CASA Benefit Events

Nia Event - February 19, 2011,  1:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: 19 West Beverley Street, Staunton (beside Fretwell Bass)

$10 per person. Everyone is welcome!

Kids under 12 are FREE!
 

Shanti, a local Staunton retail store/studio, is  hosting a Nia event to benefit CASA.  Local Nia teachers will introduce the Nia Technique, which is a unique blend of dance, martial arts, and yoga.  Help Shanti make a difference for the abused and neglected children in the Shenandoah Valley by taking some time to do something good for yourself and your family. 
 

Since February is the month of love, the event focus is "Love Your Body, Love Your Life!"     This is a fun event for the whole family!  It is safe for all ages, fitness levels, and body types.  We'll let our inner child move and groove to fun music. There will be door prizes and light refreshments.  Space is limited, please email Kristy or Linda to reserve your spot!

 

If you are unable attend, you can also make a tax-deductible donation. We encourage local businesses to donate goods or services as door prizes. To make a donation, please email Linda.

 

Jonny Lipford Benefit Concert - March 17, 2011, 6:30pm

Location: Temple House of Israel, 15 North Market Street Staunton

Tickets: $15 

 

Jonny Lipford, a Native American Flute player, is performing a benefit concert for CASA and Valley Mission.   Jonny Lipford started his musical journey at the young age of 13 and continues to shares his music with audiences across the United States and broadcasts world wide. Lipford has been featured on NativeRadio.com, the worlds largest collection of broadcasted Native music, as Spotlight Artist with the debut of his first release. As a composer of his own original music, Jonny has been recognized as a two time NAMA Nominee, ISMA and JPF Nominee and NEMA Winner. With a love and respect for all types of music, Jonny awakens these genres, making him a true virtuoso in this industry.

Opening for this event is local group, Three Guys with Notes, a trio who plays a mixture of all the music and rhythms of life as they feel them. When asked about their genre, they replied " We play Native American Hindu Classical Rock Funk Jazz Blues type music" That answer slowly became, "We play notes." And that is how they got our name. 

On January 19, 2011, CASA programs across the state gathered in Richmond, VA to meet with legislators and be presented in both the House and the Senate.  The purpose was to share what state funds have accomplished in the advocacy service for abused and neglected children.   

 

CASA History in Virginia  Virginia's first CASA program began in 1986 in Newport News. In 1990 the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation providing for statewide implementation of the CASA program. The legislation assigned the responsibility for oversight of local programs as well as for development of statewide regulations to DCJS. Currently there are 27 programs throughout the Commonwealth serve 25 judicial districts. 

 

CASA State Numbers
In FY2010, the Virginia General Assembly granted $1,311,001 to CASA programs across the state. With this appropriation, CASA programs invested an additional $6,756,331 to ensure that these most vulnerable children achieved safety and a permanent home as quickly as possible.  With this budget item allocated from the Public Safety under the DCJS, 4,466 children were served by 1,480 volunteer advocates.  These engaged community members donated 136,081 volunteercase hours valued at $2,793,750.

On January 20, Judge Dascher asked four of CASA's newly trained volunteers to repeat an oath to become officers of the court.   

 

A big welcome to Robert Bedell, Meredeth Bedell,Lauren Bohdan and Joan Neel, our newest advocates for the Lexington and Rockbridge area.  

When was the last time you really read a CASA Court appointment? 
Take a moment to ponder how a GAL could better utilize a volunteer on a case; a social worker requesting a CASA Volunteer be appointed to a case could provide that extra safety net (and eyes/ears), or how CASA staff can help a volunteer comply with the mandates of the court.

When a CASA Volunteer is appointed to a case we are mandated to:

1. Investigate the case to provide independent factual information to the court.  By investigation we research the family history from the birth of the oldest child to the present by reviewing and obtaining school records, medical/psychological records etc. Since we are to conduct and independent investigation, we must gather our information from the source.
2. Submit to the court a written report of the investigation in compliance with statutory provisions regarding such reports.  Although stated on the court appointment "The written report shall include recommendations as to the child's welfare" we no longer provide them. We submit our collected data in a very detailed report that are submitted to the court 15 days prior most hearings. 
3. Monitor the case to ensure compliance with the court's orders, including observing the child in their placement. This includes making announced and unannounced visits to the home that the children may potentially return including unannounced visits on evenings and weekends.  We do not make unannounced visits to the foster home at any time. 
4. Assist the guardian ad litem's (GAL) representation of the child's needs and best interests.  CASA shares all information collected with the GAL and gather data or make observations at their request when possible.
5. A CASA Volunteer's court order permits the following access to records/proceedings related to the children:
6. The code of Virginia (9.1-155) states "The provision of 16.1-264 regarding notice to parties shall apply to ensure that an advocate is notified of hearings and other proceedings concerning the case to which he is assigned."

The code of Virginia (9.1-156) noted on our court appointments state: "Upon presentation by the CASA of a copy of this Order, any state or local agency, department, authority or institution, and any hospital, school, physician or other health or mental health care provider shall permit the CASA to inspect and copy, without the consent of the children or his parents, any records relating to the child in this case."   

CASA Receives 3 New Cases This Month

During the month of January, CASA was appointed to three new cases.  It costs approximately $175 a month to support a Volunteer Advocate serving an abused and/or neglected child.  Please consider sponsoring a child in your community.
 

CASA for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gifts are tax deductible to the full

We are hosting an open house for anyone interested in becoming a CASA Volunteer.  We will discuss the role of a CASA Volunteer, the basics of the training and time commitment and hopefully answer any questions you might have. If you have an interest in becoming a CASA Volunteer, please plan to join us for one of the following scheduled meetings:

• Thursday, March 3,  6:00pm - 7:00pm
• Friday, April 1, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

The Giving Circle

Consider hosting a Giving Circle, to encourage your friends and family to become supporters of CASA for Children. 

Learn More!