Understanding the Role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) The term “Court Appointed Special Advocate” carries profound weight, symbolizing a ray of hope amidst the daunting challenges faced by vulnerable children within the intricate web of the foster care system. These compassionate and committed individuals, affectionately known as CASAs, stand as unwavering champions for […]
SCAN, custom home builder Alair Alexandria, and Andrea Courduvelis of Sotheby’s International Realty have joined forces to provide one lucky person with an opportunity to take home a replica playhouse of a famous Alexandria landmark: the Spite House.
Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to thrive in. Unfortunately, not all children have the privilege of growing up in such an environment. This is where Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) step in to make a profound difference. If you’re considering becoming a CASA volunteer, here are some compelling reasons to embark on this […]
Written by Leah Fraley, CEO, Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. Your child goes to swim camp, basketball practice, or school, and is abused by the very adults trusted to keep them safe. These are the stories you heard just last week as the former Board President of […]
Community advocates and leaders praised the advocacy work of SCAN volunteers and staff and the organization’s essential work on behalf of children.
Hear from our Executive Director, look back on 35 years, and hear how we're bringing international expertise to NOVA.
Watch our interview with DC News Now on abuse trends, our CASA program, and a call for volunteers as cases increase.
We sat down with DC News Now to discuss Child Abuse Prevention Month and ways you can make a difference this April.
“By raising awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse, we can build a community of people who are paying attention to children,” said Emily Robinson, director of communications and public awareness for SCAN of Northern Virginia. “Awareness also builds resilience for survivors who may have been victims of child abuse in the past. We want people to know that if you are a child abuse survivor, you’re not broken. There are resources available to move forward.”
Each month, we're spotlighting the incredible volunteers that make our mission a reality. This month, meet Alex: a Tenant Engagement Manager spreading awareness of SCAN's mission and work.
Each month, we're spotlighting the incredible volunteers that make our mission a reality. This month, meet Cristina: a first-generation Hispanic American connecting with teens in foster care.
Each month, we're spotlighting the incredible volunteers that make our mission a reality. This month, meet Olivia: a SCAN CASA volunteer that just joined our team as a CASA Case Supervisor!
2022 was an incredible year for child abuse prevention. Check out highlights from this year and the extraordinary things our supporters have allowed us to do.
The 2021 Fall edition of the SCAN Newsletter has arrived! The pandemic challenged us when our methods were limited, but these challenging times have brought us new and innovative solutions. Please join us on this journey to prevent child abuse and change the very communities we live in.
Join Dr. Suzanne Nixon of Loudoun County in a conversational interview with Laurie Tasharski, M.Ed., a seasoned trauma expert, and learn about the cutting-edge trend for community organizations, educational institutions and places of business to become “trauma-informed”.
We are all responsible for keeping children safe in our community. In the wake of the recent peer sexual assaults, the Loudoun County Trauma-Informed Community Network (TICN), stands with community members seeking transparent processes that prioritize the privacy and recovery of children who experience sexual abuse.
The 2021 Fall edition of the SCAN Newsletter has arrived! The pandemic challenged us when our methods were limited, but these challenging times have brought us new and innovative solutions. Please join us on this journey to prevent child abuse and change the very communities we live in.
Leah Fraley is executive director of Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) of Northern Virginia, a regionwide organization focused solely on preventing child abuse and neglect across Northern Virginia. In the past few weeks, and for the past four years, Americans have watched the Larry Nassar-USA Gymnastics case unfold in the headlines. Hundreds of victims have accused […]
SCAN's new Institutional Abuse Prevention program, aims at preventing abuse in youth-serving organizations, like USA Gymnastics. "We’re tired of excuses because we know how we can do better," Program Director Laurie Tasharski told Fox 5 Monday. "If you have a reputation that you won’t harm, that you’re above reproach, you’re actually more likely to have a situation where a child can be harmed in your care."
The failures of both USA Gymnastics and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to appropriately address the sexual offenses of Larry Nassar enabled his crimes. This is institutional abuse, and it is not a new story. Organizations routinely side with employees and people in positions of power over the allegations of children, prioritizing their reputation over the safety of the children in their care.
Dear Alexandria City Council, SCAN of Northern Virginia stands with dozens of other community organizations in support of the Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot you can fund on July 6th. We have seen firsthand how the pandemic has rocked Alexandria’s families. GBI would bring a just moral recovery in the wake of the public health […]
SCAN is awarded a $11,865 Loyola Children’s Law and Policy Executive Program Grant from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children.
Hear our friends at Fairfax County CASA discuss the life changing work a committed volunteer can make in a child's life who has been passed through the system.
Volunteers with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program have gotten creative.
February 14, 2019—During the months of February and March, SCAN of Northern Virginia is accepting donations of toiletry items for local teens and older youth in the foster care system. Gift cards and donations are also welcome in support of the drive. (Download a Wish List for the drive here.) “For older youth and teens […]