Court Appointed Special Advocate

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset Hunterdon and Warren matches community volunteers with children who have been abused or neglected and are living in foster care. Volunteer advocates complete 40 hours of training and are supervised by professional staff. Advocates research the children’s circumstances and their needs and make best interest recommendations to the court on their behalf. They act as the "eyes and ears" of the court, ensuring that the judge’s orders are followed and the children are receiving the services to which they are entitled. Advocates stay appointed to the children until permanency is achieved - they either go home, are adopted, or age out of the system. Sometimes this can take years, and our advocates are often the only stable adult in these children’s lives. Being a CASA and providing a voice for children in need is a rewarding experience.