Vigilant Voices™ hosted by Jeannine Panzera and Kristin Blalock from Henrico CASA
In our work at CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. And that’s what this podcast is all about. Each podcast episode is aimed at providing education and training to help our listeners be more effective advocates for children. Join us as we explore topics relevant to creating safe homes, healthy childhoods, and thriving communities... because every child deserves a safe, healthy, loving home for good.
Episodes
We are committed to taking action in 2026 to make sure this is a better year than last for vulnerable children.
Learn more about the challenges and concerns discussed in this episode in Virginia's Office of the Children's Ombudsman's 2025 Annual Report. And remember, Advocates are needed at ALL levels!
- Learn about advocating on an individual level for a local child at Henrico CASA.
- Learn more about plugging into advoc...
We consider everyone prioritizing children's wellbeing to be fellow 'Vigilant Voices'. Hear from four individuals in Henrico CASA's community who are investing in furthering our mission in 2026. Where could you plug in?
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. ...
Your Support + CASA's Advocacy = A Stronger Community.
Hear Jeannine and Kristin share three stories of CASA's impact... and make a gift today, Giving Tuesday, to increase the number of children Henrico CASA can commit to serve in 2026.
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or...
There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Meet Bill Boger, a first responder, public servant, and leader within the Henrico County Division of Fire working to create a safe community.
What does he ask of you? Pay it forward by contributing to team Henrico Heroes during our annual Mustaches for Kids Richmond campaign that runs now thru December 5!
Court Appointed Special Advocates ensure children do not fall through the cracks of our complex and overburdened systems. See how Henrico CASA's Board Advisor Betsy Beach used her voice to respond to a recent Richmond Times Dispatch article sharing "Tales from the child welfare system's front line."
Children can't wait for systemic change. They need an Advocate NOW. Learn more about volunteering to make a diffe...
There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. In today's conversation with Shelly Shuman-Johnson of Henrico County’s Victim Witness Assistance Program, we will learn about how her team works to give victims a voice and reduce the psychological trauma associated with being a victim of a crime.
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to ...
Children need protection... in the physical world and the virtual world, too. As technology advances - with AI and whatever comes next - one thing remains the same: children need caring adults to walk alongside them and guide them.
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Follo...
Children need protection... in the physical world and the virtual world, too. When we work together, we can keep them safe in both!
In this episode, Kristin recommends the book Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Check it out here.
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families to ensure NO child faces abuse, neglect, or trauma. Fol...
There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Beth Bonniwell, Henrico County Police Division's Domestic Violence Coordinator. Beth's visit is timely, as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and work towards prevention.
In this episode, Beth mentions an article she authored outlining how to safely i...
Foster Care is a short term solution for children in crisis. The three potential long-term outcomes for these children are reunification, kinship care, or adoption. Of the three, reunification is generally preferred IF SAFE because studies show children do best when with their family... but a successful reunification takes a village!
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW abo...
Children find their identities within the context of family. That is why kinship care can be a great outcome for a child who cannot safely remain with their parents - it offers a vital sense of belonging. But kinship care may also bring unique challenges... Listen and learn how you can help strengthen families by supporting kinship caregivers.
Explore the Virginia Kinship Resource Guide to learn more about the needs of kinship care...
There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Amy Johnson, Henrico County Public School's Mental Health Clinical Supervisor. Amy is a passionate advocate for children and young adults, helping them overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
Learn more about all of the services available to HCPS students under the umbrella of their Student Support ...
It is vital for teenagers to learn and develop outside of school. They are at a critical crossroads, about to transition into adulthood. Beyond academics, there are so many life skills to gain!
Join us as we discuss what you can teach teens and how important it is to be their encouragers!
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the challenges facing children and families...
Parents are children's first teachers. But what happens when a parent isn't able to step into that role? Learn more about how we can help fill the gap to support early learning for children.
There are great early learning resources at our local library! Find the location nearest you to see what they have going on this summer.
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned that it’s important to KNOW about the ...
There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome our very own Suzanne Harrison, Henrico CASA's Community Engagement Coordinator. Suzanne is working her first case as a trained CASA Advocate and enthusiastically shares her experience so far!
Learn more about the Advocate Role and register for an upcoming information session at HenricoCASA.org/Advocate/ .
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Discipline isn't just about correction, especially for kids who have experienced trauma. Positive discipline allows for connection, in addition to instruction. Join us as we continue our discussion on age appropriate methods of positive discipline, focusing on older children and teens.
And be sure to check out the Golden Rules of Discipline published by Today's Parent.
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Discipline isn't just about correction, especially for kids who have experienced trauma. Positive discipline allows for connection, in addition to instruction. Join us as we discuss age appropriate methods of positive discipline for the toddlers and young children in our lives.
This fact sheet published by the American Psychological Association is a great tool!
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In our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we’ve learned th...
There are many 'Vigilant Voices' in our community, speaking up for the wellbeing of children. Today, we welcome Barry Martin, President and Creative Director of The Idea Center. We have no doubt you will be inspired by Barry's story and take-away that "everybody has something to give."
Barry and his team have collaborated with Henrico CASA to create many videos that convey our mission and impact. Here is one o...
Every family situation is unique... But in our work as CourtAppointed Special Advocates, we often see commonalities among our cases. Today, we discuss three all too common issues that are cited in our cases:
- Domestic Violence,
- Housing Instability, and the
- Absence of a Parent.
Listen. Learn. And consider how YOU could help connect a family with the resources these need. A great first step is to visit Virginia 211!
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Every family situation is unique... But in our work as Court Appointed Special Advocates, we often see commonalities among our cases. Today, we discuss two specific issues that are cited in more than half of our cases: Mental Health Issues and Substance Use Disorders.
Listen. Learn. And consider how YOU could become part of the solution by volunteering as an Advocate! We have a virtual information session coming up on May 20. Regis...
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