Court Appointed Special Advocates

Bergen County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a non-profit organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey. Founded to serve the needs of vulnerable children, CASA employs 5 people and generates revenue exceeding $10,000 annually. The organization is dedicated to advocating for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. CASA recruits, trains, and assigns trained volunteers as advocates for these children. These advocates act as a voice for the child within the foster care and family court systems, ensuring their needs are met and their best interests are considered. Advocates build relationships with the child, their social workers, legal representatives, and other involved parties, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their circumstances. The organization's core mission is to provide a consistent and dedicated advocate for each child. CASA volunteers are extensively trained in various aspects of the foster care and legal systems, enabling them to effectively navigate these complex processes and advocate for the child’s physical, medical, educational, and emotional well-being. They provide regular court reports to judges, offering up-to-date information and insights to inform the court's decisions. CASA can be reached through their website at bergencasa.org.