CASA for Children

CASA for Children Celebrates 10 Years

2011-07-28T13:03:00.005-04:00

CASA for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties celebrates 10 years of service to abused and neglected children in Atlantic and Cape May Counties this year. To kick off the celebration, CASA announces a special 10 Years with 10 Stories campaign to highlight the uplifting and sometimes heart-breaking narratives that children living in foster care face every day. The first account features a young boy, who we will call Hector, who spent the first two years of his life in a hospital because he was born addicted to drugs. Read Hector's story below or our click here.My name is Jean and I am a CASA Volunteer. I am you.

My story began 21 years ago when I was selected as Treasurer of the Morris County CASA Board of Trustees, a program that I had helped establish three years earlier in 1987. Since then, I have advocated for more children than I can actually remember at three different CASA programs: Morris County CASA, CASA of Ocean County and most recently, CASA of Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

I remember many of my cases, especially the early ones. One small boy removed from the custody of his drug-addicted mother, another little girl who was placed in the system because her parents abandoned her, a set of twins who were found during a drug raid malnourished and bruised. Each family story that I became a part of, each child that I advocated for changed my life - and I know that I have changed their lives too. I have helped neglected children find loving, permanent homes, helped drug-addicted mothers get counseling so they can have their children back and helped fathers get visitation. I have seen first-hand the effects that family turmoil has on a child and that is why, after 21 years, I still volunteer my time because these children need someone and I have chosen to be that someone.

Since moving to southern New Jersey I have advocated for 15 children. One of those children still stands out in my mind - a tiny infant with dark, thick hair who we will call Hector.

One day while I was in court for another case I heard Hector's tragic story and knew that I wanted to help this child find a loving home. Hector's mother had heavily abused drugs while she was pregnant so Hector was born 5 weekpremature, weighed only 4 pounds and was also addicted - he was her sixth child. His addiction and subsequent withdrawal made him so medically fragile that, days after he was born he sustained an infection so traumatic that part of his intestine had to be removed. Hector's medical condition was so complicated and required advanced treatment and care that he spent almost the first full year of his life in a hospital because a specialized medical foster home was not available for him at the time.

Thankfully, I was appointed Hector's CASA volunteer nearly one year after his birth in December 2009. Once assigned to Hector's case, I immediately met Hector and his treatment team at the hospital. They explained Hector's multiple medical conditions that required a feeding tube and around the clock care and how difficult it is to find a foster home for a child with so many special needs. I learned quickly of his mother's struggle with heroin and cocaine addiction, she was in and out of treatment more times then I could count - each new inpatient stint promised to be the one that would help her, but sadly, none of them ever did. Her visitation with her son Hector was just as sporadic, often going months without seeing him.

After reading through a year's worth of court reports and talking to everyone involved in the boys life I noticed that Lauren, a nurse from the hospital where Hector stayed, had expressed an interest in caring for the boy on a permanent basis. Lauren was a Certified Nurse Assistant and had developed a strong bond with Hector during his year-long stay at the hospital. I quickly brought this to the attention of Hector's Division of Youth and Family Caseworker and the courts and by April 2010, Lauren began to receive specific training on how to care for Hector and was applying to the Division to be certified as a resource home. By July 2010, Lauren was Hector's official foster parent and he was finally out of the hospital after living there for 28 months.

Hector has thrived in Lauren's care. He is enrolled in Medical Day Care and his teachers describe him "as a friendly, bright child who has assimilated in the group experience." Even Hector's doctors are pleased with the progress he has made under Lauren's care, especially the fact that he started eating solid foods, relying much less on his feeding tube.

By October 2010, Hector's mother surrendered her parental rights. Hector is still living with Lauren, who will adopt the boy when all of the court proceedings are completed.

Knowing that I had a hand in finding this child a loving, permanent home is a rewarding experience. But I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I hadn't been in court that day and heard Hector's case. Would he have found his forever family with Lauren or would he have languished in a long-term medical facility, not ever knowing a mother or a home? Thankfully, for Hector's sake, we won't every know.

Hector's story is just one among the 700 children who are in the foster care system in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Many more children have stories like Hector's who need a helping hand. Will you help lift up their voice? To donate to CASA or to volunteer please call (609) 601-7800 or log onto http://www.atlanticcapecasa.org/.

11-year-old bakes for CASA; earns $282

2011-06-21T11:14:00.005-04:00

Photo: 11-year-old Madison Meeks (left) and her friend at Port Republic's Community Day. Madison sold bake goods to benefit CASA for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

For 11-year-old Madison Meeks, baking isn't just about the cookies and cupcakes; its about raising money for a good cause.

Madison is in her second year of "Cookies for CASA," where she sells baked goods to raise money and awareness for CASA for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

This past weekend, Madison put her baked goods to the test when she set up shop for her hometown of Port Republic's Community Day.

There she sold an array of baked goods including cupcakes, lemon tarts, brownies and cookies. In all she raised $282.00 for CASA! All the goods where handmade by Madison and her friends.

When asked why she wanted to do this Madison replied, "Because I like to cook and I really wanted to do this for a good cause."

Thank you Madison for donating your time and good cooking to CASA! To view photos of the event click here.

Johnny Rockets Blast from the Past Car Show a Success!

2011-06-13T09:52:00.002-04:00

This weekend, CASA was the beneficiary of the Johnny Rockets "Blast from the Past" Car Show. The event, which took place at the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing, raised over $200 for CASA for Children.

The day was jam-packed full of events for kids and families. There was face-painting, balloon animals, free milk shake samples and even dancing!

The event made the Channel 40 news! To watch the video click here and to view photos of the event click here.

Thank you to Johnny Rockets, for hosting the event and to all the volunteers from CASA who helped out for the day!

