CASA volunteers sworn in
MORRIS AND SUSSEX COUNTIES. The volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
| 15 Dec 2023 | 04:40
From left are Jeanette Schneider, Vanessa Patterson, Theresa Wislomerski, Helen Vera, Kelly Volpi, Teresa LeDonne, Kathleen McCarty, James Hubertus, Laura Evans-Harty, Carolyn Asch and Raquel Tumminelli. Behind them is Judge Michael Paul Wright, who swore in the CASA volunteers Dec. 8. (Photo provided)
A group of community volunteers were sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) by Judge Michael Paul Wright on Dec. 8.
CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, a nonprofit organization, trains and supervises volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
The new volunteers will “speak up” for these vulnerable children in court and ensure that they receive the medical and educational resources they need to heal and thrive. Their advocacy ensures that youth in foster care find permanent, safe and nurturing homes in a timely manner.
Family and friends gathered at the Morris County Courthouse to watch the volunteers take their oaths.
The new volunteers include Carolyn Asch of Jersey City, Laura Evans-Harty of Kinnelon, James Hubertus of Short Hills, Teresa LeDonne of Mine Hill, Kathleen McCarthy of Morristown, Vanessa Patterson of Morristown, Jeanette Schneider of Newfoundland, Raquel Tumminelli of Randolph, Helen Vera of Short Hills, Kelly Volpi of Flanders and Theresa Wisolmerski of Rockaway.
The CASA volunteers participated in a 36-hour training program before being sworn in to be assigned to a child in the foster-care system. They will attend regularly scheduled training workshops to strengthen their advocacy efforts throughout their time with CASA.
The volunteers visit with the child regularly, attend court hearings and school meetings, and meet with all parties involved in the child’s case. They report their findings to the court and make recommendations for the child’s best interest.
“Our volunteers pledge to advocate for each child until the case is closed, and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home,” said Lisa Barsky Firkser, executive director of CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties. “The advocate is often the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life. CASA advocates are the heart and soul of our organization.”
For information, go online to www.casamsc.org or call 973-998-7590.