CASA stands for Court-Appointed Special Advocates. These volunteers are trained community members appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children in foster care. The acronym reflects their legal role in advocating for children’s safety and well-being.
Bergen CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteers to advocate for children in foster care who have experienced abuse or neglect. These Advocates (CASAs) work with courts and social services to ensure children’s needs are met and their voices heard. The organization's ultimate goal is to secure safe, permanent homes for vulnerable youth. >>>
Bergen CASA’s mission is to provide trained volunteer Advocates for children in foster care, ensuring their rights and needs are prioritized in the court system. The organization strives to break cycles of abuse and neglect by advocating for stable, nurturing environments. Every child deserves a voice and a chance to thrive. >>>
Bergen CASA has been serving Bergen County since 2003, advocating for children in foster care since its founding. The organization has grown to support hundreds of children annually. Its longstanding presence reflects its deep commitment to the community.
Bergen CASA advocates for children removed from Bergen County towns and whose cases are being reviewed in Bergen County Family Court. However, the children may be placed anywhere in New Jersey. If they are placed outside the state of New Jersey the children can only have an Advocate if we can find someone able to visit them at least once a month in person.
Bergen CASA serves children from birth to age 18 (and sometimes after 18 if they decide to stay in the foster care system, which they have the option to do until they’re 21). The goal is for every child in foster care to have a CASA volunteer.
To become a CASA you must complete an online application, attend an interview, and pass background checks. Successful candidates undergo a free, comprehensive training program covering child welfare and advocacy. After training, volunteers are sworn in by a judge and assigned a child’s case.
Anyone who meets the following criteria is eligible to train as a CASA:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have lived in the United States for at least five years.
- Be comfortable communicating both verbally and in writing, including preparing court reports and communicating with professionals.
- Be ready to make a 24-month commitment to the program and the child you serve.
- Have 10–15 hours a month to give. Your time and consistency can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.
- Complete 36 hours of pre-service training to prepare you for your role as a CASA advocate.
- Complete our screening process, including a criminal background check, child abuse registry check, sexual offender registry check, and personal references.
- Bring maturity, responsibility, and good judgment, along with the time and dedication to advocate for what is in the child’s best interest.
- Must be able to relate to persons of different cultures, ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses.
(Final selection is at the discretion of the CASA program).
Our CASA organization has been in operation since 2003, and we have had zero reported safety issues for our Advocates.
Advocates are expected to take commonsense precautions when going into unfamiliar neighborhoods and remain aware of their surroundings. The safety of our Advocates is a top priority, and Case Supervisors are there to help them navigate all safety concerns specific to their individual cases.
There is no typical CASA! People of all ages, races, genders, and professions make excellent CASA. Currently we have more than 90 active Advocates. Some work full-time jobs, some are retired, some are stay-at-home parents, some have children and grandchildren, others do not. The only thing they all share is a commitment to improving children's lives, a willingness to learn, and open minds about working with people different from themselves.
CASAs receive free training on topics like child development, trauma, and courtroom procedures. The program includes role-playing, case studies, and court observation. Ongoing mentorship and continuing education are provided to ensure Advocates feel supported.
You will learn about topics like: Trauma, Mental Health, Poverty, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Educational Advocacy, the Court Process, Communications Skills and more
The CASA begins by getting to know the child and the important people in that child’s life, including parents, teachers, therapists, doctors, and family members. The CASA has access to their child’s medical, educational, and legal files and is expected to scrutinize the facts surrounding the child’s placement. The CASA remains knowledgeable about that child by seeing him/her in-person at least once per month.
This is not an investigation into the abuse or neglect that the child may have experienced. Investigators with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) drive that investigation. A CASA is solely responsible for assessing and advocating for the child’s best interest until they are placed in a permanent home.
As a CASA, you are never on your own!
- Every CASA receives comprehensive training.
We’ll give you a resource binder with everything you need to get started, and it’s yours to keep. You can refer back to it whenever you need a little guidance or a refresher.
- Every CASA has an Advocacy Supervisor.
Most importantly, you’ll have someone in your corner every step of the way. Your Advocacy Supervisor is there to answer questions, talk through challenges, and help you navigate your role. And no question is ever a stupid question!
CASAs dedicate 10-15 hours per month to their assigned child’s case, including visits, court appearances, and meetings. The commitment lasts until the child’s case closes (typically 18-24 months). Flexibility is offered to accommodate personal schedules.
Yes! Many Advocates balance CASA responsibilities with full-time jobs or family obligations. Tasks like visits or calls can often be scheduled for evenings or weekends. The organization works with the Advocates to ensure their availability aligns with case needs.
No prior experience is required. CASA training equips volunteers with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively. A passion for helping children and a willingness to learn are the most important qualifications.
