In South Jersey, some of the most vulnerable children are finding a stronger voice in the legal system thanks to the work of CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates. This nonprofit program, dedicated to advocating for children in foster care, has officially opened a new office in Haddon Township. The expansion is designed to help meet the growing need for trained volunteers who can represent children’s best interests in the courts.
CASA’s mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that every foster child has a dedicated advocate by their side until their case is resolved. With the opening of this new office, the organization is looking to recruit volunteers from Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties to serve as a steady presence for children navigating the foster care system.
What CASA Does for Foster Children
Every year, hundreds of children in South Jersey enter foster care because of abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions. While caseworkers, attorneys, and judges all play important roles, these children often lack someone who is solely focused on representing their best interests. That’s where CASA comes in.
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to act as independent advocates. They spend time with the children, gather information from teachers, doctors, and caregivers, and present findings and recommendations directly to the court. Their work helps judges make better-informed decisions about placement, services, and long-term outcomes for children in foster care.
Volunteers are often described as the “voice of the child” in a system where kids can easily become just another case number.
The Need for More Volunteers
While the new Haddon Township office marks an important expansion, CASA leaders stress that more volunteers are urgently needed. The demand is high: there are far more children in foster care than there are available advocates.
CASA provides volunteers with thorough training and ongoing support. No prior legal or child welfare experience is required — volunteers come from all walks of life. What matters most is the ability to commit time, compassion, and consistency to a child who may otherwise feel forgotten in the system.
For many children, their CASA volunteer may be the only stable adult relationship they have during what is often a traumatic and uncertain period.
Impact Across South Jersey Communities
The establishment of the Haddon Township office is expected to increase CASA’s reach in Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester counties, where the foster care population remains significant. By being closer to the communities they serve, CASA can better connect with potential volunteers, collaborate with local agencies, and provide more direct support to children and families in need.
This expansion is also a reminder of the important role community engagement plays in issues of law and order across New Jersey. Strengthening foster care advocacy not only benefits the children directly involved but also contributes to safer, healthier communities overall.
How to Get Involved
Becoming a CASA volunteer means stepping into a life-changing role. Volunteers typically commit to spending a few hours each month meeting with the child and gathering information for the court. Their reports and recommendations can directly influence whether a child returns home, stays in foster care, or is placed with an adoptive family.
Those interested in volunteering can apply through CASA’s local program, attend an orientation session, and begin training. CASA also welcomes donations and community partnerships to help sustain its mission and expand services further.
A Call to Action
The opening of CASA’s Haddon Township office is more than just a ribbon-cutting — it’s an invitation to the South Jersey community to step up and be part of something transformative. For children navigating the foster care system, having a dedicated advocate can mean the difference between uncertainty and stability, between being overlooked and being truly heard.
CASA’s expansion shows that when communities invest in children, they invest in a stronger future for everyone. The call is clear: more volunteers are needed, and the time to get involved is now.
