By: Richard L. Smith
A three-year-old boy named Jacob, diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and nearly nonverbal, entered foster care just days before Christmas after the death of his mother left him without a stable caregiver.
Advocates say children like Jacob urgently need consistent, caring adults to speak up for their well-being while they navigate the foster system.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Passaic and Union Counties is calling on community members to make a meaningful New Year’s resolution by volunteering to support local children affected by abuse or neglect.
More than 500 children in the two-county region are currently in foster care, and many are waiting for a CASA volunteer to be assigned to their case.
CASA volunteers receive training and ongoing support to advocate for a child’s best interests in court, monitor services, and provide stability throughout the child’s time in foster care.
No prior child-welfare experience is required — volunteers must be at least 21, communicate effectively, pass a background check, and complete training.
To help address the growing need, expedited winter information sessions will be held in both counties.
Sessions take place at CASA’s Child Focus offices in Wayne and Elizabeth, as well as select local libraries, with training beginning February 24 in Passaic County and April 20 in Union County.
Volunteers may attend training in either location based on availability.
Those interested can register for an information session and view training dates at casapassaicunion.org, or contact CASA at 973-832-4002 or info@casapassaicunion.org.
CASA of Passaic and Union Counties is a program of Child Focus, which supports infants, children, and teens impacted by or at risk of abuse or neglect.