Our Mission
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties and its trained volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system. Through collaborative efforts, CASA ensures children receive the individual attention and support they need to thrive.
A safe, positive, equitable future for children living in foster care in Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties.
Our Vision
Why is CASA Needed?
Children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect are among the most vulnerable populations in society. A child in foster care may have faced physical, psychological, or emotional trauma and years of uncertainty as they wait to go home, be adopted, or to simply see what happens next. These children and youth need a caring consistent adult in their lives to ensure they are safe and well-cared for until they find a safe, permanent place to call home.
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CASA volunteers, screened, trained and supported by program staff ,are appointed by judges to advocate for a foster child’s best interests. Best-interest considerations in each case include health, safety, day-to-day care, and emotional ties. Volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make well-informed decisions for each child.
Children in
Foster Care
Each year, about 3,000 children and teens from communities throughout New Jersey live in foster care. They are placed in foster care when the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency determines it is not safe for them to remain in their home. They are placed with a foster family, or relative, in a group home, or institution. Children and teens enter foster care through no fault of their own.
188
Atlantic County
110
Camden County
84
Cape May County
All children who are in the foster care system need and deserve a compassionate adult to advocate for their health and safety.
We solve that problem through effective training and the supervision of community volunteers.