The Honorable Jorge F. Coombs, J.S.C. swore in 10 New Jersey residents as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers on November 13, 2023. 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: Shelly Morgan of Little Egg Harbor, Benjamin Sukovich of Mays Landing, Joyce Kluge of Linwood, Kayla Newsome-Cobbs of Pleasantville, Loretta Dutton of Galloway, Linda Quattrone of Egg Harbor City, Catherine Palmer-Helm of Marmora, Kathryn L’Esperance of Glassboro, Donna Scannapieco of Sea Isle City, and Maria Cowan of Voorhees.
“We are so thankful that these individuals stepped forward to take the role of advocate for children living in foster care,” said Director of Program Services 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 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.