Alum Editorial - National CASA - CASA for Children

2011-06-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

Alum Editorial - National CASA - CASA for Children

CASA Story in Press of Atlantic City

2011-05-02T11:04:00.001-04:00

Press of Atlantic City Staff Writer Wallace McKelvey features CASA in recent article, read whole story here...
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Volunteer Appreciation Event a Success

2011-04-07T10:06:00.013-04:00

Last night, approximately 60 CASA volunteers, staff, board members and community members attended CASA's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event.

Held every year around Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 10-16), this annual event honors volunteers and community members who have shown their support to CASA for Children. Congratulations to this year's honorees:

CASA Community Partner: Godfrey Funeral Homes

Godfrey Funeral Home Owners Val and Herb Godfrey are always looking for ways to support CASA for Children, whether through donations, time or word of mouth. Val currently serves on our Board of Trustees and Herb was a former board member. We appreciate all they do for us! Congratulations Val and Herb!

DYFS Caseworker of the Year: Alicia White
Nominated by our CASA Volunteers, Alicia received our Division of Youth and Family Services Caseworker of the Year award. A Caseworker in the Cape May Local Office, Alicia is always willing to go above and beyond on her cases and works closely with the CASA Volunteers. Thank you Alicia for everything you do!

Outstanding Service Provider of the Year: Dr. Nina Stolzenberg
Nominated by our CASA Volunteers, Dr. Nina was recognized for her willingness to help train CASA volunteers. Thank you Dr. Nina for everything you do!

2011 Presidential Service Award Winners: Carol Eastlack, Jack McCarron and Lynne Silvestro
These CASA volunteers received the Presidential Service Award for volunteering for 500 hours or more. Thank you Carol, Jack and Lynne for all the hard work on behalf of abused and neglected children.

CASA Training 201 Graduates: Pat Bannister, Theresa Bongiovanni and Bill Potts
These CASA Volunteers were honored for completing CASA's 201 training, an advanced training for CASA volunteers.

2011 Outstanding STAR Volunteers: Kay Fitzgerald and Melissa Terrells
These two volunteers received the outstanding STAR volunteer award for their administrative support. Kay and Melissa help in the office work and together have contributed more than 130 hours of their time. Thank you Kay and Melissa.

CASA Special Recognition: Superior Court Judge Max Baker

Before being moved to the criminal bench, Judge Baker was a family court judge and often interacted with our CASA volunteers. Judge Baker was honored for his devotion to children in need and his continued support of CASA. Thank you Judge Baker.

And last but not least, a BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers who donate their time to helping abused and neglected children!

April Marks Child Abuse Prevention Month

2011-04-01T09:33:00.003-04:00

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and create strong communities to support children and families.

In celebration of the month, CASA for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties is hosting a three-week CASA volunteer training course beginning April 26 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. The 30-hour, 2-day a week course gives individuals the necessary skills to advocate in court on behalf of abused and neglected foster children.

This month is a time to reflect and raise awareness surrounding our nations most vulnerable citizens - children. Nationally, 6,000 children enter the foster care system every week due to allegations of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Over 700 children in Atlantic and Cape May Counties live in foster annually due to abusive or neglectful parents.

"April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children," said Angela Waters, CASA Executive Director, "Everyone's participation is critical. Focusing on helping our must vulnerable children is the best action our community can take to strengthen families and prevent child abuse, neglect and abandonment."

In support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Welfare Information Gateway and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention have created Strengthening Families and Communities: 2011 Resource Guide. The guide, designed for service providers who work throughout the community to strengthen families, is available online.

Throughout this month, CASA for Children will be posting on Facebook, Twitter and on our blog about things you can do to raise awareness and help prevent Child abuse, neglect and abandonment.

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities during the month of April and throughout the year, contact CASA for Children at (609) 601-7800 or visit www.AtlanticCapeCASA.org.

CASA for Children Announced as Ticket Charity for the Shoprite LPGA Classic

2011-03-28T14:51:00.007-04:00

For the second straight year, CASA for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties was selected as a ticket charity for the Shoprite LPGA Classic Tournament which returns to the historic Bay Course at Seaview - A Dolce Resort in Galloway, N.J. from May 30 through June 5.

Individuals purchasing online advanced tickets can choose CASA or one of 15 other regional charities and Shoprite LPGA Classic will donate 50 percent of the ticket price back to the charity. Ticket prices vary from a $15 Good Any Day Grounds Pass to a Weekly Clubhouse Pass for $60. “We are excited to be a ticket charity again this year,” said Angie Waters, Executive Director of CASA for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties. “The Shoprite LPGA Classic has been so generous over the years and we appreciate being included.”

To purchase tickets or for more information about the golf tournament please visit www.shopritelpgaclassic.com or call (609) 798-0222.

Florida DCF workers fired over death of 10-year-old twin

2011-03-18T14:58:00.003-04:00

A story that has been popping up in the news lately is that of 10-year-old Nubia Doctor and her twin brother Victor. Nubia and Victor, foster children, have a tragic tale of abuse and neglect. After being adopted by a Florida couple, the children were beaten, malnourished and neglected. On Feb. 14, Nubia was found dead in the back of her adopted father's pick-up truck, her brother cowering in the front seat, nearly alive after being doused in an unknown chemical.

Before that devastating valentines day, there were many warnings of Nubia's and Victor's abuse. Teachers, neighbors and even the children's Guardian-ad-Liam had said the children should be removed for the home for allegations of abuse. However, the Department of Children and Families ignored the pleas.

However, this week, just one month after Nubia's body was found, a task force panel looking into the child's death cites "fatal ineptitude." The panel concluded that Florida's Department of Children and Families were given many reports on the alleged abuse occurring within the home. Earlier this week, the two DCF employees assigned to the case were fired and another 5 were reprimanded. A small victory in the wake of Nubia's death.

Congradulations Jack McCarron!

2011-03-15T16:26:00.004-04:00

In an earlier post, we congradulated Jack McCarron on being Volunteer of the Month for the United Way.

