CASA swears in new volunteers

On April 28, state Superior Court Judge Teresa Kondrup Coyle swore in eight volunteers as CASA volunteers — court-appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children.

Family members and friends gathered in the Monmouth County Court House, Freehold, to watch the volunteers take an oath promising to advocate for the best interest of the child, according to a press release.

The newly appointed CASA volunteers join 85 other community members who have been trained and are advocating for foster children in the county’s juvenile dependency court system. As officers of the court, they ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and best interests are considered both in the courtroom and in the community, according to the press release.

CASA volunteers are asked to meet with the child regularly and are authorized to interview people in the child’s life such as social workers, physicians and teachers. They attend court hearings with the child and report their findings to the judge.

“Our volunteers pledge to stay with each child until the case is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home,” said Cynthia Van Brunt, executive director of the CASA for Children of Monmouth County program. “The advocate is often the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life.”

With more than 450 children waiting for a CASA volunteer, many more advocates are still needed. There are no prerequisites for becoming a CASA volunteer other than being at least 21 years of age, clearing an extensive background screening and successfully completing 30 hours of training, according to the press release.

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer may contact Mary Ellen Rinaldi at 732-460-9100.