Community Corner
Volunteer Advocates Needed For Children In Foster Care
Almost 350 children in Passaic County are removed from their homes annually and placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect.
Press release from Passaic County CASA:
Nov. 4, 2022
Passaic County CASA is hosting two information sessions this month so prospective volunteers can learn about the difference they can make in the lives of children living in foster care.
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Every abused or neglected child needs a caring, consistent adult to advocate for his or her
well-being. Almost 350 children in Passaic County are removed from their homes annually and placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect. A CASA volunteer simply advocates for whatever is in a child’s best interest.
CASA volunteers are compassionate, dedicated community members from all backgrounds who believe that every child’s voice deserves to be heard. CASA volunteers are partnered with a child or group of siblings, spend time with the child/children, gather information about their needs from the family, caretakers, teachers, doctors, and caseworkers, and make informed recommendations to the Family Court about the child’s future.
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From helping siblings find permanent homes together, facilitating needed services, to uncovering information that helps reunite a loving family, volunteer advocates make incredible differences in the lives of children who have been abused and/or neglected.
“We believe that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive,” said Ed Marable, Director of Training at Passaic County CASA.
The first step to becoming a volunteer is to attend an information session, learn about the volunteer experience, and ask questions. The next information sessions are virtually on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 6 pm and in person on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10 am at the Passaic County CASA office, 415 Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne.
CASA volunteers do not require any specific educational or professional background. They must be at least 21 years old, have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, pass a background check, and complete CASA’s 36-hour training program.
To attend one of our information sessions, visit https://www.passaiccountycasa.org/virtual-info-sessions.
For more information about Passaic County CASA and the volunteer program, call 973-832-4002, e-mail training@passaiccountycasa.org, or visit www.passaiccountycasa.org.
This press release was produced by Passaic County CASA. The views expressed here are the author's own.
