Warren Volunteer To Serve As Advocate For Local Foster Youth

WARREN, NJ — Dawn Saunders of Warren is among seven volunteers who have completed 30 hours of training to become advocates for CASA of Union County and to fight for the best interests of abused, neglected or abandoned youth.

Saunders and the other volunteers were sworn in as judiciary volunteers by Superior Court Judge James Hely via Zoom with newly named Judge Stacey Boretz.

The new advocates will be matched to a foster youth or sibling set and, once legally assigned to their case by court order, can make arrangements to meet their assigned youth and begin their casework.

These volunteers range in age from 34 to 63 and include both parents and nonparents, and those employed as well as retired. Experience includes teaching, law enforcement and homemaking.

"It's such a wonderful moment when these dedicated individuals, who have made the decision to become Court Appointed Special Advocates, face the judge as they did today, as the culmination of weeks of intensive training. Being a CASA volunteer is a tremendous commitment, and as these individuals raised their hand and took their oaths, the pride and joy was palpable," said Executive Director Mariel S. Hufnagel.

Since 2005, CASA of Union County has served more than 900 local foster youth and trained more than 600 advocates. With court-ordered access to the youth, foster parents, doctors, caseworkers, therapists, teachers and others in order, advocates identify concerns and unmet needs, and ensure best interests are protected.

There are still youth in need of their own CASA volunteer. For details on the advocate experience and the steps to securing a spot in an upcoming training class, reach out to info@casaofunioncounty.org.

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