COURT HOUSE – Twelve Atlantic and Cape May County residents were recently sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers by the Honorable Nancy Ridgway P.J.F.P. The swearing in ceremony was the culmination of 30 hours of classroom instruction in child advocacy, the court system and cultural competency. As CASA volunteers, they will advocate on behalf of children living in the foster care system and make sure that the youth 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: Judy LaPorta of Cape May Court House; Tyesha Sistler of Marmora; Donna Galasso of Cape May Court House; Julia Brennan of Egg Harbor Township; Meryle Asaro of Atlantic City; Sarah and Bob Turkavage of Brigantine; Mary Kate Fresh of Mays Landing; Jackie Sarner of Galloway; Diana Rosa of Rio Grande; Anita Robbio of Cape May Court House and Antonina Carroccia-Ware of Egg Harbor Township.
“We are so grateful for their commitment to help children in need,” said Director of Program Services Jennifer Valentine. “Unfortunately, the number of children living in foster care continues to grow, and so does our need to recruit and train volunteers. Our goal is to have a CASA volunteer for all 1,000 children who need one and we are half way to that goal. We welcome these new CASA volunteers and know that they are about to start a journey that will help change the lives of the children they meet and in the process their lives will be changed 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 wellbeing. 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 almost 60 percent of the children in care in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, leaving nearly 40 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 in Somers Point, N.J. For more information call (609) 601-7800 or visit www.AtlanticCapeCASA.org.
