From Training to Advocacy: Henrico CASA’s Newest Advocates Take the Next Step
Weeks of training, questions, conversations, and preparation have led to this moment.
After completing their pre-service training, Henrico CASA’s newest class is ready to take the next step in their journey: becoming sworn-in Court Appointed Special Advocates.
While training provides the foundation, being sworn in marks the beginning of something entirely new. Soon, these Advocates will take what they have learned and put it into action as they begin serving children and families in our community.
A Meaningful Milestone
Becoming a CASA Advocate doesn’t happen overnight.
Before volunteers can be assigned to a case, they spend time learning about the child welfare and court systems, practicing advocacy skills, exploring real-world scenarios, and preparing for the responsibilities that come with the role.
Completing training is an accomplishment in itself. But the swearing-in ceremony represents an important transition—from preparing to advocate to officially stepping into the role.
As officers of the court, CASA Advocates are entrusted with an important responsibility: getting to know the child they serve and helping ensure that child’s needs, experiences, and best interests remain at the center of their case.
From the Classroom to the Community
Throughout training, future Advocates spend time thinking about the situations they may encounter. They practice asking questions, gathering information, communicating with others involved in a case, and considering what advocacy can look like in different circumstances.
Soon, those lessons will move beyond the classroom.
Each Advocate will eventually be matched with a case and begin building a relationship with the child or children they serve. They’ll listen, observe, ask questions, communicate with the people involved in the child’s life, and gather information to help provide the court with a fuller picture of the child’s circumstances.
No two cases—and no two children—are exactly alike. That’s why the preparation Advocates receive is only the beginning.
The Power of Showing Up
CASA advocacy can involve many different tasks, but at the heart of the role is something simple: showing up.
For a child experiencing uncertainty and change, having a consistent adult who continues to check in, listen, and advocate can be incredibly meaningful.
CASA Advocates stay focused on the child as circumstances change around them. They take the time to learn about the child’s needs, strengths, experiences, and hopes while helping ensure important information is brought to the attention of the court.
That consistency is what makes the CASA role so unique.
Supported Every Step of the Way
Being sworn in doesn’t mean an Advocate is expected to have every answer.
Just as training is a collaborative experience, advocacy is too. Henrico CASA staff continue to guide and support volunteers throughout their cases. Advocates have someone to turn to when questions arise, situations change, or they simply need help thinking through the next step.
Advocates also continue learning throughout their service, building on the foundation they developed during pre-service training.
Every case brings new experiences, new questions, and new opportunities to grow as an Advocate.
Interested in beginning your own CASA journey? Learn more about becoming a Henrico CASA Advocate and how you can make a difference for a child in our community. Learn more HERE.