Advocates travel to visit their child, attend relevant meetings, and appear at court hearings. This may include expenses for gas, tolls, and parking, which are not reimbursed by Bergen CASA. Advocates may also choose to meet with their child in a public place, such as a restaurant or café, which could involve additional costs.
CASAs are not permitted to purchase gifts for their child. But you won’t need to worry about that! Bergen CASA provides every child with birthday and holiday gifts. We also have an office stocked with school supplies, toys, and books that Advocates can use to make visits a little more fun, comfortable, and engaging.
When it is safe and in a child’s best interest, a CASA volunteer’s primary goal is to help the child reunify with their family. That means getting to know and working collaboratively with the child’s parents and extended family, while always keeping the child’s well-being at the center of the work.
No. A CASA is assigned to a case AFTER the child or children have already been removed from their home by the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). CASAs are not responsible for investigating whether a child should be removed or not.
Yes! Bergen CASA welcomes non-advocate volunteers for tasks like event planning, office support, or fundraising. These roles require less time than advocacy but still make a meaningful impact. We also have a Board of Trustees that are unpaid volunteers who are essential for this non profit to continue to do our work. Contact the office to explore non-advocate opportunities.
Read Amy's blog. She's a non-Advocate volunteer with Bergen CASA.
CASAs build relationships with children, ensuring their educational, medical, and emotional needs are met. They provide judges with detailed reports to inform custody decisions. This advocacy reduces time spent in foster care and increases the likelihood of safe, permanent placements.
Studies show children with a CASA are more likely to succeed in school, receive needed services, and find permanent homes. They spend less time in foster care and experience fewer placement changes. CASAs often become the most consistent, trusted adults in a child’s life.
Success stories (shared anonymously for privacy) include children reuniting with rehabilitated parents, thriving in adoptive homes, or aging out with stable support. Many alumni credit their CASA for helping them overcome trauma. Visit the website or attend a CASA Event to hear inspiring testimonials.
Bergen CASA serves approximately 120 children each year, though this number fluctuates based on need and volunteer capacity. The organization aims to expand its reach to ensure every child in foster care has an advocate. Check our latest annual report for updated statistics.
Donate online via the website’s secure portal, mail a check to their office, or contribute through workplace giving programs. Recurring donations and legacy gifts are also welcomed. Every dollar directly supports advocacy training, volunteer resources, and child welfare initiatives.
Yes! Bergen CASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Donors receive a receipt for tax purposes. Corporate matching programs can further amplify contributions.
Share Bergen CASA's mission in social media, host a fundraiser, or volunteer your time. Businesses can sponsor events, donate goods/services, or offer pro bono expertise. Advocating for foster care policy changes also supports their long-term goals.
Yes! In-kind donations like school supplies, baby supplies, toys during the holidays, gift cards, or professional services (e.g., printing, legal aid) are appreciated. Contact the office to discuss current needs. All contributions help reduce operational costs and support children directly.
Absolutely! Corporate sponsors receive visibility at events, in newsletters, and on social media. Partnerships can include employee volunteer days, cause-related marketing, or grant opportunities. Contact the development team to design a collaboration that aligns with your goals.
Every child in Bergen County’s foster care system due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment is eligible. Bergen CASA receives a referral from Family Court every time a child is moved into a foster home.
Every child placed in a foster home in Bergen County is referred to Bergen CASA by family court judges. The organization reviews each referral to try and match the skills and abilities of each Advocate with the child's needs and most likely issues that will occur during the case.
Advocates stay on their appointed foster child’s case until it is legally closed, which averages 18-24 months. Some advocate for years if a case remains open. Consistency is key to building trust and achieving long-term stability for the child.
If reunified with family, the child returns home with ongoing support services. If adopted or placed with a guardian, the child transitions to a permanent home. Bergen CASA connects families to community resources to ensure continued success post-case closure. Some children cannot be adopted or re-united with family and they will be aged out of the system between ages 18 to 21 years. Bergen CASA works very closely with those on the independent living track to help them plan career training, find transitional housing, and acquire essential independent living skills before they age out.
Yes! Annual events include galas, golf tournaments, and awareness campaigns. Visit the website’s “Events” page to RSVP, purchase tickets, or sponsor activities. Volunteers are also needed to help organize and promote these events.
Subscribe to their email newsletter, follow social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), or check the website’s “Newsletter” page. Periodic updates include success stories, event announcements, and volunteer spotlights.
Bergen CASA’s office is located at One Bergen County Plaza, Suite #347,Hackensack, NJ 07601, Bergen County, New Jersey.
Call 201-336-7520 or email lucyrosen@bergencasa.org. Staff are available weekdays during business hours to answer questions. Follow-up materials can be mailed or emailed upon request.
Yes! Bergen CASA hosts monthly virtual and in-person info sessions. Dates and registration details are listed on the website’s “Information Sessions” page.
Have a question we didn’t cover? We’re happy to help! Reach out to us at lucy@bergencasa.org, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.