Welcoming new volunteers into CASA service!

On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, Fairfax CASA welcomed 11 new CASA volunteers during a swearing-in ceremony.  

These dedicated advocates joined the 1,800 people who previously stood before the Court, swearing to uphold the responsibilities and duties asked of them by our legislature, our organization and the Court.  Having completed training on topics such as childhood development, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health, and cultural competency, the new advocates also shadowed a veteran CASA during a court hearing, completing over 35 hours of training.  

Each training class receives a nickname from the Fairfax CASA Staff, this group was dubbed the “Active and Astute Advocates.” Executive Director Darcy Hubbard commented during the swearing-in ceremony that class “joins an elite group of people in our community,” and “by taking this oath, you will help ensure our waitlist [of children] is always eliminated, making sure that every child has an advocate.” 

Resuming his role as Chief Judge of the Fairfax Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court on July 1st, the Honorable Thomas Sotelo shared passionate remarks around the topic of hope before administering the CASA oath. Judge Sotelo shared that these advocates are “becoming a part of a system, which at its core is dedicated to the child and their family,” and that they “have this potential to be a positive difference in a child’s life.” The 11 new CASA volunteers were sworn into service and are now ready to advocate for the best interests of Fairfax County’s most vulnerable citizens: children who are overcoming abuse and neglect.