Kids & Family
Community Volunteers Sworn in as Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children
CASA volunteer advocates participate in 36 hours of extensive training before officially being sworn in to and earning an assignment to protect a child in the foster care system.
Sixteen men and women were sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates by Morris/Sussex Family Court Judge Catherine I. Enright Wednesday at the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown.
The honorees are new volunteers for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris and Sussex Counties, a local nonprofit organization. CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties trains and supervises community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers “speak up” for these children in court, making sure they are receiving the services they need, and are placed in a permanent, safe, and nurturing home as soon as possible. CASA volunteers make recommendations to the court to further the child’s physical, psychological and educational well-being.
The volunteer advocates participated in an extensive 36 hour training program before officially being sworn in to be assigned to a child in the foster care system. Prior to the ceremony, volunteers and their guests gathered at the CASA office in Morristown for a welcome reception.
"Swearing-in ceremonies are an important event as we connect new volunteers to our CASA family,” said Dr. Lisa Firkser, CASA's executive director. "Our CASA volunteer advocates are the heart and soul of our organization. They are passionate and dedicated to bringing better tomorrows to vulnerable children."
The new volunteers include:
Roberta Golub, Chester
Kim Kleindienst, Rockaway
Lesli-Ann Loschiavo, Netcong
Amy Rhinelander, Morristown
Audrey Stern, Parsippany
Meryl Enberg, Short Hills
Patty Heath, Landing
Jill Miller, Gillette
Maureen Crasta, Lake Hopatcong
Madeehah Aslam, Nutley
Gianna Bove, Whippany
Ada Pfotenhauer, Morristown
Jill Knaus, Sparta
Susan Brezina, Newton
Marty Fleming, Newton
Liz Sember, Sparta
Sharon Varnales, of Morristown, is also a member of the training class. She will be sworn in Dec. 10.
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