New CASA Volunteers Sworn In During Pandemic

Morristown, NJ—On November 13, 2020, a group of community volunteers were sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) by The Honorable Michael Paul Wright. CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, a local non-profit organization, trains and supervises community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

The new volunteers have made the extraordinary commitment to “speak up” for these vulnerable children in court and to ensure that they receive the medical and educational resources they need to thrive, and most importantly that they find permanent, safe, and nurturing homes in a timely manner. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the newly inducted advocates have become the first class to complete their entire CASA training program virtually.

Family and friends gathered on Zoom to watch the volunteers take an oath of confidentiality, agreeing to advocate for the best interest of the child, and to perform the role of a judiciary volunteer. The new volunteers include Sierra Adler (Morristown), Claire Becker (Midland Park), Gail Bernstein (Randolph), Tracy Bradshaw (Madison), Laura Donnelly (Parsippany), Allyson Doherty (Boonton), Nanette Fandino-Diaz (Sussex), Kate Garzon (Morristown), Julie Green (Randolph), Jennifer Juneau (Newton), Harleen Kaur (Montville), Stephanie Light (Morris Plains), Debra Lowenstein (Boonton), Laura McKay-Nejes (Chatham), Joanne Mucerino (Lake Hopatcong), Ellen Phalon (Wantage), Jeany Prasithpramote (Cedar Knolls), Jilian Sabatino (Boonton).

CASA volunteers participated in a comprehensive 36 hour virtual training program before officially being sworn in to be assigned a child in the foster care system. The CASA volunteers will ensure that these vulnerable children receive the educational and medical resources they need to thrive and that they find safe, permanent, loving homes as soon as possible.

CASA volunteers visit with the child regularly, attend court hearings, school meetings, and meet with all parties involved in the child’s case. The volunteers report their findings to the court and make recommendations for the child’s best interest.

“CASA volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. They serve as the eyes and ears of the court and truly have an impact on children’s lives. CASA volunteers work to change a child’s story.” said Dr. Lisa Barsky Firkser, Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris and Sussex Counties. "The advocate is often the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life.”

About CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties

CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties is part of a statewide network of community-based, non-profit 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.