Henrico Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recently welcomed 12 new volunteers, joining nearly 100 others who assist children affected by abuse or neglect.

These advocates work with children involved in the court, foster care and child welfare systems, building trusted relationships and providing vital information to help judges make decisions in the children’s best interests.

While not all children served by Henrico CASA live in foster care, about 24% of those assisted last year were under the custody of the Department of Social Services.

“Foster Care Awareness Month allows us to reflect on the challenges children face during times of change and uncertainty,” said Jeannine Panzera, Henrico CASA’s executive director. “They need to know someone is standing by their side, and that’s exactly what our advocates do.”

Henrico CASA will host a virtual information session for prospective advocates on July 23.

Since 1994, the organization has served more than 4,400 children in Henrico’s juvenile court system.

For more information, visit henricocasa.org.