Yesterday, Jack was presented with a certificate, a Live United T-shirt and a sweet treat candy bar at our CASA offices. Congradulations again Jack for all your hard work!

CASA for Children at the South Jersey Leprechaun Leap

2011-03-09T14:02:00.005-05:00

CASA for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties will have a booth at the South Jersey Leprechan Leap in Brigantine Sunday, Mach 13 from 12:30 - 3 p.m. Come out and learn about CASA, what we do and how you can get involved!

The South Jersey Leprechan Leap is an event put on by the South Jersey Cancer Fund. Proceeds from the event benetit the organziation. The day will have live music by the Irish Sand Crabs, a bonfire and a pet costume contest. The big event starts at 2:15 p.m. when attendees will leap into the ocean to teh music of live bagpipers!

See you there.

Don't you want to get away? You can with CASA for Children's Flyaway Getaway Raffle!

2011-03-08T14:12:00.004-05:00

For months you've been couped up from the outdoors. Snow and rain is haunting your dreams, but spring is approaching. You can see the sun peeking out from behind months of winter's cold. 60 degrees days are helping you to fight the winter blues. You want to get away, maybe even somewhere exotic.

Well, CASA for Children has you covered.

Buy a raffle ticket and enter to win our Flyaway-Getaway prize! You could be whisked away to a destination of your choice in US or Canada and have four free nights at particpating Fairmont Hotels and Resorts - an $2,350 value!

Tickets are $20 and you can purchase tickets online or call us at (609) 601 7800 from now until 4 p.m. Friday, June 24. The drawing will be held Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 1 p.m. Ticket purchasers do not need to be present to win. You will be notified by phone or email if you have won. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit CASA of Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

Already dreaming of beautiful shores or a hike through mountains, then what are you waiting for, purchase a ticket today!

State budget cuts harm states most vulnerable citizens: Children

2011-03-07T15:09:00.002-05:00

As states propose their budgets for fiscal year 2012, there is a grown trend. Iowa, Texas and Nevada are just a few of the states who are cutting funds to social services.

In Nevada, state lawmakers are proposing a 16 percent cut to family services. This could reverse the years of progress the state has made since 2006.

Iowa Governor Terry Brandstand already cut $240,077 from the Iowa Child Advocacy Board, which oversees the Iowa Court Appointed Special Advocate and Foster Care Review Board programs, in 2011. He is proposing to cut another $160,817 from their budget.

And in Texas, lawmakers are proposing a 13 percent cut, which equates to a reduction of $2.2 billion to programs like child protection services and investigations, foster care and adoption payments, child abuse or neglect prevention programs, family violence services and communities in schools.

These proposed cuts can and will harm these states most vulnerable citizens: foster care children. Many of these cuts will lead to social workers with overloaded cases, shortages in workers and cutbacks in needed services to children. In Nevada, the proposed cuts would skyrocket case worker's case loads, allowing them to only spend 20 minutes with each child.

As more states propose budget cuts to social services time will only tell what these cuts will do to children in the foster care system. CASA Advocates are needed now more than ever. Join the cause and speak up for a child today before it is too late. Log onto www.casaforchildren.org to find a local CASA for Children in your area or click here to volunteer in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

9 year-old-boy raises $2,500 for his local CASA

2011-03-03T14:06:00.002-05:00

A young boy in Texas spent a year raising money for his local CASA program. Selling jewlery and other handmade goods, Nathan Bush earned 10% of the organizations $20,000 campaign goal.

Click here to read the full story.

If you or someone you knows has a great campaign or fundriasing idea please don't hesitiate to call us at (609) 601-7800.

Should Openly Gay Couples be Foster Parents?

2011-03-02T13:28:00.004-05:00

As more states legalize civil unions, the question has arisen whether openly gay couples should be allowed to be foster parents.

The debate has heated up in Illinois, a state where civil unions recently became legal. The concern is over faith-based organizations who licence foster care parents. These religious agencies receive public funds, but they turn away potential foster parents who are openly gay because of their religious teachings.

As of now, Illinois state officials have begun to research whether or not faith-based organizations are breaking anti-discrimination laws in turning away gay foster parents. If found in violation of these laws, according to this Chicago Tribune article, over 3,000 children in the foster care system could be affected. The organizations could also loose thousands of dollars in state funding.

So, the debate continues, are Illinois faith-based organizations breaking the law? And what about the thousands of children in the system that could be affected if these faith-based organizations loose their funding? And then, there is the question of the children who could be helped by gay foster parents?

The debate continues.

Children's Rights Group files class action lawsuit against Mass.

2011-03-02T09:47:00.003-05:00

The New-York based advocacy group Children's Rights has filed a class action lawsuit against Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. The lawsuit charges the Department with violating the constitutional rights of children by routinely placing them in dangeous and unstable situations once removed from their parent's care.

The case was in limbo well a federal judged ruled whether or not the class action lawsuit could proceed. According to this Boston Herald article,the judge ruled in favor of Children's Rights and the lawsuit will continue.

Children's Rights says they are filing this lawsuit on behalf of the 8,500 children in the system. It is unclear at this time what this might do to Massachusetts foster care system, but the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families said the lawsuit will force them to spend scarce dollars defending themselves in court.

Lawmaker pushes to protect foster kids from ID theft - KDVR

2011-03-01T15:14:00.000-05:00

Lawmaker pushes to protect foster kids from ID theft - KDVR

Foster care inspiring for both parents and kids | ajc.com

2011-03-01T15:02:00.000-05:00

Foster care inspiring for both parents and kids | ajc.com

22 New Advocates Sworn-In

2011-03-01T10:23:00.000-05:00

Congratulations

CASA to Swear in New Advocates

2011-02-28T16:05:00.003-05:00

Tonight CASA will swear-in 22 new Volunteers. These new Advocates have completed the necessary 30 hour training to become a CASA Volunteer.

