Program Overview

The goal of the Bergen County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program is to prevent abused and neglected children from becoming lost in the child welfare system. The objective of appointing a CASA Volunteer, a trained advocate from the community, is to ensure that the child's best interest is represented at all times.

CASA volunteers are matched to the child directly and provide approximately 10-12 hours of service per month of casework.  Prior to each court hearing, the volunteer prepares a court report, which includes evaluations and recommendations, based upon fact, for the child. The Family Court judge reads and considers the CASA report in addition to other relevant reports prior to making his decision. Volunteers are carefully screened and receive 30 hours of training in skills necessary to fulfill his or her responsibilities.