Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children

Within the first 18 months Passaic County CASA took steps to give a CASA to each of the nearly 600 children in out of home placement. Eac of these children are eligible for their own CASA. Volunteers are committed to ensuring that needed services and assistance are made available to children in out-of-home placements, while at the same time helping move these children toward safe nurturing and permanent homes. As a result of the funding Passaic County CASA will be able to recruit an additional 20-25 volunteers who will, in turn, serve 20-30 new children by October 31, 2009. To recruit new potential volunteers, CASA will publish regular press releases advertising open house informational meetings; host informational meetings; attend community fairs and events with a display and staff; engage in a public relations campaign including posters, car magnets, recruitment brochures, informational application packets and PSA's; create partnerships with local corporate volunteer programs; enhance the existing website and create a new volunteer incentive based recruitment campaign. We've made a substantial impact during our first 18 months in Passaic County. One child that would otherwise be kept to a hospital his entire life is now on a national adoption list, offering one child a chance to have a home, thanks to the work of his advocate. Children in foster care have a five times higher chance of suffering learning disabilities. Without advocates, they miss out on the services that they need, ending up homeless, without an education, medical care, or worse. Another child, because of his advocate now is entering college.