offer training that feels relevant to what you are seeing right now, not something that sits on a shelf and never gets used.
Recently, several training sessions have grown directly out of Advocate feedback. One example is our Advocacy in Special Education Systems mini-series. Many Advocates are regularly navigating IEP meetings, educational supports, and school-based advocacy. This training offered practical guidance to help clarify those processes, and we heard from several Advocates who felt more confident stepping into school meetings and advocating effectively for their CASA children.
We also offered a session on navigating conflict—something that shows up in casework more often than anyone would like. Whether it’s a tense team meeting, a frustrated caregiver, or competing perspectives within a case, conflict requires steadiness and clear communication. This training focused on staying grounded in those moments, and it has been encouraging to hear how quickly Advocates have been able to apply those tools in real situations.
Learning that fits your life
In addition to live sessions, CASA College offers a wide library of recorded trainings that can be accessed anytime. Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, learning is available when your schedule allows.
There is something powerful about that flexibility. CASA work can be emotionally demanding, and having the ability to pause, reflect, and return to learning when needed can make a real difference. It’s also a reminder that you are not doing this work alone. Advocates across Virginia are engaging with the same content, asking similar questions, and working through shared challenges. CASA College helps keep that sense of connection alive.
Shaped by Advocates, for Advocates
As CASA College continues to grow, I always welcome your ideas. If there are topics you want to explore, formats you find helpful, or gaps you notice in training, I want to hear from you.
Some of our most impactful trainings have started with a simple comment: “I wish we had something on this.” Your lived experience is what shapes this work, and your insight is what makes it better.
I want to say thank you. Your dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children is incredibly inspiring. CASA College exists because we want to support you in that effort. The more knowledge and confidence you have, the more prepared you are to speak up for the children who rely on you.
I hope you will explore CASA College this summer, revisit something you found meaningful, or try something new. And if you ever have thoughts, questions, or ideas, please reach out. I am always happy to talk and to keep building training that reflects your needs and your experiences.
