by Helen L. Davis, Statewide Volunteer Sourcing Coordinator for CASA of NJ, Inc.
View the entire newsletter for more articles: 2019 – NJAC County Biz – February
New Jersey’s State child welfare agency placed Lucy (not her real name) and her younger sister in the State’s care after allegations of physical abuse by their mother were substantiated. The Family Court Judge asked for a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for these sisters and Abbey a CASA volunteer accepted the assignment.
Abbey visited with the sisters every few weeks and worked with the foster parents and the child welfare agency to determine if there was a home that could accommodate both children. The sisters were eventually placed with their grandmother after receiving the necessary educational support services and occupational therapy that was so desperately needed.
CASA volunteers like Abbey help children like Lucy and her sister find stability, permanency and loving, stable homes. Since 2000, CASA of NJ, Inc. part of a national network of non-profit programs that advocate for children removed from their families because of abuse or neglect, has been successful in its mission.
CASA of NJ promotes and supports a statewide network of local CASA programs (Affiliates). CASA programs operate in all 21 counties in New Jersey. CASA Affiliates recruit and train community volunteers to be a “voice in court” for children. These advocates “speak up” for these children, helping them get the services they need and ensuring that they find safe, permanent homes. CASA volunteers recruits a myriad of volunteers from the business community – all that’s required is a bit of time and training to make a difference in the life of a child in foster care.
For additional information, visit: www.CASAforchildrenNJ.org or contact Helen Davis, CASA Statewide Volunteer Sourcing Coordinator at hdavis@casaofnj.org.