Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Atlantic, Cape May, & Camden Counties

Mission: To advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system.

When a child is removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, many people enter their lives case workers, judges and lawyers. But at the center of the whole foster care system is a child, a child whose future outcomes will be determined by what happens during the months and years that they may spend in foster care and what actions are taken on their behalf. Through collaborative efforts, CASA ensures children receive the individual attention and support they need to thrive.

CASA was founded in 1994 by a former foster mother who had seen decisions made for a child living in her home end with tragic results. She wanted to make sure that all children entering foster care had an independent voice in court who spoke just for them, providing an extra layer of protection. Her vision continues today with nearly 200 CASA volunteers providing advocacy to 382 children in Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties in southern New Jersey.

The vision of CASA is to serve all children living in the foster care system in Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties by providing the best trained volunteer advocates to ensure these children will enjoy a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible.

CASA recruits, trains, and coaches citizen-volunteers who advocate for abused children in the community and in the courtroom because abused and neglected children need more than the foster care system can provide.

CASA volunteers ensure that the best interests of our children are a priority and are met through well-researched, comprehensive court reports. They make recommendations that affect the medical, educational and psychological well-being of each child. They are a consistent voice that speaks only on the childs behalf.

Our commitment to educate the public, maintain relationships with key stakeholders and build positive working relationships with all involved has allowed us to use the power of our voice and standing in the community and the courts to advance the causes of the children we serve.