BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME FOR FOSTER YOUTH, TOO

Mountainside residents needed as advocates
Just as the kids head back to school, you may find yourself with more free time — and thrilled at the possibilities! How about changing the life of an area foster child? Train in Westfield later this month with like-minded locals and enjoy a light dinner, guest speakers and a team of trainers that equip you with all the tools needed to become a successful Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. While many Mountainside students happily settle into school routines, buoyed by active parents readying for Back to School Night, there are foster youth without that support system who face educational challenges. Your commitment to their success helps ensure access to an education that meets their specialized needs:
Five-year-old Samantha is severely autistic and almost completely nonverbal. Due to excessive violence in the family home, a concerned neighbor called for help and, after investigation, Samantha was removed from her parents’ care and placed in foster care. Although primarily nonverbal, the two phrases Samantha does say graphically depict the violence she witnessed at home and confirm the trauma she endured. Since entering care, it has become clear Samantha also is a victim of educational neglect. At age three, Samantha was entitled to an Individualized Education Plan from the Department of Education to ensure continued inhome speech and behavioral services to move her toward enrollment in a half-day educational program. Unfortunately, Samantha’s parents neglected to utilize these services and she is now two years behind others her age! A CASA volunteer can advocate for Samantha’s educational rights and needed services, among other things, and make recommendations to the family court judge that will ensure her best interests remain prioritized.
CASA of Union County is seeking Mountainside residents to be the voice for one of the nearly 600 Union County youth, ages 0-21, in foster care through no fault of their own, as there are currently only enough volunteers to serve one-third of those youth. Trained CASA volunteers are sworn in by a judge and empowered to speak to foster parents, teachers, doctors, lawyers, tutors, therapists and more. They visit the youth regularly, incorporate findings into court reports and attend court hearings quarterly, working to ensure best interests are considered and a safe and permanent home is secured as quickly as possible. Although not required, there is a particular need for advocates who speak Spanish.
Fall training kicks off Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016 and includes 10 sessions over several weeks. A swearing-in at the Union County Courthouse by a family court judge and luncheon follows. Training is 6 to 9 p.m. at the County Clerk Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, across from the diner. A light dinner is provided.
Attend an information session to learn more: Evening sessions are Tuesday, Sept. 6 and Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the County Clerk Building in Westfield; morning sessions are 10 a.m. Sept. 9 and Sept. 23 at CASA’s offices, 1143-45 East Jersey Street in Elizabeth. Mountainside residents are encouraged to contact Lisa at (908) 527-7048 or lporis@casaofunioncounty.org for details or to RSVP for an information session.