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

The more we KNOW about the challenges facing children and families, the more effective we can be at ensuring NO child faces additional abuse, neglect, or trauma. And for our team at Henrico CASA, part of knowing is reading! We are continuous learners, knowing there is always room to know better and do better. Join us as we discuss three non-fiction books that have been impacting our thinking: What...

Being outside is good for our minds, bodies, and souls. It especially calming for children who have experiences trauma, because it's a place of imagination, belonging, and awe. Join us as discuss how the outdoors can offer an opportunity for healing. A special thank you to Beth Wright, Director of Camp Alkulana , for leading a recent education session for our CASA volunteers. Her presentation...

There is so much to learn as we each transition into adulthood. Gaining the knowledge and skills needed for future success is extra challenging for youth who have not had a parent role model. How can we support teens aging out of the foster care system during this transition? Join us as we brainstorm ways we, as individuals and as a community, can provide wrap around support to these teens. Our CA...

Communication goes way beyond just our words... but how do we communicate with littles ones who don't yet have words? That challenge is one of many reason why infants and toddlers are disproportionately at risk for maltreatment. Join us as we talk through some intentional communication games and activities that we can incorporate into our interactions with babies and young children. After list...

Our hearts break at every act of violence. In reflection, we wanted to share a column written by host Jeannine Panzera and published in the Richmond Times Dispatch on March 14, 2023. This column is a compilation of thoughts considering the causes of youth violence and what we can do to support children in way that prevents violence. Column: Want to stop mass shooters? Address childhood trauma

No two children are alike. But in general, they follow a similar sequence of growth and development. We’re talking about the ages and stages of child development in this episode because a lack of understanding about child development is a risk factor for abuse and neglect. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Virginia's Early Intervention Program Henrico CASA's Blog ***** In our wo...

Mental Health issues are on the rise for youth and considered to be at a crisis point. Children and teens struggle with a variety of mental illness including anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Today's episode focuses on anxiety because it’s the most common mental health concern for children. Notes: Mental health statistics refere...

Permanency is a key to a healthy childhood. Sometimes foster care is needed as a short term solution to allows for establishing a long term plan for a child’s security. You can help make more positive foster care stories. Speak up for children in foster care. They are not bad…. They are not hopeless… They just need to process their trauma with a stable adult by their side.  ***** In our work as Co...

We can all be "the ONE." Identify a child in your life and commit to being a consistent presence in their life. The difference you make for one, represents the wish you have for all. Learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences, ACEs, in this PACEsConnection handout . ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges...

We all have a role to play in preventing abuse. We should report our suspicions and then let the professionals take over. Our call to action this week is to simply learn the number for Virginia’s child abuse hotline: (804) 786-8536. More information on Virginia's Child Protective Services is available on the Department of Social Services website .  ***** In our work as Court Appointed Special...

We all want, and deserve, to be seen and heard. When we can't speak up for ourselves, we need an advocate to stand up for us. Join us today, as we discuss the three main types of advocacy and how you can take the first step to become an advocate for the children in your life.  A special shoutout to our friends at Voices for Virginia's Children who advocate for policies that improve the lives...

Welcome to our first episode of Henrico CASA's new podcast, Vigilant Voices ™ ! At CASA, we've learned that it is important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces continued abuse, neglect, or trauma. Join us as we explore how YOU can make a difference.  Learn more about the challenges facing families in our community, as well as the impact we can ha...

Welcome to Vigilant Voices , Henrico CASA's new podcast, hosted by Jeannine Panzera and Kristin Blalock. Henrico CASA, aka Court Appointed Special Advocates, supports children and families involved in the court and child welfare systems. In our work at CASA, we’re learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or traum...