Colonial CASA Newsletter

Important Program Updates

Volume I, Issue 01

March 12, 2006

In This Issue...

• Pencil It In...
• Colonial CASA Partners to Prevent Child Abuse
• Rotary Club's Auction to Benefit Colonial CASA
• Report Writing Updates and Reminders
• Colonial CASA Participates in Community Awareness

Pencil It In:

• March 17: Rotary Art Auction

• March 22: Regional Training

• April 6: Prevention Candlelight

• April 8: Community Awareness Fair

• April 10: Monthly Meeting

"I strongly belive that CASAs make a difference in the lives of the children they serve and that their monitoring helps ensure children's safety."

-A Local Social Worker

Colonial CASA Partners to Prevent Child Abuse

As you know, April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. To promote awareness and prevention in our community, the Greater Williamsburg Child Abuse Prevention Coalition organizes a Candlelight Ceremony each year. Community dignitaries and representatives come together to inform the public about child abuse on a state and local level and provide information about community agencies that are invested in protecting our children and providing services to both families and children in need. The Ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the Williamsburg/James City County Community Center, Rooms A & B.

Rotary Club's Auction to Benefit Colonial CASA

As most of you know, the Rotary Club of James City County hosts a Charity Auction and Wine Tasting each year to benefit Colonial CASA. If you are looking for a way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, please join us March 17 from 6:30-9:00pm at the Best Western Patrick Henry Inn for the 7th Annual Event featuring a silent auction, live music, wine tasting, and delicious food. Tickets are available at the Colonial CASA office for $25.00 and include two complimentary beverages. You can also purchase them at the door.

Report Writing Updates and Reminders

As the "eyes and ears" of the court, you are tasked with presenting all of the facts to the court in a timely manner. As such, we have changed the due date of court reports. From this point forward, all court reports are due to the office 10 days prior to the hearing, which means the Monday of the week prior to the hearing. With the heavy caseload we are currently experiencing, the extra day to read reports is needed by all case supervisors. If you are still awaiting case facts, details, or important updates, please submit your court report to your supervisor and indicate you are waiting for additional information and, you can always submit an addendum. reports submitted after noon on Monday will be considered late.

Colonial CASA Participates in Community Awareness

The 5th Annual Community Awareness Fair is right around the corner. This year's Fair is titled "People Helping People" and is scheduled for April 8th. The Fair provides Colonial CASA an opportunity to speak of its work, its mission, and important place in this community. If you are interested in helping, let us know!