Scotch Plains Volunteer To Advocate For Abused Children

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Karen Villareal of Scotch Plains was among eight people to be sworn in to serve as advocates for Union County youth who were removed from home due to abuse or neglect, and now living in foster care.

Judge Richard Wischusen swore in Villareal and the other seven as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Union County, CASA is the only organization serving as extra eyes and ears for family law judges in an effort to protect best interests and ensure needs are met.

"I became a CASA to make an impact on children and my community. Understanding a difficult childhood can impact a child long-term, I hope to provide a voice to a child who needs an advocate and positively impact their future," Villareal said.

The other seven volunteers sworn in are:

• Lisa Riley of Elizabeth
• Anuja Bhamere of Berkeley Heights
• Diane McCurdy of Mountainside
• Adrian Lobo of Westfield
• Guitry Banks of Jamesburg
• Magdiel Rubiano of Elizabeth
• Chris Tobin of Cranford
• Victoria Utoh of Union
• Beth Rudnick of Westfield

Once the volunteers are assigned to a case, a court order grants access to the child, foster parents, doctors, caseworkers, therapists and teachers, enabling advocates to make informed recommendations in the child’s best interests.

CASA is always looking for volunteers of all backgrounds with as little to no experience needed.

There are approximately 500 Union County youth from birth to age 21 in foster care, and more than 200 are waiting for a CASA volunteer.

If interested in volunteering contact Courtney at cgreen@casaofunioncounty.org or 908-293-8136 to learn more.

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