Impact100 South Jersey 2024 Core Mission grant recipient, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Atlantic, Cape May, and Camden Counties, is making strides in Camden County to provide needed one-on-one advocacy for children removed from their homes due to allegations of abuse or neglect. Impact100 South Jersey funding has allowed them to increase public awareness, build Camden County relationships, and increase volunteer engagement through community awareness, public relations, and media outreach.
Over our years of service, CASA has paired thousands of children and youth living in foster care with a CASA Volunteer Advocate. That volunteer is often one of the only consistent adults in the young person’s life who helps them navigate foster care and stands with them until they realize a permanent home. CASA volunteers support family reunification by coordinating services for parents, helping facilitate adoptions, locating relatives to provide permanent homes, and working with schools to ensure children receive a proper education. They also connect traumatized children with appropriate treatment that helps them heal and improve their chances for a successful future.
Since receiving the Impact100 $100,000 Core Mission grant in June of this year, CASA has implemented a multi-faceted approach to create awareness and recruit new Camden County CASA volunteers through community outreach, advertising, and direct mail. These efforts have expanded their connection to the County and, as a direct result has resulted in an increase in Camden County volunteer inquiries, active volunteers, and children served. They’ve also improved relations with the courts, child welfare, and conducted community outreach through public events. These marketing, relationship building, and community visibility efforts will have a direct impact on their ability to carry out their core mission and keep them on track to reach all year one goals. At the end of this past August, 45 active volunteers advocated for 82 Camden County children and youth, representing 17% of the 483 children living in foster care.
One of the young people served was Wayne, whose CASA volunteer Mike stayed with him through at least 10 different placement changes, acting as a dedicated advocate and consistent part of his team. CASA Mike attended treatment team meetings, placement interviews, and was integral in helping Wayne secure a legal guardian through the Division of Developmental Disabilities that helped him with decision-making and the governing of his own affairs. CASA Mike even helped Wayne reconnect with his mother after a six-year absence. Through it all, CASA Mike focused on his overall wellbeing and ensured that Wayne had access to the services and resources that would help him thrive into adulthood.
Wayne’s caseworker reflected on the nearly decade-long relationship between CASA Mike and Wayne saying, “Mike was the most caring, selfless advocate. His dedication to Wayne’s wellbeing was unparalleled.”
Community Outreach at Holman & Booksmiles Volunteer Day for CASA staff.