Over 50 Years
Our Story
Judge Soukup realized that he needed help in determining what was in the best interest of the children whose cases he had before him in Court.
Over 30 years ago, while sitting as a judge in juvenile court, I realized that there was no one in the courtroom whose only job was to provide a voice for those children. Caseworkers have obligations to their agency, the parent and others. Lawyers cannot investigate the facts and advocate for the mental health and social needs of the child. While sitting at juvenile court, I never got a night's sleep without waking to wonder if at least one decision I made that day had been the best for a child. It struck me that it might be possible to recruit and train volunteers to bo investigate a child's case so they could provide a voice for the child in those proceedings, proceedings which could affect their whole lives. I had my bailiff call four or five people in the community who might be resources in recruiting volunteers to ask if they would meet for a brown bag lunch at juvenile court to discuss the idea. There were 50 people in the room when I walked in for that lunch. I thought, "This idea is going to work..." It Has!
-Judge David Soukup
Founded in 1993, Focus on Youth/CASA serves children between the ages of birth to 18. We
cover the 21 st Judicial District of Virginia which includes Henry County, Martinsville City and
Patrick County. As part of the nationwide CASA/GAL network, our organization recruits, trains,
and supports community volunteers who are then appointed by judges as officers of the courts to
advocate for children who find themselves involved in court proceedings through no fault of
their own. Our advocates work tirelessly to ensure children’s voices are heard in court
proceedings and that their needs are prioritized in decisions about their future. The mission of
Focus on Youth CASA is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children.
With the support of trained, court-appointed volunteers, we strive to ensure that every child has
a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive
Our Approach
CASA volunteers are appointed by Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judges to advocate for children's best interests. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed, and the child is in a safe, permanent home. Volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators, and service providers to ensure the Judges will have all the information they need to make the most, well-informed decisions for each child.
Safe, Permanent Home
Children with a CASA Volunteers are more to find a safe, permeant home
Less Likely
Children with a CASA volunteer are less likely to re-enter the foster care system.
More Likely
Children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to sucessed in school
FOCUS/CASA in Martinsville and Henry County
In 1973, there was no prevention program in Martinsville and Henry County. Focus on Youth is a program that was established to help youth develop positive attributes and avoid adjudication. Judge English Ford, Dwight Mack, Jan Reed, the Court Services Director, and Mable King from Social Services, launched this program to provide at-risk youth in the Martinsville and Henry County area with delinquency prevention services. In 1976, the United Way of Martinsville and Henry County started funding the program. In 1993, Focus on Youth became Focus On Youth / CASA
Kerry Walker
