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BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER.
CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children
From helping siblings find permanent homes together, to helping a child access needed services, to uncovering information that helps reunite a loving family, volunteer advocates make an incredible difference to the lives of abused and neglected children.
How to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate
The first step to becoming a CASA volunteer is to attend a Volunteer Information Session. During the Information Session, participants will learn about the CASA Volunteer Program, the foster care system, CASA training, and how CASA volunteers make a difference. This is a required first step.
All Passaic County and Union County Information Sessions below are in-person and last approximately one hour.
In-person: Passaic County
OCTOBER
October 14 at 12pm — Wayne Office
October 16 at 5:30pm — Wayne Office
October 20 at 5:30pm — Wayne Office
October 22 at 12pm — Wayne Office
October 23 at 5:30pm — Wayne Office
NOVEMBER
November 3 at 5:30pm — Wayne Office
November 6 at 12pm — Wayne Office
November 10 at 5:30pm — Hawthorne Library
November 17 at 5:30pm — Wayne Office
November 24 at 12pm — Wayne Office
November 24 at 5:30pm — Wayne Office
In-person: Union County
OCTOBER
October 22 at 5:30pm — Linden Library
October 27 at 12pm — Elizabeth Office
NOVEMBER
November 12 at 12pm — Elizabeth Office
November 12 at 5:30pm — Clark Library
Theodore’s Story
When Theodore was placed in foster care, he was assigned a Court Appointed Special Advocate, Karen, who helped him find a loving and permanent home. See the difference that a CASA volunteer can make.
Stories in Color Art Exhibition
Announcing Stories in Color, a special exhibition telling the stories of children in foster care through their art. Join us Sunday, October 19 from 2-4pm, Union County Performing Arts Center, or on Sunday, October 26 from 2-4pm, Passaic County Arts Center.
Winter Coat Drive
Every child we serve deserves to have a warm winter coat. This year, our goal is to collect 450 new coats to ensure every child who needs one, has one. We're calling for coats for girls, coats for boys, coats for young children, and coats for teens — especially teens.
Coat Drop Off: Monday-Friday at 415 Hamburg Turnpike, D2, Wayne or Tuesday & Friday at 1143 East Jersey Street, 2F, Elizabeth. Any questions, contact Diego Rojas at diego@childfocusnj.org or call (973) 832-4002.
Or Order Online: If dropping off a new coat is not convenient, shop our Amazon Wishlist!
CASA Volunteers Make A Difference
Jenny has been in foster care for more than seven years, re-entering after a failed placement. But one thing she’s never lost is her CASA volunteer Karen, who was assigned in 2017.
When Jenny’s case was set to move to another county, she asked to keep it in Union County so she wouldn’t lose the CASA volunteer who’s been by her side. That decision mattered: as Jenny prepares to start college, she found herself just weeks away from move-in and missing many dorm essentials. She purchased what she could herself, but needed so much more. Thanks to her CASA volunteer and Child Focus’ Open Door Store, Jenny is now set with everything she needs: from bedding and toiletries to kitchen and laundry supplies, a backpack, and school essentials. This weekend, she moves into her dorm and next month she turns 18. Having come so far, Jenny’s beginning her new chapter with confidence and support!
Impact Report 2024-2025
During our financial year July 2024-June 2025, CASA volunteers made a huge impact on the lives of children in foster care.
Learn about why child advocacy matters, and how you can help!
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