Standing in the Gap
How Fairfax CASA Gives Children a Voice
By Marianne Bane
Photos by National CASA/GAL Association for Children
Some Heroes Wear Uniforms
Some heroes wear uniforms. Others carry clipboards, attend court hearings, and sit on the floor to listen to a child who has learned too early how fragile the world can be.
In Fairfax County, those heroes are Court Appointed Special Advocates, ordinary people doing extraordinary work for children who need someone firmly in their corner.
A Simple but Powerful Idea
Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates, known simply as Fairfax CASA, was founded in 1989 after a local judge recognized a troubling gap in the child welfare system.
While attorneys, social workers, and other professionals all play essential roles, no one was assigned solely to advocate for the child’s best interests.
Determined to change that, Judge Jane Delbridge gathered compassionate community members and laid the groundwork for an organization centered on one simple but powerful idea:
Every child deserves to be heard.
The Impact Since 1989
Since then, Fairfax CASA has served more than 9,000 abused and neglected children, supported by nearly 2,000 volunteers who step into complex cases with dedication and care.
Each volunteer goes through:
- A rigorous screening process
- Multiple interviews
- A background check
- An intensive two-week training program
They learn the inner workings of the child welfare system, practice writing court reports, and are carefully prepared for the responsibility ahead.
A Steady Presence in Uncertain Times
Once sworn in, CASA volunteers become a steady presence in a child’s life during what is often the most uncertain season they have known.
They:
- Visit regularly
- Gather school and health records
- Communicate with caregivers and professionals
- Make thoughtful, informed recommendations directly to the court
In many cases, the CASA volunteer becomes the one consistent adult who knows the full story — the child’s needs, fears, strengths, and hopes.
Why Consistency Matters
That consistency matters.
With a dedicated advocate, children are more likely to experience safer placements, better educational outcomes, and a clearer path toward stability.
Most importantly, their voices are not lost in the shuffle of the legal system.
The Need Is Ongoing
Each year, more than 100 children in Fairfax County enter the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect.
The need is ongoing, and the impact of one committed adult can be life-changing.
How You Can Help
Fairfax CASA depends on both volunteers and donors to continue this vital work.
No prior experience is required — only empathy, commitment, and a willingness to stand up for a child who cannot do so alone.
