Enhanced VolunteerSince our beginnings in 2003, Bergen CASA has grown to serve approximately 200 children a year, from birth to age 21, who are in the child welfare system. These children have been taken from the only families they’ve ever known, due to abuse or neglect. Our mission is fulfilled, and our organization is run largely (95%) by volunteers who are the heart and soul of what we do, and the donors who provide financial support.
Bergen CASA effectively supports children who have experienced severe neglect or abuse often due to the use of illegal drugs by their parents. In 2019, over 50% were children of color and over 30% were Latinx. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people are over-represented in foster care, where they are more likely to experience discrimination, abuse, neglect and the risk of harm. (A 2019 study found 30.4 percent of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ and 5 percent as transgender, compared to 11.2 percent and 1.17 percent of youth not in foster care).