Scotch Plains Residents Join CASA of Union County
Judge Marc Brown performs swearing-in via Zoom
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Union County has added five new child advocates to its roster, including Scotch Plain’s Cynthia Evans and Suzanne Staszak-Silva. The newly trained volunteers were sworn in by Judge Marc R. Brown via Zoom and Judge James Hely logged in to offer congratulations and thanks.
Evans said of the opportunity, “I am drawn to this advocacy work because CASA is committed to ensuring that every child has a safe and nurturing environment to grow and thrive.” She serves on the board of trustees at Roots & Wings, a nonprofit that assists foster youth that have aged out of care. Staszak-Silva added, “I’m so happy to be part of CASA. I was drawn to the program after being furloughed from work and thinking about how hard this time is on all families, but particularly the most vulnerable among us: children without stable homes. The training was phenomenal and the program is so supportive of those who need it most. I wish more people would dedicate their time and talents.”
Evans, Staszak-Silva and classmates Kevin Charles of Roselle, Kathy Davis of Roselle Park and Erin McGee of Mountainside will be matched to one or more of Union County’s most vulnerable youth removed from home due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Considered extra eyes and ears for family law judges, the advocates will be assigned to their youth by court order, which grants access not only to the youth but to their foster parents, doctor, attorney, caseworker, therapist and teachers. Advocates regularly visit youth and connect with case stakeholders to determine any outstanding needs or concerns, then report to the court and make recommendations.
Successful advocates come from all walks of life and have varied backgrounds. This class ranges in age from 30s to 70s, are parents and non-parents, and bring professional backgrounds in management, coaching, publishing, the U.S. Postal Service and service with other nonprofits. One previously served with the CASA program in Essex County.
There are approximately 400 Union County youth from birth to age 21 in foster care, and more than 200 still need a CASA in their corner. Is that you? For details on upcoming trainings, contact Abby at agallego@casaofunioncounty.org.
