Volunteer Child Advocates Needed

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Middlesex County is seeking volunteers willing to become trained to advocate for children in foster care. Every year more than half a million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, nurturing homes. YOU can make a huge difference in a child’s life. Children living in out of home placements have suffered trauma, abuse and neglect. They are often confused and fearful of their uncertain future. The well-intentioned systems designed to serve these vulnerable kids frequently overlook the needs of an individual child. That’s where CASA volunteers come in. These dedicated individuals work with the courts, schools, healthcare providers and social services.

Our volunteers help to ensure each child gets the support they so desperately need, while in out of home placements, and finds a safe, forever home as soon as possible. Children with a CASA volunteer spend on average 7.5 months less in foster care than their peers who don’t have a CASA. They also have improved educational performance and are less likely to return to foster care once they leave it. We are constantly growing and striving to meet the immense needs of children in our county, but it takes the support of the whole community to serve the needs of these children. Commitment is key to this position. All training and support are provided by our organization. Advocates meet with their assigned child at least once a month and agree to staying the length of one case, an average of 18 months. All applicants must be 21 and over and be able to pass a comprehensive background check. Our Fall training classes will be seven weekly sessions starting on Wednesday October 8th. The sessions will run from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, at the Middlesex County Fire Academy, located in Sayreville, NJ.

If you are interested in volunteering with children from Middlesex County, submit an application on our website at casaofmiddlesexcounty.org/volunteer/application.html.

Questions or want to know more? Email [email protected] or call (732) 246-4449 x 6.