GETTING STARTED
YourJourney Begins Here
Becoming a Piedmont CASA Advocate is a straightforward process, and our staff will support you every step of the way. From the Information Session through your first court hearing, you'll have the training, resources, and professional guidance needed to become a confident advocate for children in foster care.
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Step One: Attend an Information Session
Step Two: Complete Your Application
Step Three: Complete Your Training
Step Four: Be Sworn In
Step Five: Begin Advocating
Step One: Attend an Information Session
Your journey begins with a one-hour Information Session offered both in person and online. During the session, you'll learn about Piedmont CASA, the role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate, the Advocate commitment, and the impact Advocates have on children experiencing abuse and neglect.
You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions, meet members of our team, and determine whether becoming a CASA Advocate is the right fit for you.
Schedule Your Own Information Session:
To schedule an in-person information session with Kari Lamb at our Charlottesville office, contact:
Kari Lamb
klamb@pcasa.org
(434) 971-7515, ext. 119
Registration Link for Thursday 12pm Info Sessions:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/chGb6QxhQDOrAhz2MOiflw
Dates: January 7, 14, 21, 28
February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11
Registration Link for January 11th 6pm Info Session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QziWS1mITCyonkYq8DAyIQ
Registration Link for February 8th 6pm Info Session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mfDFKXCSS0aeIjFBejLqSQ
Registration Link for February 22nd 6pm Info Session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5p8XuX8UTVCcaXSOQnTZgg
Spring Application Deadline: March 12th!
Spring 2027 Training Dates (on Zoom unless indicated in-person; in-person classes to take place at the PCASA office):
1. Monday, April 12th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
2. Thursday, April 15th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
3. Monday, April 20th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
4. Thursday, April 22nd - 5:30pm-8:30pm
5. Monday, April 26th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
6. Thursday, April 29th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
7. Monday, May 3rd - 5:30pm-8:30pm
8. Thursday, May 6th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
9. Monday, May 10th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
10. Thursday, May 13th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
11. Monday, May 17th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
Induction - TBD (will take place on a Tuesday after last training class at 3pm)
You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions, meet members of our team, and determine whether becoming a CASA Advocate is the right fit for you.
Schedule Your Own Information Session:
To schedule an in-person information session with Kari Lamb at our Charlottesville office, contact:
Kari Lamb
klamb@pcasa.org
(434) 971-7515, ext. 119
Registration Link for Thursday 12pm Info Sessions:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/chGb6QxhQDOrAhz2MOiflw
Dates: January 7, 14, 21, 28
February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11
Registration Link for January 11th 6pm Info Session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QziWS1mITCyonkYq8DAyIQ
Registration Link for February 8th 6pm Info Session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/mfDFKXCSS0aeIjFBejLqSQ
Registration Link for February 22nd 6pm Info Session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5p8XuX8UTVCcaXSOQnTZgg
Spring Application Deadline: March 12th!
Spring 2027 Training Dates (on Zoom unless indicated in-person; in-person classes to take place at the PCASA office):
1. Monday, April 12th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
2. Thursday, April 15th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
3. Monday, April 20th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
4. Thursday, April 22nd - 5:30pm-8:30pm
5. Monday, April 26th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
6. Thursday, April 29th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
7. Monday, May 3rd - 5:30pm-8:30pm
8. Thursday, May 6th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
9. Monday, May 10th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
10. Thursday, May 13th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
11. Monday, May 17th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
Induction - TBD (will take place on a Tuesday after last training class at 3pm)
Step Two: Complete Your Application
If you decide to move forward, you'll complete an application and participate in the screening process. This includes interviews, background checks, and reference checks designed to ensure every Advocate is prepared to serve children safely, professionally, and responsibly.
Our staff is available throughout the process to answer questions and help guide you through each requirement.
Our staff is available throughout the process to answer questions and help guide you through each requirement.
Step Three: Complete Your Training
Every CASA Advocate participates in a comprehensive 33 hour pre-service training before being assigned to a case.
Training combines classroom instruction, discussion, case studies, and practical learning experiences that prepare our Advocates to work effectively within the child welfare and court systems.
Training combines classroom instruction, discussion, case studies, and practical learning experiences that prepare our Advocates to work effectively within the child welfare and court systems.
Topics include:
- Understanding the child welfare system
- Court procedures and legal processes
- Trauma-informed advocacy
- Child and adolescent development
- Educational advocacy
- Mental health and community resources
- Cultural awareness and effective communication
- Professional ethics and confidentiality
- Report writing and courtroom expectations
Step Four: Be Sworn In
After successfully completing training, you'll be officially sworn in by the court as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
This important milestone recognizes your commitment to serving children and authorizes you to begin advocating on behalf of children assigned by the court.
Following your swearing-in ceremony, Piedmont CASA staff carefully match you with a child or sibling group whose needs align with your strengths and availability.
This important milestone recognizes your commitment to serving children and authorizes you to begin advocating on behalf of children assigned by the court.
Following your swearing-in ceremony, Piedmont CASA staff carefully match you with a child or sibling group whose needs align with your strengths and availability.
Step Five: Begin Advocating
Once assigned to a case, you'll begin building a relationship with your child while gathering information from everyone involved in their life.
Throughout your service, you'll:
Throughout your service, you'll:
- Visit monthly with your assigned child
- Communicate with caregivers and professionals
- Monitor educational, medical, and emotional needs
- Attend court hearings
- Submit written reports to the court
- Help ensure the child's best interests remain the priority throughout the case
Although you'll serve as an independent Advocate, you'll always have the support of your CASA Supervisor, who will provide ongoing guidance and assistance.
Every Child Deserves Someone in Their Corner.
