To the Editor:

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month: a time to call attention to the problem of child abuse and neglect in our community. The children who have been subjected to abuse by their caregivers are often further traumatized by removal from their home and parents.

CASA for Children of Mercer and Burlington Counties trains and supervises volunteers to advocate for these children while they are in the foster care system. CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are appointed by judges to insure that the best interests of foster children are addressed until they find a safe and permanent home.

You can help! Serving as a volunteer advocate is one way for concerned adults to directly help a child who needs support, guidance, and a voice in the courtroom. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life – you need no special background, just a desire to help. Our volunteers pass background checks and receive over 30 hours of comprehensive training before being assigned to a case. Anyone interested in learning more about our program may register to attend an information session at our website: casaMB.org.

Laura Wall
Executive Director
CASA for Children of Mercer & Burlington Counties