CASA is excited to welcome these new Advocates to our program. The more volunteers we have, the more chidren in the foster care system we can reach! Stay tuned, tomorrow we will post photos of our new advocates!

If you would like to get involved in becoming a CASA Advocate, we will begin our next training session in April. For more information log onto www.atlanticcapecasa.org or call (609) 601-7800.

CASA Advocate named United Way Volunteer of the Month

2011-02-24T13:55:00.004-05:00

Congradulations is in order to CASA Advocate Jack McCarron who has been named United Way of Atlantic County volunteer of the month.

Jack goes above and beyond his duties as a volunteer here and we are more than thrilled to have him win this award.

Jack has helped 11 children in 5 years find safe and permanent homes. But it isn't just his advocay in the court rooms that makes Jack valuable, it is his help with the volunteer mentor groups, his service to CASA's programming committee and his work as a court liason.

Brett Castone, Jack's CASA Case Supervisor, nominted Jack for the award for his willingness to go above and beyond his normal duties.

Once again, condradulations Jack!

Adam Robe's Robbie The Rabbit Website a Great Resource for CASA Volunteers

2011-02-23T13:38:00.004-05:00

Here at CASA we always try to find resources not only for our Advocates, but for others who are working in the foster care system.

For awhile now, we have been getting blog posts and updates from blog post from Adam Robe, a former foster child himself.

At his webiste, Robbie the Rabbit, Robe discusses the trials and triumphs of being in America's foster care system and what foster parents, case workers and even CASA volunteers can do to help a child adjust.

His latest blog post, "Why Can't I Just Be Me" provides some great insight into a foster child's since of identity.

He states, "if you are a child that is placed into foster care, you may find that there was a break in the formation of your identity. Defining “who” you are and “how” you fit into the world becomes harder the longer you remain in foster care and the different roles you play."

Not only does Robe provide his own insight through blogs and posts, but he also has materials, including activity books and adult guides, for children and foster care parents.

Robe is a great resource that we as people who work in the system should utilize. I recommend every person who works in the system should visit his website at least once.

5 Better Ways To Serve Youth

2011-02-22T14:22:00.003-05:00

by Ryan Miller, Team Leader, Transitioning Youth Project, CASA of Travis County, Austin, TX

These are Top Tips for Volunteers from the most recent issue of The Connection, put out by the National CASA office. These tips can also be found here.

1. Seek Opportunities for Growth Through Decision Making.
The system is set up so that the teens we represent have minimal decision-making power. From the big questions to the small, professionals and foster parents are often calling the shots. Where does that leave an 18-year-old who is on his own for the first time?

Being able to make healthy decisions is a learned skill. Youth need the chance to cook their own dinners, even at the cost of burning their thumbs on the stove. Or the chance to manage their own money, even if they misspend some of it. Making poor decisions is a part of growing up, and we are only delaying that process by trying to keep foster youth in a bubble until their 18th birthdays.

2. Don’t Be a Disciplinarian. Youth Don’t Need Any More of Those.
Foster youth usually have plenty of people to tell them how they have messed up. Their placement, their school, their judge, their caseworker and possibly others are going to chime in after a poor decision. Even if the CASA volunteer is the person the youth most trusts, the youth does not need to hear from one more person how they blew it. Instead, be future-focused and ask, “Where do we go from here?” or “How do we get past this?”

3. Give Youth a Voice.
Countless foster care alumni have stated that they felt as though they never had a voice. CASA volunteers can change that. Make sure that youth are participants in meetings concerning their case and are able to speak to judges at hearings. Keep them informed about what is going on. In Travis County, youth have begun to write their own court reports in which they share with the judge their plan, concerns and wishes.

4. Find Connections for Youth.
Youth need healthy adults in their lives. The idea of preparing youth for “independent” living is a fallacy. Successful young adults are almost always dependent on those around them for support. No one can do it alone.

So reconsider family. Even if the biological parents were not healthy years ago, things may have changed. A great majority of foster care alumni seek out biological parents after leaving care. Volunteer advocates can help make this connection while the youth is in care and still has support available. Also, CASA volunteers can find healthy connections from the community—teachers, coaches, foster parents or even parents of friends. Use FosterClub’s Permanency Pact toolkit described at CASAforChildren.org/Adulthood to assist in defining these relationships.

5. Expect Snags Along the Way, But Don’t Let the Snags Distract.
Emergencies are going to come up. We are working with teenagers who have been through a lot. Ups and downs are to be expected. However, it is the CASA volunteer’s role to remain future-focused. While facing the daily strains of being in care, a youth needs someone able to step back and look at the big picture. CASA volunteers can be the voice that speaks up for a youth’s goals of higher education, future employment and lifelong relationships.

Foster Siblings Often Separated while in Foster Care

2011-02-22T12:06:00.002-05:00

An ABC News Online article reported today that over 40 percent of children in the foster care system are separated from their brothers and sisters, well above the international average. Less than one in five foster children live with their brothers and sisters, and one quarter of these children have no ongoing contact with their siblings.

Siblings who find themselves in the system are often separated simple because no other option exists. Its hard for brothers and sisters, often up to 3 to 6 of them, to be placed in the same home. For some children who have already lost their parents, this separation can be devastating.

Some siblings get lucky and are placed near enough to each other that they can see each other often. Others may loose ties completely.

It is important as these children go through the system, that they are able to keep what little ties they have to family.

Speak Up for a Child Day

2011-02-18T13:39:00.003-05:00

In Nevada, Gov. Brian Sandoval has declared today, Feb. 18, Speak up for a Child Day.

According to an article in the Nevada Appeal, the day is in honor of the 4,965 childen in the foster care system in Nevada.

The govenor declared, “These children have the right to an advocate to represent their best interests, to speak up for them and to help ensure that they arrive at a safe, permanent home in a timely manner."

