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.