CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates: Give an Abused or Neglected Child a Voice
Every Year in New Jersey:
*More than 44,000 children are part of the child welfare system because of an allegation of abuse or neglect.
*Of these children, approximately 12,000 end up in foster care or other placements. They become part of the family court system with a judge making decisions regarding their futures.
*Over 30% of these children do not have a permanent home for 3 or more years.
*On average, children with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer spend less time in foster care than these without a CASA volunteer. They are also less likely to return to foster care after leaving it.
*Unfortunately only one-third of these 12,000 children has a CASA volunteer.
Learn what you can do to help…
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer:
*CASA volunteer are appointed by Family Court Judges to advocate for the best interests of a child. They make sure children receive the services and stability they need and that they find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.
*You don’t need any special skills to be a CASA volunteer, just the desire to help children. Training and ongoing guidance are provided.
*CASA volunteers meet with their assigned children and everyone who is important in their lives; they gather information, review records and prepare a court report.
*CASA court reports outline recommendations based on each child’s unique circumstances. Judges rely on CASA reports to determine the child’s best interest and to help make the best decisions possible for each child.
You can help in SO many ways!
Volunteer: The actions of a single CASA volunteer really do mean everything to a child. Get trained and empowered to help ensure that a child can thrive in a safe, permanent home.
Donate: No time to volunteer? Lift up a child’s voice by making a tax-deductible contribution. Donations help us recruit and train more volunteers to serve more children.
Get Involved: Consider becoming a CASA Board or Committee member, planning a fundraiser, assisting in the office or promoting CASA through social media and word of mouth.
Reach out to us. Together we will find the best way for you to help ensure the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children.
About Bergen County CASA:
Since we opened out doors in 2003, Bergen County CASA has served over 700 children. However, we typically only have enough advocates for 30-50% of the children who need one. Our mission in Bergen County is to provide 100% of these children with an advocate. We need your help to do this!
Please come to an Information Session to learn more about all the ways that we could welcome you into our Bergen County CASA family!
The schedule is on our web site at: http://www.bergencasa.org.
We look forward to meeting you!
Every child deserves to have a safe, permanent and nurturing home.
CASA ensures that a well-trained, independent volunteer is able to voice timely and objective recommendations to their Family Court on behalf of a child. Our only interest is the child’s best interest.
CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates for children/Bergen County.
Contact Information: CASA for Children of Bergen County.
One Bergen County Plaza, Suite 334
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Telephone: (201) 336-7520
Fax: (201) 336-7521
Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the CASA pamphlet and I give them full credit for this information. Please call them at the above number for more information on this program.
bergencountycaregiver 
Please call CASA for more information.
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