Children who have experienced abuse or neglect are involved with multiple systems: the court system, the child welfare system, the health care system, and the school system. Appointed by the judge, Goochland CASA volunteers advocate for stability with respect to a child’s living situation and school placement, with the child’s best interest in mind. CASA volunteers interact and build relationships with everyone in the child’s environment who has a hand in their education—parents and foster parents, teachers, school counselors, social workers, attorneys, therapists and others. Goochland CASA volunteers check in with the child and family and encourage them to share their feelings and anticipation about the new school year. Goochland CASA volunteers can work with the school social worker or child protective service staff member to advocate for comprehensive wraparound services for the child, including primary health, mental health and dental care, food assistance, mentoring, and post-secondary education awareness. Goochland CASA volunteers remain in frequent contact with teachers and school administrators to form a partnership to better understand the child’s unique strengths and challenges. These interactions with the child’s school, combined with the volunteer’s relationship with the child, empower the Goochland CASA volunteer to advocate in court for what the child needs to thrive academically. If a child is receiving tiered response to intervention, special education or 504-related services, our volunteers can attend school meetings and recommend strategies that support the child’s success in school such as tutoring, therapies, assistive technology and other accommodations. They can also advocate for placement stability, knowing that frequent school transfers can cause a child to fall behind. To learn more about our work or to become a volunteer, please visit: www.goochlandcasa.org