A nationwide initiative to change children’s stories

Bergen CASA is among more than 900 CASA affiliates in 49 U.S. states,  with volunteers on the front lines of family court.

A nationwide organization based on best-interest advocacy

As part of a nationwide organization, CASA for Children of Bergen County follows the national model in which CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for foster children’s best interests. Volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators, and service providers to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is in a safe, permanent home.

Our best-interest advocacy is driven by the guiding principle that children grow and develop best with their family of origin, if that can be safely achieved. 

CASA Best-Interest Advocacy

CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Here’s what that means.

Learn

Learn all you can about the child and his or her family and life.

Engage

Engage with the child during regular visits.

Recommend

Speak up for the child’s best interests in court. Make recommendations regarding the child’s placement and needed services and monitor the child’s situation until the case is released by the court.

Collaborate

Collaborate with others to ensure that necessary services are provided and are in the child’s best interest.

Report

Report what you have learned and observed to the court.