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SJ 300

Commending Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Favola

Ceremonial resolution commends Fairfax CASA for 35 years of service to abused and neglected children in Fairfax County, highlighting volunteers, impact, and a commemorative copy.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ300ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 300

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution SJ300ER (Commending Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates)

Overview

Senate Joint Resolution 300, as enrolled and designated SJ300ER, is a ceremonial, non-budget bill that commends Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (Fairfax CASA) on the occasion of its 35th anniversary. The resolution recognizes the organization’s service to abused or neglected children in Fairfax County and its broader role within the Virginia CASA network.

Purpose and Intent

  • To express the General Assembly’s admiration for Fairfax CASA and its life-changing work on behalf of vulnerable children.
  • To acknowledge Fairfax CASA’s long-standing commitment to advocacy, support, and collaboration with local child welfare partners.
  • To authorize the preparation of a commemorative copy to be presented to Fairfax CASA.

Key Provisions and Content

  • Acknowledges Fairfax CASA’s history dating back to its establishment in 1989.
  • Highlights Fairfax CASA’s impact, including:
    • Serving nearly 9,000 children over its history.
    • Training about 1,900 community volunteers who are vetted, trained, and supervised.
    • Volunteers meeting with assigned children twice monthly, attending relevant hearings, and drafting detailed court reports with recommendations for the child’s best interests.
    • Voluntary contributions valued in the millions, including more than $3.5 million donated since the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Collaboration across the region with service providers, and leadership roles within the Virginia CASA network.
    • The role of Fairfax CASA as integral to the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court’s eyes and ears, providing up-to-date, accurate, and unbiased information.
    • Support for the Fostering Futures program (effective July 2016), which extends foster care services to youth aging out at 18 through age 21, aiding housing, education, employment, and independence.
    • Recognition such as the 2013 Child Advocacy Award from the Virginia State Bar.
    • Strong connections with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services and other local child welfare organizations.
    • Contributions to public awareness of child abuse and neglect and fostering community support and volunteer engagement.
  • The Clerk of the Senate is to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Fairfax CASA.

Who/What Are Affected

  • Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (Fairfax CASA) and the children they serve in Fairfax County.
  • Fairfax County’s child welfare and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court operations.
  • The broader Virginia network of CASA programs and related service providers.
  • The general public, through increased awareness and recognition of CASA’s work.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025 (Senate).
  • Agreed to by the Senate: January 30, 2025.
  • Agreed to by the House of Delegates: February 3, 2025.
  • Enrolled as SJ300ER: February 4, 2025 (status indicates passage by both chambers).
  • Legislative actions indicate a straightforward ceremonial passage with no fiscal impact or substantive policy changes.

Impact

  • Primarily symbolic and commemorative in nature.
  • Elevates visibility for Fairfax CASA, potentially aiding volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and community recognition.
  • No changes to statutes, funding, or government programs are authorized or required by this resolution.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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