Causes: Child Abuse Prevention, Crime & Law, Domestic Violence, Family Services, Human Services

Mission: SCAN of Northern Virginia''s mission is to promote the well-being of children, improve parent-child relations and prevent child abuse and neglect by: EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY about the scope, nature and consequences of child abuse and neglect and the importance of positive, nurturing parenting; providing direct PARENT EDUCATION; and ADVOCATING FOR CHILDREN in the community, the legislature and the courts.

Target demographics: prevent child abuse and neglect

Direct beneficiaries per year: 1100 children and reached tens of thousands of families through public education

Geographic areas served: Northern Virginia

Programs:
SCAN operates the Alexandria/Arlington Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, which advocates for the best interests of children involved in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court process because of abuse, neglect, or other serious concerns. The CASA Program recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to explore and give voice to the needs of abused and neglected children. Once appointed, a CASA volunteer works directly for the judge, conducting interviews to obtain information about the child's circumstances as the judge would if time permitted. CASA volunteers make recommendations to the Court regarding permanency and safety for each child. The program seeks the future well-being of children who have been abused or neglected and promotes safe, permanent homes for all children.