COURT HOUSE – Sixteen Atlantic and Cape May County residents were recently sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers by the Honorable James H. Pickering, Jr. J.S.C. The swearing in capped 30 hours of classroom instruction in child advocacy, the legal system and report writing. As CASA volunteers, they will advocate on behalf of children living in the foster care system making sure that they receive necessary resources and services while living in foster care. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the children are placed in safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.
The new CASA volunteers are Marsha Burke of Cape May Court House, Yvonne Johnson-Cane of Landisville, Karla Cappuccio of Ventnor, Dana Quidachay of Mays Landing, Cathy Bruce of Port Republic, Linda Davis of Pleasantville, Barbara Szilagyi of Egg Harbor Township, Carol Segal of Margate, Wanda Glenn of Oceanville, Jan Keen of Egg Harbor Township, Sue Klein of Mays Landing, Carolyn Whitehead-Summers of Mays Landing, Diane Panelli of Erma, Andrea Parker of Egg Harbor Township, Georgette Mahoney of Somers Point and Brooke Buscaglia of Ocean City.
“We are proud and humbled by their commitment to youth in our community,” said Executive Director Angie Waters. “The demand for CASA volunteers is at its highest level. The more volunteers that we train, means that we can provide service to more children. Our goal is always to have a CASA volunteer for all 1,000 children who need one. We welcome these new CASA volunteers as they embark on a journey that will change a child’s life, and in the process, change their own life as well.”
CASA volunteers are authorized to meet with everyone on the child’s case, including teachers, case workers, counselors and health care providers. This unique access provides the basis for thoughtful, objective recommendations to the Family Court Judge regarding the child’s overall well being. Through written court reports at each hearing, CASA volunteers act as the eyes and ears of the Judge.
Currently, CASA has the capacity to serve nearly 50 percent of the children in care in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Individuals interested in becoming a CASA volunteer should attend the Information Sessions held monthly at the CASA office in Somers Point, N.J. For more information call (609) 601-7800 or visit www.AtlanticCapeCASA.org.
