Q:
What does a CASA volunteer do?
A:
In Passaic County, a Family Court Judge will assign the most difficult cases to Passaic County CASA, Inc. Our trained and supervised CASA volunteers represent the child’s best interests in court. CASA volunteers conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents and interviewing all parties involved. They report to the court, raising issues of concern that may interfere with a child’s best interests and providing information that will help the Judge make an informed decision. CASA volunteers can also play a pivotal role in assuring that a child or family is receiving services the court has ordered, such as physical or mental health services, substance abuse counseling or special education. During the life of a case, the CASA volunteer monitors the child’s situation to assure he or she remains safe. Many times, the CASA volunteer may be the only constant in the child’s life, as they move through the bureaucratic maze of the child welfare system.
Q:
Who are CASA volunteers?
A:
CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds. They include men and women with a variety of professional and educational experience. Many work full time. Some are students or retired people. No legal or social service experience is required. The only requirements are to be at least 21 years of age and to have a strong desire to help children who are in dire need of help.
Q:
What does it take to be a CASA volunteer?
A:
Commitment:
When you take on a CASA case, you take on a child’s future. Becoming a CASA volunteer requires a strong commitment. Candidates must complete an application and interview process, be cleared through a criminal background investigation as well as the New Jersey State Central Registry for Child Abuse, and successfully complete a 30-hour orientation course. Volunteers should be prepared to spend around five hours per week on their cases for a minimum commitment of one year.
Objectivity:
A CASA’s role is to represent the best interests of the child. That may not always mean what the child wants. CASA volunteers must be able to talk to everyone involved in a case and remain objective.
Good Communication Skills:
CASA volunteers must be able to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people from healthcare professionals to school officials to parents. They present written reports to the Court providing accurate and comprehensive information about the status of the case.
Training:
All CASA volunteers must complete a 30-hour core-training course. The course covers topics such as child welfare, family dynamics, diversity, advocacy techniques, communication skills and the family court legal process. CASA volunteers are also offered in-service training on specific topics ranging from adolescent behavior to early childhood services to community resources for families.
Q:
How many children in Foster Care does Passaic County CASA serve?
A:
Passaic County CASA, Inc. currently has 50 CASA volunteers. Passaic County has almost 600 children in foster care. Our goal is to provide one CASA for each child from Passaic County that is in foster care and needs one.