Hope Starts with One Advocate

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child in foster care, providing a consistent voice and trusted support throughout the court process.

CASA Advocates typically spend several hours each month meeting with the child, communicating with professionals involved in the case, and preparing reports for the court. Specific time commitments are discussed during volunteer training.

No. Piedmont CASA provides comprehensive training, ongoing education, and professional support. Volunteers come from a wide variety of personal and professional backgrounds.

Judges appoint CASA Advocates to individual child welfare cases. Each volunteer is supported by experienced Piedmont CASA staff throughout the life of the case.

Yes. Every volunteer completes a comprehensive pre-service training program before being sworn in by the court. Continuing education opportunities and ongoing supervision are also provided.

Absolutely. Many CASA Advocates balance volunteer service with careers, family responsibilities, and other commitments. Much of the work can be scheduled around your availability.

Whenever possible, CASA Advocates remain assigned throughout the duration of the child's case, providing consistency during a period when many other aspects of the child's life may be changing.

You can support Piedmont CASA by making a financial contribution, attending events, becoming a community ambassador, or helping raise awareness about the need for CASA Advocates throughout Central Virginia.

Piedmont CASA is the only organization in its service area that recruits, trains, and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care. Since 1995, the organization has partnered with local courts and community agencies to help ensure vulnerable children have a dedicated advocate throughout their journey toward safety and permanency.

In January 2017, Piedmont CASA launched Bridges to Success. Today, three professional adult mentors provide 1:1 guidance and support to foster kids ages 13 to 18, and continue to work with young adults who stay on our caseload up to age 21.
We set four goals: improve placement stability, improve academic performance, improve soft and hard skills needed for employment and - this is the game-changer - engage the youth in the life-planning process. We want our kids to see that despite everything that has happened to them, they can learn the skills they need to take control of their own life in a positive, productive, and rewarding way..