Introducing Child Focus: CASA of Passaic and Union Counties Announces New Era of Supporting Children and Families
(APRIL 2, 2024, WAYNE, NJ) – Today, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Passaic and Union Counties announced a new era, and a new identity “Child Focus,” to better reflect the nonprofit’s mission to prioritize the safety and well-being of infants, children, and teens in the child welfare system. The rebranding effort unveils the new name, logo, brand colors, and website; Child Focus will continue to operate its three impactful programs: CASA of Passaic and Union Counties, New Jersey Safe Babies Court Team, and Open Door Store.
According to the NJ Child Welfare Data Hub, nearly 91,000 New Jersey children were referred for abuse and neglect investigations in 2022, the latest year for which data is available. Ensuring these vulnerable children have access to needed supports, services, and even committed champions within their community is priority. Child Focus’ three critical programs support a holistic approach through which every child is seen, heard and valued.
“We are excited to embark on this new chapter as Child Focus. This fresh identity reflects the depth and breadth of our programming and advocacy efforts as well as underscores our unwavering commitment to serving every child in our community. This rebrand not only eliminates confusion about our geographical scope but also distinguishes our overarching mission from the specific programs we offer,” said Erica Fischer-Kaslander, Executive Director of Child Focus, who has led the organization since its inception.
Child Focus, founded in 2007 as Passaic County CASA, has made a significant impact in the communities it serves, while continuing to expand its reach. Just last year, the CASA program expanded into Union County to serve child-victims there and, in total, provided 344 children with 211 volunteer advocates. CASA volunteers, often described as "eyes and ears" of the court and "arms and legs” of an overworked child protective system, are often the only consistent person in a child’s life.
Last year, the New Jersey Safe Babies Court Team program provided individual care to 43 vulnerable babies and toddlers across Passaic, Essex, and Hudson counties. Also, the Open Door Store program provided $43,959 in goods to children and families in need, including more than 500 fully stocked backpacks for back-to-school, more than 1,200 pieces of clothing, and 146 cases of diapers.
“Looking ahead, we remain energized to champion the rights of children and infants entangled in the child welfare system through no fault of their own. Our new identity as Child Focus reinforces our core values and empowers us to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth," said Fischer-Kaslander.
This month, Child Focus will host two Open House events for community members interested in learning more about the organization’s work, and its volunteer and partnership opportunities: Thursday, April 18 from 5:30-7:30pm in Wayne, and Tuesday, April 30 from 12-2pm in Elizabeth.
Additionally, Child Focus hosts volunteer Information Sessions for those interested in becoming a CASA volunteer.
Child Focus’ programs Include:
CASA of Passaic and Union Counties: The organization recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates to speak up for the best interests of children in foster care. Assigned by a family court Judge, the CASA volunteer gathers information and makes informed recommendations to the court. The CASA volunteer is a consistent person in the child’s life, ensuring their voice is heard and their needs are met in an otherwise chaotic system.
New Jersey Safe Babies Court Team: An evidence-backed initiative based on the model developed by ZERO TO THREE, the program provides high-quality support to infants, toddlers, and their families who have experienced abuse and/or neglect in Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties.
Open Door Store: Designed to provide children in the foster care system access to basic essentials and goods needed for their day-to-day living. Open Door Store includes such necessities as diapers, wipes, formula, as well as clothing, shoes, and accessories. Children and teens in the child welfare system, their caretakers, and their advocates ‘shop’ for free, as no money is ever accepted. Because children can select items themselves, Open Door Store provides autonomy and fosters a sense of normalcy for those who have experienced tremendous turmoil and live amid many unknowns.