The day began with a 7 a.m. breakfast at the Nevada Legislature with different events planned to inform legislators of the importance of CASA.

This Speak up for a Child Day is a great way to bring awareness to the thousands of children in the foster care system. Even though the day is only celebrated in Nevada that doesn't mean you can't remember those children in the system.

CASA volunteer Barbara Borak recognized

2011-02-17T17:42:00.003-05:00

CASA volunteer Barbara Borak was in the news this morning! CASA nominated Barbara as the Volunteer Advocate of the quarter. Read the full story below or on the Shore News Today website.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Atlantic and Cape May counties recently named Barbara Borak of Ocean City as CASA volunteer advocate of the quarter.

Boark, who completed her training in October 2008, was recognized for her outstanding service to two siblings with special educational and behavioral needs.

“Barbara was instrumental in advocating for special counseling services for these children and was a vital communicator between the therapeutic foster mother and the Division of Youth and Family Services,” says Executive Director Angie Waters. “Because of Barbara’s efforts, these two siblings are now awaiting an adoption date. We’re very grateful to Barbara and thank her for all of her efforts on behalf of the children of Atlantic and Cape May counties and the entire CASA community.”

Trained CASA volunteer advocates speak in family court on behalf of abused and neglected children in the foster care system and are dedicated to ensuring these children are placed in safe permanent homes as quickly as possible. In Atlantic and Cape May counties, over 700 children are placed in foster care annually. Last year, CASA served nearly 300 abused and neglected children with 175 advocates and helped place 94 children in permanent homes.

Volunteering for CASA is a rewarding experience says advocate Judy of Mays Landing. “The CASA program addresses one of the most compelling problems of our society, narrows it to one small child and allows me to enter that life and make a difference.” CASA is a United Way Partner Agency.

Hand in Hand helps needy kids in Swannanoa Valley

2011-02-17T11:02:00.000-05:00

At Owen High School, there are more than a dozen students who are considered homeless.

The term counselors use for these nomadic kids is “couch surfers,” because every night they migrate from one house and couch to another, never knowing where they will lay their heads.
“Typically, they do have a parent somewhere, but as the children get older, drugs are more important (to the parent) than their kids,” said Kitty Kelly, a counselor at Black Mountain High School.
“To me the most heartbreaking is the parent who chooses the latest boyfriend or girlfriend over the children.”
The good news is that through a nonprofit group of churches, needs such as clothing, money for school activities, even prom attire is being funded.
Lois Nix is on the committee of 10 local churches that formed Hand in Hand, the organization devoted to meeting the needs of students in the Swannanoa and Black Mountain areas.

Read more...

A Bill for California's Foster Children; other states should follow suit

2011-02-16T12:40:00.006-05:00

A great bill is currently in legislation in California. San Jose Assemblyman Jim Beall has crafted a legislation that helps foster care children who have aged out of the system be first in line at California's community colleges and universities.

Currenlty only 2 percet of California's 75,000 foster care children make it to college, but Beall wants to change that with his new bill AB 194. This bill gives foster children priority when they resigster for class at California's community colleges and universities. The legislation calls for them to receive the same privileges California already gives to those who have disabilities or have served in the armed forces.

This new bill doesn't even cost California taxpayers a dime, which is one of the many reasaons why it is winning approval throughout the state.

Beall believes, according to this Press-Telegram article, California has a moral and fiscal obligation to do better. He's right. Not only does California have a moral and fiscal obligaion to do better, but so do other states throughout the US.

This legislation could mean more foster children in California stive to get a higher education, hopefully, breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness many of them end up in.

Hopefully, California won't be the only state who takes strives to help children who have aged out of the system receive a higher education.

Lincoln woman turns painful childhood into successful life

2011-02-15T09:29:00.005-05:00

The below story was taken from Channel 5 News In Lincoln Nebraska.

Most of us cherish our childhood memories. Pictures of family vacations and special occasions fill our photo albums. But for some, those albums are empty and those childhood memories, well they'd rather forget.

We're talking about abused and neglected kids.

We hear about them so often in the news. But what happens to them after they're taken out of the home?

Through the story of a Lincoln woman who grew up in Harvard, News Five's Rachel Lake shows us how a central Nebraska program makes the system less scary. It's all part of her special report, A Voice for the Children.

Young and beautiful with a corner office in downtown Lincoln and a career on the rise, Jessica Hilderbrand seems to have it all.

"It's kind of like a fairy tale," said Hilderbrand.

But at one time, it seemed she had nothing and no one.

Jessica suffered years of abuse and neglect at the hands of her stepfather and mother. At 15, the state took her into custody.

"It was very traumatic I was very fearful that I would never see my brothers," Hilderbrand said.

As the state began an investigation into her home life, Jessica was placed in foster care.

"Going into somebody's home, sleeping in their bed with their pillows, it's a lot to take in as a teenager," said Hilderbrand.

But then Jessica met Beth Wissing, her Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA.

"She was just a quiet girl, she was scared. I found out her story," said Wissing.

And she got to know Jessica's wants, needs and interests. They met regularly. Afterwards, Beth related her assessments to the judge in court reports.

Beth also accompanied Jessica to court hearings - an intimidating place for the young girl, but Beth stood by her side, serving as a voice and protector.

"One of the things that her and my foster mom did was... I was still scared of my Mom's husband and so they would make sure that we walked into the courtroom after they did which helped relieve my fear and insecurities," said Hilderbrand.

Based on Beth's recommendation, the judge chose not to allow Jessica to return home. So she stayed in the system, switching caseworkers and therapists. But her CASA stayed the same.

"We are able to take one case at a time, one sibling group at a time and just advocate for them until their case is dismissed or that they have some permanency in her life," said Wissing.

Then Jessica aged out of the system and suddenly she was on her own.

