Norfolk CASA volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children in the city of Norfolk. We are the child's voice in court, and a support for them during this most confusing and traumatic time. As the ‘eyes and ears of the judge,’ we investigate and report our findings to the court at each hearing. Advocating always for the best interest of the child, we stay by their side until they are in a safe and permanent placement.
Our Fall Training class starts on September 8, 2020! It is a great time to submit your application to join us as a trained advocate. Click here to learn more! Deadline to apply is Friday, August 28, 2020.
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CHILD'S STORY.™ |
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National CASA Evidence of Effectiveness
A child with a CASA/GAL volunteer is more likely to find a safe, permanent home:
A child with a CASA/GAL volunteer is more likely to find a safe, permanent home:
- More likely to be adopted
- Half as likely to re-enter foster care
- Substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care
- More likely to have a plan for permanency, especially children of color
- Children with CASA volunteers get more help while in the system.
To our community,
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As 2020 continues to prove that humanity is both beautiful and fragile, we continue to pay close attention to the ever evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our volunteers, staff, and the children (and their families) we serve is our driving concern. Our team is following the guidance of the City of Norfolk, the Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, the Department of Criminal Justice Services, and the National CASA Association. We are also paying close attention to the Center of Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
While COVID-19 has made it necessary for all of us to socially distance ourselves, an unintended consequence is separation from important social supports for vulnerable children and their families. The risk of child abuse and neglect in times of extreme stress and uncertainty is very high. With the added pressures of school and workplace closings, loss of income, unexpected need for childcare, and food insecurity, the family structure is under an unrivaled amount of pressure. We know that social supports are a protective factor for families who experience mental health and substance abuse challenges, are in domestic violence relationships, or have a history of abuse or neglect. Our community, our families, our children need us. All of us. Which means that while we have had to temporarily cease face to face visitations with our CASA kids, we have not stopped advocating on their behalf. Our 50+ Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are working with guardians to find meaningful ways to stay connected to the children they are so dedicated to serve. For 34 years, Norfolk’s Court Appointed Special Advocates have been by the side of hundreds of children, lending them their shoulders to lean on and their voice in the courtrooms. This pandemic, this virus, cannot stop us from continuing our mission. Now, more than ever, we are committed to our CASA children’s best interest, and to supporting them in this time of uncertainty. In the coming months, we anticipate a deep increase in needs as we work to recover as a community from the impact of COVID-19. We appreciate your ongoing support of our mission and the children that we serve. May you and your loved ones know great health. Roxie Roxie A. Hoven Executive Director For more information about Coronavirus, please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), or the City of Norfolk. |
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Special thanks to our government funding agencies for their support of our advocacy:
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