For more than four decades, Edward B. Marable Jr. has been a tireless champion for New Jersey’s most vulnerable children — those whose voices are too often silenced by abuse, neglect, and abandonment. From his earliest days as a caseworker in Essex County with the Division of Youth and Family Services in the 1980s to his current role as Senior Advocacy Supervisor with Child Focus, Ed’s career is defined by a deep, unwavering commitment to children involved in the child welfare system.

Ed's journey in child advocacy has never veered from serving families with compassion and clarity. In 1985, he joined the Office of Law Guardian as an investigator by day and, by night, he pursued a law degree at Seton Hall University School of Law. It was there that he and classmate Loria Yeadon won the National Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition, the first national moot court victory in the law school’s history. 

Throughout his career, Ed has been a powerful voice for children. In 1995, Ed became a staff attorney with the Office of Law Guardian in Essex and Bergen counties. He was soon transferred to Hudson County, where he developed a reputation as a prepared and zealous trial/appellate advocate for children. In 2003, he argued N.J. Div. of Youth & Family Servs. v. P.P. and S.P., the New Jersey Supreme Court’s first-ever review of the Kinship Legal Guardianship  Act, which provided foundational interpretations of that law. In 2012, Ed was recruited as a Training Consultant for the New Jersey Child Welfare Training Partnership, where he traveled the state, training Division of Child Protection and Permanency employees while continuing to broaden his extensive child welfare expertise.

Ed’s legal acumen and advocacy skills are matched only by his heart. As a managing attorney in the Office of Law Guardian for multiple counties, and as a mentor, professor, administrator, and moot court coach, Ed has shaped not just cases, but careers. He is proud to have played a part in the early legal education of many, including current New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Fabiana Pierre-Louis. She, among many others, continues his legacy of service.

In 2018, Ed responded to an employment ad with Passaic County CASA and was immediately hired as an Advocacy Supervisor.  Over the last seven years, Ed has held the titles of Senior Advocacy Supervisor and Training Director, providing guidance and counseling for hundreds of volunteer advocates, while always offering wisdom and advice to his colleagues. 

Whether representing children as a per diem attorney, training New Jersey’s child-welfare professionals across the state, or guiding CASA volunteers as they navigate difficult cases, Ed’s dedication has not wavered. Since bringing his passion and expertise to Passaic County CASA, now Child Focus, his experience and leadership have strengthened the advocacy of hundreds of CASA volunteers and, in turn, improved the lives of countless children.

Outside the courtroom, Ed remains devoted to community, having served two terms as councilman in the city of Orange and the ongoing mentorship of young leaders wherever he goes. He and his wife Rev. Eyesha Marable are proud parents of Judah Edward and Honor Reign.

In life, Ed shows up, speaks up, and stands firm for what is right. This same approach underpins the very work of Child Focus, its volunteers, and its staff — each of whom understands without question that showing up, speaking up, and standing firm for abused and neglected children is, quite simply, what must be done. 

We are proud to recognize Edward B. Marable Jr., Esq., as this year’s Champion for Children honoree.

Join us in recognizing Ed and celebrate the important advocacy work of our three programs: CASA of Passaic and Union Counties, New Jersey Safe Babies Court Team, and the Open Door Store!