2024 Atlantic County Graduation

THIRTEEN LOCAL RESIDENTS BECOMECOURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) VOLUNTEERS

All Will Advocate on Behalf of Children and Youth Living in Foster Care

SOMERS POINT, N.J.: The Honorable Rodney Cunningham, P.J.F.P. swore in 13 Atlantic and Cape May residents as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers on October 29, 2024. The graduation ceremony was the culmination of 35 hours of instruction in child advocacy, the family court system and cultural competency. As CASA volunteers, they will meet with and advocate on behalf of children and youth living in the foster care system and recommend resources and services regarding the youth’s education, medical and overall wellbeing. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the children attain safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

The new CASA volunteers are:Melissa Reimer of Ocean City, Marina Campbell of Northfield, Francine McCarty of Ocean City, Vanessa Sosa of Egg Harbor City, Julia Macarello of Absecon, Amanda Guidotti of Egg Harbor City, Lalheska Ramirez of Atlantic City, Linda Dalessandro of Brigantine, Patty Parisi of Ocean City, Joseph Brunner of South Dennis, Rosie Blumenstein of Ocean City, and Jessica Boinelli of Egg Harbor Township, and Lori Klinger of Mays Landing

“We are so thankful that these individuals stepped forward to take the role of advocate for children living in foster care,” said Strategic Partnership Specialist Jennifer Valentine. “Their advocacy will have a profound effect on the lives of children and youth in our community.

These new CASA volunteers are starting a journey that will help change the stories of the children they meet and in the process their lives will be changed as well.”

CASAs meet with everyone on the child’s case, including teachers, caseworkers, counselors and health care providers and gather information into objective court reports. Each report, submitted to the family courts at every hearing, contains recommendations for services and resources regarding the child’s education, medical and overall wellbeing.

Individuals interested in becoming a CASA should attend one of our Information Sessions held at our Somers Point office and in the community, or virtually. For more information call (609) 601-7800 or visit CASAacc.org.

About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties

Trained CASA advocates speak on behalf of abused and neglected children living in the foster care system and are dedicated to ensuring these children are placed in safe permanent homes as quickly as possible. Last fiscal year, CASA advocated for 382 abused and neglected children in Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties. For more information about CASA, visit CASAacc.org or Facebook.com/CASA4Children.

About the National CASA/GAL Association for Children

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, together with its 950 state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and have the opportunity to thrive. National CASA/GAL offers leadership and support to the network of programs and leads its continued growth. CASA/GAL volunteers and staff work every day to advocate for children, youth, and families. To learn more, visit nationalcasagal.org.

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Attached imageFrom left: Marina Campbell, Lalheska Ramirez, Lori Klinger, Julia Macarello, Joseph Brunner, Linda Dalessandro, The Honorable Rodney Cunningham, P.J.F.P., Melissa Reimer,Vanessa Sosa, Rosie Blumenstein, Amanda Guidotti, Francine McCarty, Patty Parisi, Jessica Boinelli