By: Najla Alexander
"At just nine years old, Jayden has endured years of neglect due to his parents’ substance use and mental health challenges. After they lost their apartment, the family began living in their car in various parking lots, and Jayden often went without food or basic care. Before things reached that point, Jayden had been enrolled in school and enjoyed it. Math was his favorite subject, and he loved the weekly math club and seeing friends. One night, police were called after Jayden was found alone and barefoot at a gas station. He was removed from his parents and is now living in foster care. A judge assigned a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer to Jayden, and now he has someone who listens, shows up, and stands up for him."
Passaic County officials said that Jayden is one of more than 500 children removed from their homes in Passaic and Union counties due to abuse and neglect.
Living in foster care and separated from all they’ve known, each child needs a caring, consistent adult in their corner to protect their best interests while in care. Is that you?
Fall training to become a CASA volunteer starts in Wayne in October, and the first step is attending an information session, Passaic County officials say.
Register now at www.casapassaicunion.org/info-session for one of the following sessions, all held at the Child Focus office in Wayne, 415 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite D2.
According to Passaic County officials, sessions are scheduled for Thursday, July 10, at 12 p.m.; Monday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m.; Monday, July 21, at 12 p.m.; and Tuesday, July 29, at 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
CASA volunteers are trained advocates who visit the child monthly and have court-ordered access to all parties in the case, Passaic County officials stated.
Passaic County officials stated that, supported by CASA staff, advocates make fact-based observations about outstanding needs or concerns and make recommendations to the court.
Passaic County officials said that the CASA volunteer is often the only consistent person in the child’s life. Applicants must be at least 21, be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, have computer skills, pass a background check, and complete the 36-hour training.
View the training dates at www.casapassaicunion.org/casa-training.