Posted on July 20, 2023

To support a capacity-building grant for CASA’s work of providing support for youth in foster care by recruiting, training, and supporting volunteer advocates who then act as the eyes and ears of Family Court judges, providing accurate and up-to-date information in order to more appropriately address the needs of youths during their time in foster care. They provide a constant for youth in an overburdened and often unstable foster care system, and advocate for youths’ well-being across a spectrum of needs ranging from medical care and educational support to helping youths experience enhanced childhood activities. The volunteer advocates provide an invaluable service to Essex County’s Family Court judges who are responsible for protecting the well-being of children while also expediting their journey through the foster care system to safe, caring, and permanent homes. CASA trains and empowers community volunteers to speak-up and promote the welfare of foster children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect by providing a safety net of support, advocacy, and mentorship.