SOMERS POINT – The Honorable W. Todd Miller, judge of Superior Court. swore in 23 local residents as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers Oct. 30 at Josie Kelly’s Public House in Somers Point.
The graduation was the culmination of 35 hours of instruction in child advocacy, the Family Court system and cultural competency, according to a release.
As CASA volunteers, they will advocate on behalf of children and youth living in the foster care system and recommend any necessary resources and services while the children remain in foster care.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that the children attain safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.
The new CASA volunteers are: Carol Salden of Egg Harbor Township; Georgia Brooks of Court House; Katharina Gorski of Petersburg; Claudia Bertke of Mays Landing; DeAnna Brathwaite-Mays of Pleasantville; Michaelle Cooke of Pleasantville; Linda DeLanzo of Ocean City; Sharon Dabney of Atlantic City; Emily Sinigaglio of Rio Grande; Michelle Fitzgerald of Galloway; Ciera Ventura of Galloway; Rachanda Fitzpatrick of Whitesboro; Tawana Senn of Egg Harbor Township; Andrea Olley of Galloway; Louise Schwartz of Atlantic City; Stephanie Martin of Egg Harbor Township; Kathleen Hauger of Egg Harbor Township; Lisa Labbree of West Wildwood; Galabina Goleminova of Mays Landing; Stephanie Chamberlain of Galloway; Ericka Dice of Ocean City; Alexandra Rizzo of Egg Harbor Township; and, Erin Thompson of Millville.
“We are so grateful for these individuals commitment to advocate for children living in the foster care system,” stated Director of Program Services Jennifer Valentine.
“Unfortunately, on average 300 new children enter foster care every year. Therefore, our need to recruit and train new advocates also grows. Our goal is to have a CASA volunteer for every child and youth in Atlantic and Cape May Counties who needs one. Thankfully, we are very close to that goal. These new CASA volunteers are starting a journey that will help change the lives of the children they meet and in the process, their lives will be changed as well,” she continued.
CASA volunteers meet with everyone on the child’s case, including teachers, caseworkers, counselors, and healthcare providers and gather information into objective court reports.
Each report, submitted to the Family Court at every hearing, contains recommendations for services and resources regarding the child’s education, medical and overall wellbeing.
Currently, CASA for Children has the capacity to serve just over 65 percent of the children in care in Cape May and Atlantic counties, leaving nearly 35 percent of the children and youth in foster care without an advocate. Individuals interested in becoming a CASA volunteer should attend the Information Sessions held monthly at the CASA office, 321 Shore Road, Somers Point. For information call (609) 601-7800 or visit www.AtlanticCapeCASA.org.
Lower Township – Who are these people that are obvious experts on trash cans and leaf pick-up? Maybe they don't have any trash to put out or leaves in their yard!!
