Winter Class of 2023: 12 New CASA Volunteers

On Wednesday, February 15, 2022, we excitedly welcomed twelve newly trained CASA volunteers to our program! Alongside their friends, family, and CASA staff members, this group raised their right hand and swore to uphold the responsibilities asked of them by our legislature, the Court, and the CASA program.  

These new CASAs have undergone a rigorous screening process, including background checks and several rounds of interviewing. They have already dedicated over 35 hours to training on the role and relevant topics including child development, adverse childhood experiences, domestic violence, poverty, substance abuse, mental health, and cultural competency. When asked, the CASA staff described this training class as smart, charming, thoughtful, and inquisitive. Each of the twelve have already met with their new supervisors and been assigned to their first case! These twelve selfless individuals have removed TWENTY children from our waitlist. 

At the swearing-in ceremony, The Honorable Thomas P. Sotelo, Chief Judge of the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, shared the important role our CASAs hold in the court, and the call to serve which our CASAs must answer. Fairfax CASA Executive Director, Darcy Hubbard, also addressed the group remarking, “Tonight you join 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.  Tonight, we honor your exceptional commitment.  You are dedicated to our cause; you have trained for this, and we are grateful. It takes a special person to be a CASA. Your role is unique, it is challenging, and it is often frustrating while being simultaneously rewarding.”  

Please help us in welcoming and congratulating the Winter Class of 2023!  

Are you interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate? Email us at volunteer@casafairfax.org to get started.