The CASA program trains and supervises volunteer advocates, who are available for assignment by judges in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts in the 23rd Judicial District. Assignments are made by judges during legal proceedings to determine a child's permanent home placement, once abuse and neglect have been determined.

Once appointed, CASA volunteers conduct investigations involving fact-finding interviews with the child and the child's family, social workers with the Department of Social Services, mental health service providers, school staff, or other professionals that are involved in the child's case.

The investigation also involves observation of the child in his or her environment. CASA volunteers are part of an interdisciplinary coordination to recommend a plan of action to the judge. Recommendations are made regarding services that would benefit the child and the family, and with whom the child should live. CASA volunteers prepare reports in writing for the judge, and are regularly called to testify in court proceedings regarding their recommendations.

CASA volunteers submit written reports to the courts at disposition and then at each subsequent hearing. The courts circulate CASA reports to all parties in the case. CASA volunteer duties and responsibilities are defined by Virginia Statute 6VAC20-1600-60. The Children's Trust CASA program is a member of the National CASA Association, a nationwide network of such programs. The Children's Trust CASA program is the only program of its kind serving the Roanoke Valley and the 23rd Judicial District.

For more information about becoming a CASA, contact:

Mari Gentry
540-344-3579, ext. 3
Mari.Gentry@roact.org

Click here to visit the national CASA site.