CASA volunteers advocate for an abused or neglected child
CAMDEN - There are currently over 1,500 children in Camden County who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Although Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) continues to serve more of these children each year, the need for CASA volunteers continues to grow as more children enter the child welfare and court systems.
CASA volunteers work one-on-one with an abused or neglected child, advocating for his or her best interests. Essentially, CASA volunteers "speak up" for these children in the court and child welfare systems, making sure they are safe and well-cared for, are getting the services they need, and are placed in a permanent, safe, nurturing home as quickly as possible.
"CASA volunteers don't require any specific education. All they need is compassion, objectivity, and a commitment to children. We'll train and supervise them to be effective voices in court," says Jonathan Cummings, executive director for CASA of Camden County. "Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. They are ordinary individuals who rise to the extraordinary by making a difference in the life of a child."
CASA of Camden County is currently seeking volunteers for its fall training which is slated to begin on Oct. 18. Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities or to learn more about CASA should visit www.casaofcamdencounty.org or contact B. Lauren Williams at 856-361-7331 or blwilliams@casaofcamdencounty.org.
CASA of Camden County is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to "Speak Up for a Child" removed from home due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. Call 856-361-7180 for more information about CASA of Camden County.
This item submitted by B. Lauren Williams, CASA senior program coordinator.