Courtroom Perspectives: Judge Soukup

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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You Can Be an Advocate

Listen to Episode 2 of the Vigilant Voices™ podcast, You Can Be an Advocate. Jeannine Panzera: Hello, listeners. You are listening to our brand new Vigilant Voices podcast. And we’re glad you’re here. Kristin Blalock: We are. You know, in our work at CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about…

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Courtroom Perspectives: CASA

Blog General Pictures

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

CASA Henrico Graphic

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…

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Anatomy of a CASA: Ears

CASA Advocate with child

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…

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Anatomy of a CASA: Heart

CASA Advocate with young child

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…

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Anatomy of a CASA: Eyes

CASA Advocate with teenager

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 Story: Making Brittany’s Future Bright

Future is Bright CASA Graphic - Brittany

Brittany’s cries for help went unheard by her family. Her attempts at communicating her emotions – specifically her fear and anger from past abuse by a family member – were met by rejection as she bounced between various homes of friends and relatives. Brittany was without an anchor in a powerful storm. Brittany’s CASA, Denise,…

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CASA Story: Making Jasmine’s Future Bright

Future is Bright Graphic - Jasmine

Jasmine’s father left her and her younger siblings in a parked car. They sat alone in that car for hours, scared and confused. When Jasmine feared that their father was not coming back, she began looking for help. Aid came in a commotion of strangers and police officers. Jasmine was thrust into the unknown. Jasmine’s…

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CASA Story: Making Mario’s Future Bright

Future is Bright Graphic - Mario

Mario found himself grappling with the consequences of risky behaviors. On the surface, he was a teen making bad choices. Deeper within, he was a child battling a whirlwind of emotions and trauma associated with ongoing sexual abuse and medical neglect. Mario’s CASA, James, met him in the depths of this storm. James recognized Mario’s…

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