Vigilant Voices™ hosted by Jeannine Panzera and Kristin Blalock from Henrico CASA

Mental health challenges are all too common in children. This is especially true for children who have experienced trauma, instability, or adversity. Their risk of having a mental health issues in the present and future is even higher. In this two-part series, we will look for signs of mental health concerns and also suggest ways to protect children's mental well-being. ***** In our work as Co...

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Meet Linzy George , Chief Strategy Officer for United Way Greater Richmond and Petersburg. Learn about EveryDay Strong and be encouraged by Linzy's reminder that showing up matters! ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the chal...

Stability can be built, strengthened, and restored. Even when a child has experienced significant instability, connecting them with a safe adult and the supports can make a meaningful difference. Learn more in ⁠this paper⁠ on stability published by Harvard Univeristy's Center for the Developing Child. ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to...

Stability is foundational to a child’s well-being. Research shows that stability in areas like where a child lives and learns is essential for healthy development and lifelong health. Learn more in this paper on stability published by Harvard Univeristy's Center for the Developing Child. ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the...

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Meet April Estrada , Director of Foster Care for Hope Tree Family Services. Listen to hear April's reflections on the benefits, challenges, and misconceptions related to foster care. She reminds us that children need permanency, which includes solidifying "their people." ***** In our...

Children need to know they matter. Even better, we can help children believe they can add value to the world. This allows them to see themselves as people who can shape their own futures. And that belief is life changing! ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse...

When a child believes they matter, they begin to see themselves as someone whose life has true value. And that affects every area of their development. Listen to learn techniques to help children feel valued and identify inadvertant messages of anti-mattering. ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and...

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Meet Melissa O'Neill, Court Appointed Special Advocate State Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Melissa provides professional oversight and personal encouragement to Virginia's 27 CASA programs, including Henrico CASA . ***** In our work as Court Appointed...

Secondary trauma is when you experience emotional distress from sharing in someone else's trauma. No, the trauma did not happen to you first-hand, BUT your brain and body may respond as if it did. Join us in talking about our humanness and the self-care we all need! ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing chi...

Sometimes the most powerful support we can offer a child is having a conversation. Start with something as simple as "What's been on your mind lately?". A child's behavior could be a reflection of what has happened to them or what is on their mind... Learn more in this book that is highly recommended by Henrico CASA's Advocates: What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry . ***** In...

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Meet Henrico CASA's friend, Dean Francis , CEO of OneBridge Advisors. He joins us to share his new crusade stemming from his son's experience with substance use. As you listen, you may feel inspired to add your voice to his efforts. Find your local legilstaors here . ***** In our work as C...

Self-regulation builds hope! Learning to identify and control emotions gives children a sense of agency! This is the final episode in our 4-part series on the building blocks of hope! Building Block #1: Supportive Relationships Building Block #2: Safe Spaces Building Block #3: Civic Engagement Building Block #4: Self-Regulation ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned...

Civic engagement builds hope! What community groups, clubs, and initiatives can you encourage children to join as a source of civic and social engagement? This is Part 3 of a 4-part series on the building blocks of hope! Building Block #1: Supportive Relationships ⁠ Building Block #2: Safe Spaces Building Block #3: Civic Engagement Building Block #4: Listen 3/17 ***** In our work as Court Appointe...

Celebrate the 100th episode of our Vigilant Voices podcast! Together, we are working to KNOW more about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces continued abuse, neglect, or trauma. ***** Follow Henrico CASA's mission, work, and impact at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www. HenricoCASA.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  and on social media: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Safe, stable, equitable environments build hope! These are the places where children live, learn, and play. This is Part 2 of a 4-part series on the building blocks of hope! Building Block #1: Supportive Relationships Building Block #2: Safe spaces Listen March 3 Listen March 17 ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges f...

Hope serves as a buffer against adverse childhood experiences. Hope is not wishful thinking... it is something we can build into children's lives as a protective factor. And the first building block is supportive relationships. Join us over the next four episodes as we talk through the three additional building blocks of hope! ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learn...

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Meet Liana Hardy, Education and Government Report for the Henrico Citizen. She updates us on topics of interest to local students and families... and reminds us to get to know people in out community! Talk. Hear perspectives. Ask questions. Listen. Plug in somewhere to make a difference. Find loca...

We are committed to taking action in 2026 to make sure this is a better year than last for vulnerable children. Learn more about the challenges and concerns discussed in this episode in Virginia's Office of the Children's Ombudsman's 2025 Annual Report . And remember, Advocates are needed at ALL levels! Learn about advocating on an individual level for a local child at Henrico CASA . L...

We consider everyone prioritizing children's wellbeing to be fellow 'Vigilant Voices'. Hear from four individuals in Henrico CASA's community who are investing in furthering our mission in 2026. Where could you plug in? ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO chi...

Your Support + CASA's Advocacy = A Stronger Community. Hear Jeannine and Kristin share three stories of CASA's impact... and make a gift today , Giving Tuesday, to increase the number of children Henrico CASA can commit to serve in 2026. ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ens...

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Meet Bill Boger, a first responder, public servant, and leader within the Henrico County Division of Fire working to create a safe community. What does he ask of you? Pay it forward by contributing to team Henrico Heroes during our annual Mustaches for Kids Richmond campaign that runs now thru Dec...

Court Appointed Special Advocates ensure children do not fall through the cracks of our complex and overburdened systems. See how Henrico CASA's Board Advisor Betsy Beach used her voice to respond to a recent Richmond Times Dispatch article sharing "Tales from the child welfare system's front line. " Children can't wait for systemic change. They need an Advocate NOW. Learn mo...

There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. In today's conversation with Shelly Shuman-Johnson of Henrico County’s Victim Witness Assistance Program, we will learn about how her team works to give victims a voice and reduce the psychological trauma associated with being a victim of a crime.  ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, w...

Children need protection... in the physical world and the virtual world, too. As technology advances - with AI and whatever comes next - one thing remains the same: children need caring adults to walk alongside them and guide them. ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child f...

Children need protection... in the physical world and the virtual world, too. When we work together, we can keep them safe in both! In this episode, Kristin recommends the book Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Check it out here . ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO chil...