Passaic County CASA Seeks Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers

Press release from Passaic County CASA for Children:

Nov. 21, 2022

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we are reminded that the holiday season isn't just about spending time with friends and family. For many, it's also about giving time and resources to help others who are in need. Here in Passaic County, there are over 300 children who do not have the choice of spending Thanksgiving or the holiday season with their immediate family. These children have all been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. They are now part of the foster care and court system. They lost parents, siblings, friends, teachers, and sometimes even their own belongings when they entered the foster care system. Some of these children have been in foster care for many years, others for only a few days. Either way, the holiday season is an especially difficult time of year for these youngsters.

Local residents have the opportunity to impact the lives of these local children in a variety of ways. Supporting a child during the holidays and year-round can be done by making the commitment to be a Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer, donating holiday gifts and/or making a financial donation (made via www.passaiccountycasa.org).CASA volunteers go through a 36-hour training program prior to working with a specific child until the child reaches a safe and permanent home.

Volunteer advocates meet with their children regularly, review pertinent records, speak with involved professionals and advocate for the child’s best interests in the court and child welfare systems while having ongoing support and supervision from CASA staff. Prospective volunteers are individuals with a desire to help children. CASA volunteers are men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Some of our volunteers are employed full-time or part-time while others may be retired.

Passaic County CASA is holding an informational meeting for prospective volunteers on December 6, To register call 973-832-4002 or visit www.passaiccountycasa.org/info-sessions to RSVP, and information on upcoming events.

To donate holiday gifts please email Gina@passaiccountycasa.org or call 973-832-4002.

Passaic County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children works to recruit, train and supervise volunteers who become Court Appointed Advocates for Passaic County's children in foster care. As a non-profit agency, CASA relies on the dedication of each volunteer to ensure that each of these children has a caring adult to speak up for them in the court and child welfare systems. The goal of the CASA volunteer is to facilitate the placement of a child into a safe, permanent home

This press release was produced by Passaic County CASA for Children. The views expressed here are the author's own.