"It was kind of taking somebody who had the structuring and giving them a ton of freedom and I didn't know how to handle all that freedom," said Hilderbrand. "I experienced homelessness, I lived in my car for a while. I experienced bad relationships, I went to college and dropped out."

Finally Jessica turned to Beth for help who referred her to the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.

After completing an internship, Jessica was offered a full-time job.

"The very first thing I did was pick up the phone and I called Beth," Hilderbrand.

"Jessica now has turned into such a wonderful and amazing girl that's doing such positive things in our state for kids in foster care," Wissing said.

Jessica helps youth transition out of foster care through existing programs.

"I get to build off the personal experience I had being in the foster care system and also working with young people to give them hope and to let them know that their voice matters and that their life experience matters," said Hilderbrand.

Jessica is now a mother herself and says she's excited to give her daughter the life she never had. Click here to view the full article.
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CASA volunteers have such an impact on children's lives. Donating your time, just 4 to 10 hours a month, you too could impact someone's life like Beth did for Jessica. Find out how.

Nonprofits fear impact of cuts in block grants on poor

2011-02-14T16:32:00.003-05:00

With the recent proposed budget cuts by President Obama, many non-profits fear the reprocussions of the cuts. In this article from Delaware Online, these proposed budget cuts could impair an organization called the West End Neighborhood House, which helps teens that have aged out of the foster care system.

It is still uncertain of what effect President Obama's new budget proposal will have, but one element remains certain, volunteers are needed now more than ever. Find time to volunteer with your local agencies and with CASA. Click here for more information.

National CASA 2nd in Competing for $200,000 Prize in Members Project Contest

2011-02-14T10:53:00.003-05:00

National CASA is currently ranked 2nd in the Members Project Conetst. CASA is currently ranked behind KIVA.org. Vote to help CASA win $200,000. To learn more about CASA and the members project click here.

With just a click of a mouse you can make a difference in a child's life! What are you waiting for? Go vote!

NJ Scores Big Win For Healthier Kids

2011-01-07T13:44:00.000-05:00

Great news! New Jersey is one of just 15 states to earn a bonus for enrolling more children in NJ FamilyCare, the state's health coverage program. This is big win for kids. Thousands more New Jersey children will get the quality medical care that can keep them grow up healthy. Read more...

Free Children's Dental Care

2011-01-07T13:43:00.001-05:00

On Feb. 4, the NJ Dental Association and other partners will hold the annual Give Kids a Smile Day when children can get free dental care at locations around the state. Advance registration is required. To learn more or find a location near you, visit the NJ Dental Association's website at www.njda.org/indexPub.cfm

Bill S2405

2010-12-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

S2405 will be considered by the State Senate Judiciary Committee on Thurs., Dec. 9. This is a very important bill and the victims' rights community is working to support its passage.www.njleg.state.nj.us

NJ Parents Caucus Offers One Day Training

2010-11-15T09:29:00.000-05:00

The workshop will explore engagement strategies and barriers, history and principles of family involvement and specific strategies for high-risk and urban families. Each class is 5 hours, lunch will be served. Early registration is recommended as class size will be limited.

To register, or for additional information, call Shweta Shinde at 973-989-8866 or visit http://www.newjerseyparentscaucus.org/

Russian stowaway survives flight in landing gear - pressofAtlanticCity.com

2010-11-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

Russian stowaway survives flight in landing gear - pressofAtlanticCity.com

BNY Mellon to assist foster children into adulthood

2010-11-11T14:27:00.000-05:00

By Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Tuesday, November 9, 2010

BNY Mellon is starting a $6 million initiative over five years to help youths in foster care make the transition into adulthood, the company announced yesterday.

In the first year of the program, BNY Mellon will give about $250,000 to four local nonprofit groups to improve programs to help young people make the transition from foster care to adulthood. The company's four partners are Auberle, FamilyLinks, Family Services of Western Pennsylvania and Holy Family Institute.

More than 25,000 youths a year in the United States move out of foster care when they reach 18, including more than 300 in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Research shows that many youths leaving foster care are at greater risk for unemployment, poverty and homelessness.

Suburban Poverty on the Rise

2010-10-12T14:16:00.000-04:00

Since 2000, poverty in the suburbs of the nation’s largest metro areas has grown by 37 percent— read full story

New law gives foster children school stability

2010-09-23T09:31:00.000-04:00

New law gives foster children school stability
New Jersey's foster children now have the right to stay in their current school when entering foster care or changing placements, if remaining in that school is in the child's best interest, under a bill recently signed into law by Governor Christie.

Previously, children entering a foster home attended school in the foster parents' district. This new law is expected to provide these vulnerable children with educational stability that can help them succeed in school.

ACNJ will be providing more information on the details of the new law and how caregivers and others can advocate for the educational stability of children living in foster care. Read law

Representing Crime Victims Program

2010-09-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

There will be ICLE program on “Representing Crime Victims” on October 1, 2010 at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick. It has been approved for 3.9 ICLE credits. The speakers are civil attorneys, Tim Barnes and Jeff Fritz along with Middlesex County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia McClure and Richard Pompelio. The materials handouts will include a copy of Richard Pompelio’s book, Crime Victim’s Rights: A Guide for Practitioners and Service Providers in the State of New Jersey. View program here.

R&B Recording Artist Anthony Hamilton Helps Recruit CASA Volunteers

2010-09-16T11:12:00.001-04:00

Award-winning recording artist Anthony Hamilton will help CASA programs recruit needed African-American male volunteers in his new role as a spokesperson for the National CASA Association. He launched a 30-second radio public service announcement during his summer tour and will represent CASA at national child welfare conferences and events around the country to raise awareness of the growing number of African American children in the foster care system.

Judge Hatchett: More Hands on Deck Needed for Foster Children

2010-09-16T11:10:00.001-04:00

In an article appearing in the Chicago Defender, National CASA spokesperson Judge Glenda Hatchett shares her reasons for becoming a juvenile court judge. Read the article...

