The Need in New Jersey

The need in New Jersey is overwhelming. Children in foster care - children who have been physically abused, sexually molested, medically and educationally neglected or malnourished - are the most vulnerable individuals in our society.  In New Jersey there are 9,129 children in out-of-home foster care placement.

Foster care is designed to be a temporary shelter to protect children who would be in danger if they remained at home with their families.  Ideally, when a child is placed in foster care, social workers help the family to resolve their problems so that the child can return home.  Unfortunately, many of the problems facing families in crisis are difficult to resolve and the temporary shelter of foster care placement continues without any clear end in sight. 

In Essex County, 21% of the cases of court-ordered foster care placements are more than five years old.  These children experience an average of three different placements while in foster care.  Research shows that foster children who experience frequent and prolonged dislocations are more likely to engage in delinquent behavior and become adult criminals and child abusers themselves.  Reversing the pattern of abuse and neglect not only benefits each child, but society in general.

In fiscal year 2009, Essex County CASA volunteers "spoke up" for 681 children in foster care.

The average length of placement in Essex County is nearly three years.  For a young child this may represent half a lifetime.  While the system stalls, many children "age out" of adoptability and lose the chance to become part of a caring, nurturing family. CASA works to prevent unnecessary placement changes and improve the quality of the child's experience in foster care while helping to move the child toward permanency.

While Essex County CASA served 681children last year, there are many more children who need our help.  CASA volunteers give the children what no one else in the child welfare system can - their undivided time and commitment. They give these children "a voice in court".