[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF FAIRFAX COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL 
                            ADVOCATES (CASA)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2024

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 35th 
anniversary of Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a 
nonprofit organization that has provided direct advocacy and support to 
abused and neglected children in Fairfax County's child welfare system. 
Since its establishment, Fairfax CASA has made an immeasurable impact 
on the lives of these children.
  Fairfax CASA plays a crucial role by vetting, training, and 
supervising community volunteers who are appointed by the Fairfax 
County Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court to represent the best 
interests of children in open abuse and neglect cases. Over the last 35 
years, the organization has trained nearly 1,900 volunteers, serving 
almost 9,000 children since its inception in 1989.
  The vision to bring CASA to Fairfax County began with Judge Jane 
Delbridge, who recognized the need for neutral, dedicated advocates in 
her courtroom. After attending a 1985 conference for judges and 
district attorneys, Judge Delbridge worked alongside Fairfax attorney 
Carole Coile, as well as former Director of Court Services Vince 
Pichcano and other court professionals, to launch the program. Fairfax 
CASA officially opened its doors in 1989, and its first child abuse 
case was assigned to a Court Appointed Special Advocate on January 17 
of that year.
  Since then, Fairfax CASA has continued to grow, both in scope and in 
the number of children it serves. From its first year, when 37 
community members volunteered and 80 children were served, to today, 
where the program assists an average of 350 children annually, Fairfax 
CASA has remained a vital resource for the community. In the most 
recent fiscal year, Fairfax CASA served 395 children from 230 families.
  Over the course of its 35-year history, Fairfax CASA volunteers have 
submitted over 10,000 comprehensive reports to the Court, ensuring that 
judges are equipped with the information necessary to make decisions in 
the best interests of the children. These reports are an essential 
component of the advocacy process, shining a light on the circumstances 
that might otherwise go unheard in the judicial system.
  Fairfax CASA's success is not just measured in the number of cases 
handled but in the lasting difference it has made in the lives of 
thousands of children. The program's deep commitment to direct 
advocacy, as well as its push for systemic change, has earned it the 
respect and admiration of the entire child welfare community.
  As Fairfax CASA celebrates 35 years of service, we are reminded of 
the immense value of its mission. Until the day comes when no child in 
Fairfax County needs the services of a Court Appointed Special 
Advocate, Fairfax CASA will continue to stand as a pillar of hope and 
protection for the children who need it most.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Fairfax CASA 
for 35 years of outstanding service and advocacy, and for its 
unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the most 
vulnerable members of our community.

                          ____________________