Advocates for Children of New Jersey

2010-09-10T13:42:00.000-04:00

ACNJ, formerly Association for Children of New Jersey, is the trusted, independent voice putting children’s needs first for more than 30 years. Read more about this organization at http://www.acnj.org/home.asp?uri=1000&frst=1000

Free Workshop

2010-08-27T09:12:00.002-04:00

The Adopted Child’s Journey: Questions Along the Way

NJ FamilyCare Health Insurance Forms

2010-05-17T11:21:00.000-04:00

Starting May 10, parents of thousands of children across the state will get in the mail an envelope marked NJ FAMILYCARE EXPRESS LANE APPLICATION FOR HEALTH INSURANCE ENCLOSED

This mailing is being sent to every household that checked a box on the New Jersey tax return that they have a child without health insurance. The envelope contains an application for free or low-cost insurance for the children in the household. For help or additional information, contact NJ FamilyCare at www.njfamilycare.org or 800-701-0710

Signs Video

2010-04-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

Steve Russell Begins His Journey

2010-04-06T13:25:00.002-04:00

Steve Russell begins his journey today. Follow him on Facebook! Canines 4 Kids, Inc.

CASA's Volunteer Appreciation Party

2010-04-06T13:18:00.003-04:00

CASA's Volunteer Appreciation Party was a big success. Thanks to Chelsea Prime Restaurant for hosting the event. The event recognized all Volunteer Advocates and Judge Connor who is leaving the Family Court bench after many years and transferring to Criminal Court. Best Wishes Judge Connor - we will miss you!

CASA Video

2010-03-15T15:15:00.001-04:00

2010-03-15T15:13:00.001-04:00

Help CASA retain Federal funding!

2010-03-15T15:11:00.000-04:00

Please contact your US Representative today to request that they join in a letter of support for level funding of $15 million for the CASA program. Visit www.congressmerge.com to find your Representatives.

Follow Canines 4 Kids, Inc. Appalachian Trail (“AT”) Hike

2010-03-08T10:16:00.005-05:00

Follow Steve Russell, an attorney formerly with the Florida Guardian ad Litem (“GAL”) office in Clearwater, beginning April 5, 2010 as he and his two dogs hike the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness for the hundreds of thousands of children across the country that have been made wards of their states because of abuse, neglect and abandonment by their parents. http://www.canines4kids.org

National CASA spokesperson Dr. Phil

2010-02-16T11:47:00.001-05:00

Help Support CASA!

2010-02-16T11:44:00.002-05:00

Help CASA reach our $20,000 goal!Why do we need your help? The cost of recruiting, training and supervising a CASA volunteer for one child is $1,610 a year. Like many other organizations, we have seen a decrease in funding in the last year and are appealing to our family, friends and friends of friends to help. At CASA, 76% of all monies raised go directly to programs that serve abused and neglected children.

DONATE NOW!
http://www.atlanticcapecasa.org/main.asp?id=36

CASA Volunteer Celebrates 20 Years

2010-02-05T10:56:00.001-05:00

Jean Harris Celebrates 20 Years as a CASA Volunteer Advocate. Read her story...

"Tired" Video for CASA

2010-02-01T14:22:00.001-05:00

Volunteer Training Starts Feb. 22

2010-02-01T14:03:00.001-05:00

Last chance to apply for the winter training session that begins Feb. 22 and ends March 11. Call (609) 601-7800 or email jennifer@atlanticcapecasa.org for information

CASA Bill S-2276/A-3365 Signed

2010-01-19T11:58:00.001-05:00

CASA Bill S-2276/A-3365 Signed by Acting Governor Sweeney! The CASA Bill has now become law. The new law gives the CASA model statutory authority in New Jersey and codifies the most important features of the program, allowing the CASA to be of more effective assistance to children and the courts that serve them.

New domestic violence bill cleared Committee

2010-01-06T09:25:00.001-05:00

The New Jersey Assembly's Judiciary Committee has cleared a package of bills intended to help domestic violence victims in New Jersey.

One of the measures sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, would set up a pilot program allowing for satellite-based monitoring of people convicted of domestic violence crimes.

Greenstein stated: “I think this will go a long way toward protecting the domestic violence victims. Right now many of them are at the mercy of the offenders and this will make sure they can be tracked either through the parole department or some other law enforcement department.”

Another bill would make criminal coercion, the unlawful restriction of someone's freedom, an act of domestic violence. A third measure would create a self-defense justification for victims and a fourth bill would extend protections for domestic abuse victims who have to break a lease.

The full Assembly is expected to act on the legislation later this week.

By: Phil Gregory
philgregorynews@gmail.com

Congratulations! Michelle Staples

2010-01-05T13:18:00.001-05:00

Congratulations! Michelle Staples from the Cape May Local Office is the DYFS Caseworker of the Month for December.

Michelle was nominated by Connie Weidner who had many wonderful things to say about her commitment to the children of Cape May County and her great example of working collaboratively with CASA. Connie states that Michelle worked diligently to ensure 3 older brothers in separate placements had regular sibling visits every 6 weeks. She also provided them with her cell phone # in case they needed to talk and she would bring the children together to meet with CASA if needed. In fact Connie reported that one of the children actually cried when he heard that Michelle was being transferred to a new unit and would no longer be his caseworker. In addition, Michelle always responded quickly to CASA’s needs and was prompt to return phone calls. We thank her for all her efforts and her continued hard work and dedication!

