Our Programs

Our CASA program is committed to advocating for the best interests of children involved in judicial proceedings, which involve allegations of abuse and neglect. We recruit, train, and supervise competent volunteers dedicated to advocating for safe, permanent homes for all children and seek to educate the community concerning the needs of abused and neglected children.

Children exposed to trauma, their siblings and/or non-offending caretakers may be eligible for referral through CART. Individuals who are referred and elect to receive services are provided an assessment and informed of treatment options. Treatment typically includes 12-26 sessions of weekly therapy in which both the child(ren) and non-offending caretakers participate. Our objective is to improve the overall well-being of the client(s), manage symptoms related to trauma exposure and accomplish other agreed-upon goals. All clinicians are trained in empirically supported models of treatment for trauma, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and prolonged exposure therapy.

This partnership with the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Forensic Nurse Examiner Program, and Centra Health provides children access to comprehensive medical examinations conducted by Forensic Nurse Examiners. Forensic medical examinations provide comprehensive review of current or previous medical issues, preventative care measures and forensic evidence collection. These examinations are offered on site at the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center (non-emergent), Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department, and through Centra Health’s Emergency Department.

D2L – Stewards of Children introduces a curriculum that educates the community about child sexual abuse and surrounding issues, increases the identification of child abuse, child neglect, and child sexual abuse, and teaches community members how to report concerns of abuse and neglect. Skills developed in the D2L – Stewards of Children empower community members to share in the protection of children by effectively identifying, responding to and reporting child abuse. We will also be glad to do speaking engagements on request.

These teams support the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse/neglect allegations. Team members can include Family Advocates, Victim/Witness Advocates, School Personnel, Medical Experts, Forensic Interview Specialists, Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services, Commonwealth Attorneys, Mental Health Professionals, Probation Officers, Domestic Violence Shelter staff, SVCAC staff, and other partners.

These highly trained professionals work together in order to determine if abuse has occurred and ensure beneficial services are being provided to children and families.

Interviewing process that eliminates the need for duplicative interviews of children who have allegations of abuse or neglect or are deemed at risk. Forensic interviews are conducted by best-practice model trained individuals who use unbiased, legally sound, and developmentally appropriate methods. These interviews include the observations and input of law enforcement and DSS involved in the case.

Family Advocates play a vital role in ensuring your child has a positive experience while at the center. They discuss mental health resources, medical resources, possible financial resources, and can overview the child protection and legal systems. They help coordinate referrals to local resources. They remain in continual contact with the caregivers during the process and update system partners on significant needs and requests from the family.

• Information & Referral
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Filing
• Closed Circuit for Victims Testifying in Court
• Specialized Training Opportunities
• Internships
• Community Outreach and Education
• Volunteer Opportunities

• Martinsville Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
• Henry/Martinsville DSS
• Martinsville V/W
• Southside Survivor Response Center
• Martinsville Police Dept.
• Martinsville City Schools
• Patrick County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
• Patrick County DSS
• Patrick County V/W
• Patrick County Sheriff’s Office
• Piedmont Community Services
• District 22 adult probation and parole
• Henry County Public Schools
• Henry County Sheriff’s Office
• Henry County V/W
• Henry County Commonwealth’s
• Attorney’s Office
• 21st District CSU