Hudson County CASA

Hudson County CASA is a non-profit organization which recruits and trains community volunteers to advocate on behalf of foster children in family court. Volunteers are assigned to only one child or sibling group which enables a volunteer to gain thorough knowledge and understanding of the child and his or her circumstances. These visits allow the volunteer to become familiar with the child, the foster and biological family, teachers, doctors, and any other involved adults The volunteer visits the child once per month; regular visitations provide the children with one consistent adult in their lives. CASA volunteers are given access to medical and school records. This pertinent information helps the volunteer develop a holistic view of the child and his or her needs. CASA volunteers report their findings and recommendations to the court in a court report each quarter. In addition, volunteers facilitate services such as medical interventions and evaluations, psychiatric counseling, mentoring and educational tutoring. Occasionally, tertiary but no less important, issues arise for the volunteers to help mitigate such as immediate need for a winter coat or replacement eyeglasses. To address the need for enrichment in the children's lives, advocates also seek opportunities for their participation in after-school and summer programs. The volunteers are supervised by salaried case supervisors who work with 25-30 volunteers at a time. Each supervisor brings her own expertise to the position: CASA currently employs two attorneys, a former CASA volunteer and a former case manager of foster children living in therapeutic placements. One case supervisor is also in charge of recruiting new volunteers. She publicizes upcoming orientations and training sessions, secures outside professionals to speak during training sessions and gives presentations to groups of potential volunteers.