CASA Staff Gives Blood

2009-12-17T14:25:00.002-05:00

Six CASA staff participated in the DYFS Blood Drive on December 14. The Blood Drive was an overall success and all CASA staff survived! DYFS schedules regular Blood Drives in their Atlantic City office. Ask CASA staff for the next scheduled Drive.
(609)601-7800

Legislative ACTION ALERT: CASA Bill A-3365

2009-12-07T10:59:00.001-05:00

Legislative ACTION ALERT: CASA Bill A-3365

Unfortunately, the CASA Bill (A-3365) did NOT get posted for a vote on December 7. This means that our next (and probably last) opportunity to get this bill passed will be on January 7. If we do not get it passed then, the bill dies and we would have to go through the entire process all over again.

To send the current email to the Bill’s sponsors, click CASA Legislative Alert or go to www.casaofnj.org and select the “Legislative Action Alert" tab.

Thank you for supporting CASA!

Adoption Day Toy Drive

2009-11-23T16:13:00.002-05:00

Adoption Day Toy Drive
DYFS in hosting a special Adoption Day event on December 5. This event will be in honor of the children who have recently been adopted through the Division in Atlantic County. We are asking for your help by bringing an unwrapped toy to the CASA office at 321 Shore Road in Somers Point by Wednesday, December 2. Please call
609) 601-7800 for further information.

Office Informational Tour - December 10

2009-11-23T15:57:00.003-05:00

Learn more about becoming a CASA Volunteer Advocate or how you can get more involved with CASA on December 10 at 12 noon and 6 p.m. CASA will hold Informational Tours at their offices at 321 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ. Call (609) 601-7800 or visit www.atlanticcapecasa.org for more information.

Action Alert: E-Mail Speaker Roberts

2009-11-23T15:55:00.001-05:00

ACTION ALERT: E-Mail Speaker Roberts and urge him to Post A3365. If passed, A3365 would establish CASA in statute – something that 37 other states have done.

Send an e-mail to Speaker Roberts with cc’s to your Assembly Representatives by December 1. Go to www.casaofnj.org and hit “NJ Legislative Alert” in the tool bar at the top of the page.

The Education Law Center recently launched its Foster Care Initiative

2009-11-17T11:24:00.001-05:00

The Education Law Center recently launched its Foster Care Initiative to provide special education representation for children in New Jersey's foster care system. The Initiative focuses on direct representation, advocacy training, and systemic reform. Read more...

One Future Found Office Tours

2009-11-10T09:10:00.002-05:00

Learn more about CASA and how you can become a Volunteer Advocate.
Wednesday, November 18th
12:00PM and 6:00PM
CASA Offices, 321 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ
Call (609) 601-7800 for more info or visit www.AtlanticCapeCASA.org

2009-11-10T09:06:00.004-05:00

The Benefit Auction & Wine Tasting honoring our good friend Rosalind Krause was an enormous success. Thank you all who sponsored, volunteered, donated and attended - you brought us closer to our goal of serving all 700 children currently in the foster care system in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

Every Child Matters Education Fund

2009-11-02T14:41:00.004-05:00

The Every Child Matters Education Fund recently released a new report entitled, "We Can Do Better: Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in the U.S." Download your free copy here.

2009-11-02T14:32:00.003-05:00

We are getting ready for our Benefit Auction & Wine Tasting on Thursday, November 5 at Greate Bay Country Club. Volunteers are frantically making baskets and gathering last minute items for the event.

2009-11-02T09:07:00.005-05:00

On Thursday, October 29, 17 new Volunteer Advocates were sworn in by Judge Max Baker. The ceremony is the culmination of 30 hours of intensive training to become a CASA Volunteer Advocate. Welcome to all of our new volunteers!

The image above includes the following new Volunteer Advocates:
Yasna Babich, Pleasantville, NJ; Louise Dietz, Seaville, NJ; Bianca Doster, Atlantic City, NJ; Anne Feilinger, Galloway, NJ; Akilah Hughes, Pleasantville, NJ; Florence Novek, Margate, NJ; Joan Quilligan, Margate, NJ; Marie Quilter, Mays Landing, NJ; Judy Saracco, Villas, NJ; Joe Schmidt, Cape May, NJ; Susan Schneider, Linwood, NJ; Maisha Scudder, Absecon, NJ; Janet Shapiro, Mays Landing, NJ; Rondell Showell, Atlantic City, NJ; John Szramiak, Ocean View, NJ; Darah Walther, Sweetwater, NJ; Linda Wright, Petersburg, NJ, and (center) Judge Max Baker, Presiding Judge Family Part Vicinage I.

Forgotten Children campaign

2009-10-29T13:06:00.003-04:00

This spring, over 100 local CASA and GAL programs across the country are holding Forgotten Children events to find solutions for America’s children in foster care. These compelling events feature hundreds of life size posters of children, each holding a personal message from an actual foster child.

Let’s all stand up for foster kids, so they will stand a chance. Visit www.nationalcasa.org for more information.

Please join our Forgotten Children campaign and make a lifelong difference for a child." Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw

Volunteer Advocates

2009-10-29T12:54:00.003-04:00

Trained Volunteer Advocates speak on behalf of abused and neglected children in the foster care system and are dedicated to ensuring these children are placed in safe permanent homes as quickly as possible. By matching trained community volunteers with children, CASA ensures that the needs and best interests of these children are met. Casa Volunteer Advocates also can improve the decision-making ability of Family Court judges regarding these children. Volunteering for CASA is a rewarding experience says Volunteer Advocate Judy from New Jersey, “The CASA program addresses one of the most compelling problems of our society, narrows it to one small child and allows me to enter that life and make a difference.”

Find out how you can help!

CASA History

2009-10-29T12:51:00.003-04:00

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, Inc. has been operating since 1995. It was established by Mary, a foster care provider and mother of three, after grieving the death of a foster child who once resided in her home. Her mission was to work to prevent "even one more child from falling through the cracks of our child welfare proceedings." The program operated on a small scale it its early years of existence.

In July of 2001, after receiving a grant from the National CASA Association, CASA of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, Inc. revitalized its board, hired new staff, and increased its overall operating capacity. Today, CASA of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, Inc. is serving over 260 children.