2 Cranford Locals Appointed To Help Union County Children In Need

WESTFIELD, NJ — Judy Eisenhardt and Dorothy Wolf of Cranford are among 13 Union County volunteers to be sworn in as court appointed special advocates (CASAs) last week.

“When someone asks me how I joined CASA,” noted Eisenhardt, “I tell them, ‘I didn’t find CASA. CASA found me.’ I first heard about CASA seven years ago when my daughter went to college and joined a sorority that supports CASA. Since then, I saw a jury duty presentation and a good friend became a CASA volunteer. The idea was always in the back of my mind but the timing wasn’t right. After my youngest graduated college, my friend persuaded me to give it a try and here I am. Our training was thorough and I learned a lot about what children in the foster system experience. I’m looking forward to supporting a child, giving them a voice and ensuring outcomes are in their best interest.”

Superior Court Judge James Hely administered oaths to Eisenhardt and Wolf and others from Westfield, Elizabeth, Fanwood, Hillside, Linden, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, Scotch Plains and Summit, before they were matched to a foster youth or sibling set ranging from birth to age 21.

After court observation of experienced CASA volunteers in action, the new advocates will meet their assigned youth.

Volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Union County are extra eyes and ears for family law
judges hearing cases involving abused, neglected or abandoned children removed from home and placed in
foster care.

With court-ordered access to such parties as foster parents, doctors, caseworkers, therapists and teachers, the advocates incorporate findings into court reports for the judge and work to ensure the youth’s needs are met and best interests are protected.

There are more than 500 Union County foster youth that need an advocate and community volunteers are still needed, and are encouraged to join one of the fall training sessions that begin Sept. 17 (evenings) and Oct. 12 (daytime).

For details, contact Courtney at 908-293-8136 or cgreen@casaofunioncounty.org, or visit casaofunioncounty.org.

(Image via CASA: From left - Judy Eisenhardt and Dorothy Wolf)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.