CASA serves hundreds of children in foster care (in Mercer and Burlington Counties) by providing them with a court appointed volunteer who will support them until they have a safe, permanent home. Volunteers undergo 33 hours of training and a case manager supports them. In many cases the CASA Volunteer is the one consistent adult in the child's life -- and this has a life-long impact on our vulnerable children, giving them the support and care they need to thrive.
There are nearly 1,000 children in our area in foster care due to abuse and neglect. Child welfare experts are bracing for a surge in children newly entering the system due to Covid, and CASA has been doing everything in our power to ensure we have new volunteers ready to serve these kids. Children in foster care are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from anxiety, learning and behavioral issues. Our volunteers ensure children don't get lost in an overburdened legal and social service system.
Judges typically assign CASA volunteers to their most difficult cases, where trauma has preceded the foster care placement. Volunteers stay with each child until placed in a safe, permanent home. CASA Volunteers appear at court hearings where decisions are made for the child -- including educational and health services, and more. 97% of the recommendations our volunteers make for services for their child are accepted and implemented by the court.
For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spent time in long-term foster care.
