During Pandemic, Local Volunteers Work to Ensure At-Risk Children

Child abuse and neglect is likely on the rise in the face of this pandemic, as families are put under more financial and emotional stress. Children are no longer in the public eye—they are not at schools or daycare centers, or in other locations where caring individuals would be able to spot signs of abuse. One group of volunteers in the Morris and Sussex County area is working hard to ensure that abuse and neglect does not go unnoticed.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Morris and Sussex Counties is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers to advocate for children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Volunteers speak up for the best interests of children in family court so they may find permanent, safe, and nurturing homes. They meet with children in-person at least monthly, and provide information to judges that helps them make the most well-informed decisions about each child.

These visits provide an opportunity for CASA volunteers to check in on children’s safety and well-being. However, right now, in-person advocacy is not possible. This means it is harder for them to gauge what is happening in children’s lives, and what their true needs are.

Volunteers are working with the CASA program staff to find creative ways to continue to “visit” and advocate for children. The CASA program initiated “Distance Advocacy” for volunteers and staff to have weekly video chats that have enabled them to help children tackle homework assignments, engage in fun online games, read books, and at the same time, the CASA program is able to have “eyes on the child.”

Prior to suspending in-home visits, CASA volunteers delivered laptop computers to prepare children for online learning, bicycles and helmets, craft items, board games, books and other items to provide activities for the many days children will be out of school. Currently, CASA volunteers and staff deliver diapers, food, and other essential items to homes, without going inside and the CASA program places orders for packages to be delivered to the homes of the children and families they are serving.

“Children and families need our help more than ever. These are vulnerable children, who have experienced trauma and now may not be able to have visits with their parents and siblings.” said Dr. Lisa Firkser, Executive Director of CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties. “We need support now more than ever, and we encourage all community members to join with us by helping ensure children are safe during this time of national crisis.”

If readers suspect a child is in immediate danger, they should call 9-1-1. They should also contact the NJ Hotline at 1-800 NJ-ABUSE.

About CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties

CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties is part of a statewide network of community-based, nonprofit programs that recruit, screen, train, and supervise volunteers to “Change a Child’s Story.” These children have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. CASA is the only program in New Jersey that uses trained volunteers to work one‐on‐one with children, ensuring that each one gets the services needed and achieves permanency in a safe, nurturing home. Visit casamsc.org or call 973-998-7590 for more information about CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties.