What is CASA?
Every year thousands of children fall victim to abuse, neglect or abandonment. These children become victimized and may be lost in the child welfare system. The CASA program believes that every child has the right to a safe, nurturing, and permanent home, and deserves the support and involvement of their community to make this all possible.
Our CASA volunteers represent the best interest of the abused and neglected children in Juvenile Court. A CASA volunteer is a trained advocate who is appointed by the judge to provide consistency for the child and ensure that their special needs and best interests are adequately represented in court. A CASA volunteer is appointed to one case at a time and remains on the case until it is closed. Cases last approximately 18-24 months.
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They have a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. No special experience is required. Volunteers are selected on their objectivity, competence and commitment. A potential volunteer must be at least 21 years old and meet all CASA Volunteer Requirements. Once accepted, volunteers are trained in courtroom procedure, the social service and juvenile court systems, and the special needs of children who have been abused and neglected.
The CASA submits reports to the judge prior to the court hearings to ensure the child’s best interests are represented. CASA volunteers are Everyday Heroes; people just like you who have chosen to speak up for a child. CASA of Kankakee County has been serving abused and neglected children since 1998.
Online CASA Volunteer Application"400,000 children in America are still waiting for their CASA volunteer. Waiting for that one trusted adult who will stick with them until their case is resolved. Waiting because today CASA for Children can serve only 35% of the children in the foster care system."
In all activities, this organization will not discriminate against any person or entity on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental challenges, socioeconomic status or any other cultural descriptors.
If you believe you have been discriminated against, you may file a complaint with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Complaint forms can be found at www.icjia.state.il.us or by contacting the Authority's Civil Rights Officer at (312) 793-8550.
