Description

There are more than 500 children who need to be removed from their homes in Passaic and Union counties each year due to abuse and/or neglect. They need a caring, consistent adult in their corner to protect their best interests while in care. That’s where Child Focus comes in: specifically, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program.

Children with volunteer advocates are more likely to have needed services ordered on their behalf, spend less time in the foster care system, and experience significantly better outcomes than those who go without.

No special background in child welfare or law is necessary; successful CASA volunteers are dedicated community members with varied life experiences. CASA volunteers receive professional training on the ins and outs of advocating for children in foster care and are fully supported by CASA staff members. Advocates visit the children, make unbiased observations, interview those in the child’s life, and make recommendations to the judge. They often are the only consistent adult in the life of a child involved in the child welfare system, as caseworkers, professionals, and placements are ever-changing. A CASA volunteer provides continuity during a time of chaos and unknowns.

The next training class for child advocates begins Wednesday, October 23. Those interested in learning more should attend an information session at the Wayne Child Focus office, 415 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite D2. Upcoming information sessions are Wednesday, September 18 at 12 pm; Wednesday, September 25 at 5:30 pm; Monday, September 30 at 12 pm; Monday, October 7 at 5:30 pm; Thursday, October 10 at  12 pm; and Thursday, October 17 at 5:30 pm. Register now at www.casapassaicunion.org/info-session.