Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc.
CONTRIBUTOR FAQ
© 2003 - 2008 CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rev. January 14, 2008
Is CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. accountable for its efficiency and effectiveness?
In what ways does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. measure its efficiency and effectiveness?
In what ways does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. protect confidential information?
Does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. practice non-discrimination?
What types of fundraising events support CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc.?
What are Coupon Books and how do they work?
Does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. receive financial support from charitable foundations?
Is CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. able to accept donations of appreciated securities?
Are there advantages to me when I contribute appreciated securities rather than cash?
How can I learn more about contributing appreciated securities to CASA?
Does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. make its audited financial statements and Annual Report available to potential contributors?
Yes. You may view our 2005 - 2006 Annual Report online. Clicking on the Annual Report link will open a new browser window. This is a large file in Adobe Acrobat Format (PDF) so please be patient. If you prefer to receive a printed copy please contact the office.
You may also view our IRS filings and other data at GuideStar, the National Database of Nonprofit Organizations. Simply click on the GuideStar logo. Clicking on the GuideStar logo will open a new window. If you have not previously done so, you will be asked to register with GuideStar. Registration is free.
Is CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. accountable for its efficiency and effectiveness?
Yes. The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Trustees whose members have experience in the fields of accounting, management and the law, as well in the provision of child protection and child advocacy services.
The organization is also accountable to the National CASA Association (NCASAA) to whose standards it must adhere. Compliance with its standards has been a requirement of full membership in the NCASAA since 1991. Click here to view our Certificate of Compliance with NCASAA Standards. You may then use your browser's back button to return to this page.
The NCASAA is currently developing standards for monitoring and outside review of local CASA programs to supplement the existing self-assessment standard. Click here for additional information about NCASAA Standards and Quality Assurance. That will open a new window at the NCASAA web site.
Other organizations with which we interact, including the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services and the Foster Parents Association of New Jersey, can and do comment and report on our performance.
In addition, we are observed by, and render reports to, the Judges who appoint volunteer advocates to specific cases. CASA programs in New Jersey are authorized by Court Rule 5:8C, adopted September 1998 by the Judicial System – Chancery Division, Family Part.
In what ways does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. measure its efficiency and effectiveness?
We use the CASA Managerä Database System to gather data on cases and outcomes and to generate management reports. We also use the CASA Managerä Database System to keep track of volunteers and staff, including caseload and training. This same database is used by other CASA organizations across the nation and is being deployed by all nonprofit CASA organizations within New Jersey.
A program of self-assessment relative to standards developed by the National CASA Association (NCASAA) has been implemented within CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. Use of this self-assessment tool is a requirement of membership in the NCASAA.
Through the self-assessment process, we are able to identify both strengths and weaknesses, as well as determine areas in which additional training or technical assistance may is needed.
We also share statistical information with CASA of New Jersey. This enables us to benchmark our operations and to identify opportunities for process improvement.
In what ways does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. protect confidential information?
We are aware of the need to protect confidential information. This is reflected in the technology use policy included in our Personnel Policies and in the training we provide to staff and volunteers.
Our performance measures are based solely upon statistical data and do not compromise confidential information. In addition, our offices are located in secure facilities and our computers and databases are password protected. We also employ hardware and software designed to protect our systems from intrusion and from various forms of malware, including spyware and computer viruses.
Does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. practice non-discrimination?
Yes. We are an inclusive organization whose volunteers, employees, and Board of Trustees strive to reflect the diversity of the children and the communities we serve. For example, we adhere to the National CASA Association (NCASAA) standard in this area as well as to applicable federal and state regulations.
In addition, development of our personnel practices was guided by Hiring, Firing and Risk Management: Employment Law for New Jersey Nonprofits written by Jennifer Chandler Hauge, Esq. for the Center for Non-Profit Corporations, Inc.
What types of fundraising events support CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc.?
We are supported by an Annual Golf Outing. Begun in 1995, this event during 2004 was sponsored by more than 75 individuals and businesses. Please see our Calendar Page for current scheduling information . Please contact us for information about sponsorship opportunities.
We also sponsor other events throughout the year such as a holiday card campaign, a wine tasting event, an annual appeal letter campaign and an annual holiday ad project.
The Board of Trustees continues to research and to develop other fundraising opportunities.
What are Coupon Books and how do they work?
A Coupon Book provides a convenient means for a contributor to recognize a sad or joyous occasion while supporting the important work done by CASA volunteers. Each book contains twelve coupons. A contributor may complete a coupon, providing instructions such as, “In memory of..." or "In honor of..." and send it to our office along with a contribution in any amount. We follow the contributor’s instructions and send an acknowledgment of the contribution to the specified recipient and to the contributor.
Does CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. receive financial support from charitable foundations?
Yes. We gratefully acknowledge the following foundations for their generous grants during 2004:
CASA of New Jersey, Inc.
Morris County Community Development
The Robert and Joan Dircks Foundation, Inc.
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
The Mickey Nodoro Fund
Morris County Bar Foundation
Morris County Children's Home Foundation
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey
The Little Engine Foundation
The F.M. Kirby Foundation, Inc.
Is CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. able to accept donations of appreciated securities?
Yes. CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, Inc. has a brokerage account into which donors may transfer appreciated securitues.
Are there advantages to me when I contribute appreciated securities rather than cash?
Yes, there may be. In many instances donation of appreciated securities can yield not only a federal income tax deduction equal to the current market value of the securities but also avoidance of both federal and state income tax on the capital gain. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine whether or not you are eligible for this additional benefit.
How can I learn more about contributing appreciated securities to CASA?
First, consult with your broker to learn their procedure for transferring securities. Then either
contact our Morristown office or complete a
Contributor Inquiry Form. Please be sure to let us know your name, telephone number and mailing address and that you wish to make a donation of appreciated securities. Again, you should discuss this with your tax advisor before actually transferring any securities.
CASA Manager is a Trademark of Susanne Waher. All rights reserved. The CASA Managerä Database System is used by local CASA organizations to gather and maintain operational data and to track operational results including outcomes.