Frequently Asked Questions

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. It’s a child advocacy program that trains volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court proceedings. CASA volunteers advocate for safe, permanent homes for children. 

 To become a CASA, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Communicate effectively, both in writing and speaking
• Be able to connect with people from diverse cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds

 CASAs are appointed by a judge to advocate for a specific child or sibling group. They:

• Interview the child, family members, foster parents, teachers, therapists, and others involved in the child’s life
• Review court documents, school records, medical reports, and other relevant information
• Submit written reports to the court with recommendations to help the judge make informed decisions about the child’s future

CASAs serve as the child’s voice in court, always focused on the best interest of the child.

See this video for more information on the work of CASAs

When a judge determines a case would benefit from a CASA, they notify Northern Neck CASA. We assign advocates based on:

• Experience
• Location
• Availability

Volunteers always have the option to decline a case if it’s not a good fit.

  All CASA volunteers must:

• Pass a comprehensive background check
• Complete 40 hours of pre-service training
• Complete 12 hours of ongoing training each year to stay informed and effective

Every case is different. Some may wrap up quickly, while others can last months or even years. The beginning of a case usually involves more time—meeting people, gathering information, and writing the first court report. On average, volunteers commit about 10–15 hours per month. 

We’d love to hear from you!

• Email: info@nncasa.com
• Phone: 804-462-0881

We’ll guide you through the application and training process.

Northern Neck CASA serves the following Virginia counties:

• Essex
• Lancaster
• Northumberland
• Richmond
• Westmoreland

GAL stands for Guardian ad Litem. A GAL is an attorney appointed by the court to represent the legal interests of the child. While both GALs and CASAs advocate for the child, CASAs are community volunteers who focus on providing a broader, more personal perspective. 

CASAs are advocates—not caseworkers, therapists, or legal representatives. They do not:

• Investigate abuse allegations or make placement decisions
• Provide direct services like tutoring, therapy, or transportation
• Supervise family visits or conduct formal home studies
• Bring the child to their own home or introduce them to personal friends or family
• Offer gifts, money, or have any financial or personal conflict of interest related to the case
• Provide legal advice or serve as an attorney