Volunteer Children's Advocates Launch Informational Programs

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization committed to advocating for children living in foster care under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Family Court.  

CASA SHaW recruits, screens, trains, and supervises community volunteer advocates who identify needed services, make best interest recommendations to the court, and ensure that assistance is made available to these children with the ultimate goal of moving them to safe, loving, and permanent homes.  

The organization recently amended its mission statement to include “CASA SHaW is committed to advocating for these children both individually and through community outreach and education on the issues of child abuse and neglect.”

To that end, the program has developed a presentation designed to raise awareness about the issues of child abuse and neglect, including state law’s governing what constitutes abuse, what abuse can look like, who is considered a mandated reporter, and how to make a report.  The organization hopes to share this 2-hour presentation with other organizations and groups that work with children, including preschools, coaches and instructors.

“It is our goal to raise awareness, get help to child victims sooner, and empower community members to take action when necessary,” says Tracey Heisler, CASA SHaW’s executive director.  “Almost all of us have had an experience where we saw something that just didn’t seem right – this training will hopefully help to educate those of us who work with children on what to look for and how best to respond to it.”

Groups interested in having a representative from CASA SHaW come out to share this free training should contact Heisler at 908/689-5515 or via email at tracey@casashaw.org. 

CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit programs that recruit, screen, train and supervise volunteers to “Speak Up for a Child” removed from home due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one-on-one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. Visit www.casashaw.org or call 908/689-5515 for more information about CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties. Or, to find a local CASA program in your county, visit www.casaofnj.org.