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Henrico CASA recognizing 'Stand Sunday' effort in support of foster care

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Churches across the country will show their commitment to supporting children and families in foster care through Stand Sunday — a globally recognized day of prayer Nov. 7.

This year, Henrico CASA is recognizing the movement. While Stand Sunday is sponsored by a Christian organization, Henrico CASA officials are encouraging people and groups from all backgrounds and denominations to get involved in supporting affected children and families.

“It takes a community to care for children, and that’s what places of worship are – a community,” said Jeannine Panzera, executive director of Henrico CASA. “Our hope is to inform all the diverse faith organizations in our area on ways they can make a difference for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, including those currently living in foster care.”

In Henrico County, there are 126 children currently in foster care. They’ve come into foster care in severe circumstances and are sometimes placed in foster homes far away from everyone and everything they know. As a result, some face the risk of negative outcomes like homelessness, substance use and incarceration.

Last year, Henrico CASA served 385 children. In addition to praying for these children and their families on Stand Sunday, Panzera said that faith organizations can make a difference by partnering with Henrico CASA and encouraging members to become CASA volunteers.

CASA volunteers are screened, trained, and appointed by a judge to advocate for children’s best interests.Volunteers are designated to serve one child or sibling group and evaluate their well-being by getting to know them and speaking with any and all relevant contacts in their lives, including their family of origin, foster parents, teachers, therapists and others. They work to provide a consistent presence for the child and ensure they’re connected with a network of support.

“Whether you’re religious or not, and whether you practice prayer or not, we hope you will think of these vulnerable children on Stand Sunday,” Panzera said. “We also hope you’ll consider ways you can support these children and their families, like becoming a CASA volunteer.”

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.henricocasa.org/volunteers.