Susan Brillhart is Hudson County CASA's longest serving volunteer.

Imagine you have been removed from the only home you’ve ever known. Not because of something you did, but because your parents can’t—or won’t—take care of you. Into your life enter dozens of strangers: police officers, foster parents, therapists, social workers, judges, lawyers, and more.

Hopefully, one of these strangers is a CASA volunteer—a court appointed special advocate.

CASA’s mission is to train volunteers to advocate on behalf of these displaced children, who have been abused and neglected, with the goal of finding each child a safe and permanent home.

Since 2003, Hudson County CASA has trained 149 volunteer advocates who have helped to place more than 150 children into permanent homes. CASA volunteers complete a comprehensive training program before being assigned to a case. Along the way, they work closely with a full-time CASA staff member whose job is to ensure our volunteers are successful in their advocacy.

Volunteer Colleen Hitchell celebrates the adoption of two children for whom she advocated; since 20006 Colleen has facilitated the placement of seven children into permanent homes.

Studies show that foster children who are assigned a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend long-term time in the welfare system, defined as more than 3 years: 13.3% for CASA cases versus 27% of all children in foster care.*

The need is great. In Hudson County more than 1200 children on average go through the foster care system in any given year, giving the county the distinction of having the third largest population of foster children in the state of New Jersey.

The advocacy services provided by HCCASA volunteers are critical considering the many vulnerabilities of the children served. Of the 142 children in our current caseload:

• 27% have been sexually abused;
• 25% have been victims of domestic violence; and
• 20% have at least one incarcerated parent.

Add your voice to those already speaking up for children. Volunteer or make a donation today.

Learn more about Who We Are.