Robert Mallard of Union Sworn in as Advocate for Foster Youth

(above l-r) Community members are sworn in as advocates for foster youth. Top row: Berkeley Heights’ Lynda Sun Lee, Roselle’s Lila Monroe, Cranford’s Katherine Rabiecki; Middle row: Union’s Robert Mallard, Union County Superior Court Judge Lara K. DiFabrizio, Kearny’s Dina Gharaibeh; Bottom row: Scotch Plains’ Julia Dranishnikov.

Robert Mallard Sworn in as CASA Volunteer  

CASA of Union County

The new class of community members to step up and train as advocates for Union County foster youth have taken their oath before Union County Superior Court Judge Lara K. DiFabrizio and become the newest volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Union County.

Since 2005, the nonprofit has recruited, trained, supported and supervised nearly 600 community volunteers to advocate for more than 900 such youth, protecting best interests and ensuring needs are met in the courtroom, classroom, and community. As caseworkers, foster placements, and schools can change frequently, CASA volunteers often are the only consistent, caring adult in a youth’s corner, helping ensure already experienced trauma is not exacerbated as youth await permanency in a safe and loving home.

Union’s Robert Mallard has years of experience within the child welfare system. His journey in advocacy continues now as a CASA volunteer to positively impact kids in the community. He notes, “After retiring from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in 2019, I felt a need to continue helping children and families, and saw an ad for CASA volunteers. I was familiar with CASA and thought it was perfect to apply my skills, knowledge, and abilities in advocating for children in abusive and neglectful situations. With my social work and mental health experience, I can do unique and meaningful work as a CASA volunteer, and am very excited to get started!”

Judge DiFabrizio presided over the Zoom swearing-in ceremony of Mallard and classmates Lynda Sun Lee of Berkeley Heights, Katherine (Katie) Rabiecki of Cranford, Dina Ghazi of Kearny, Lila Monroe of Roselle, and Julia Dranishnikov of Scotch Plains. In commemoration with gratitude, Judge DiFabrizio noted, “Thank you all for your commitment, passion, hard work, and loyalty to these families that desperately need it. It takes a village and now you’re a part of it.” Each volunteer will now be matched to a foster youth or foster sibling set, and begin putting their 30-hour training into practice, ensuring their needs are met and best interests are protected while they await permanency.

Anyone passionate about making a difference in a child’s life can apply to volunteer; there is no prior experience or background needed to serve as an advocate. Each undergoes a thorough training process and is supported by CASA staff throughout their work. Successful advocates have varied life experiences and this class is no exception, as professional backgrounds include social work, education, judicial clerkship, health management, and business.

Upon being court-ordered to a case, the CASA volunteer has access to the youth’s foster parents, doctors, caseworkers, therapists, and teachers and, through their regular child visits, identify and report to the judge any concerns and needs in order to protect the child’s best interests.

As the only nonprofit serving as extra eyes and ears for Union County judges hearing cases of youth in the child welfare system, the organization regularly recruits community volunteers to serve these local child-victims from birth to age 21.To learn more about CASA of Union County, how to join a training class, and other ways to Change a Child’s Story, email info@casaofunioncounty.org.

Photo by CASA of Union County

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