Children's Action Network of Adams County, Illinois

Go directly to:

• What is CASA?
• What does a CASA Volunteer do?
• How can you become a CASA Volunteer?
• Who is Children's Action Network, NFP

What is CASA?
Each year thousands of children fall victim to abuse, neglect or abandonment. These children become victimized and may be lost in an overburdened child welfare system. Sometimes a child can remain adrift in foster care for months, even years.

That's where CASA helps. CASA volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates for children—trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused children.

CASA volunteers work as appointed officers of the court, working with the judge and alongside attorneys and social workers from case inception to its completion.
Back to top

What does a CASA Volunteer do?
CASA volunteers are men and women who want to help their community's children.

When a CASA volunteer is appointed to a child's case, he or she is responsible for taking the time to find out as much as possible about that child. CASA volunteers search for information. They review records. Interview parents. Talk to teachers, neighbors, and—most important—the child.

These volunteers then appear in court to recommend to the judge what's best for the child's future.
Back to top

How can you become a CASA Volunteer?
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 the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment.

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 or neglected.

It takes a commitment of 10-12 hours a month to be a CASA volunteer. Although it is challenging, it is very rewarding. Contact the CASA office to volunteer. More information on this here.
Back to top

Who is Children's Action Network, NFP?
CASA in Adams County is part of a national program, the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program. It began in 1977 as a way to assure that the best interests of abused, neglected and abandoned children are recognized in a juvenile court and that every child has a safe and permanent home.

There are CASA programs in all 50 states. More than 61,900 volunteers served an estimated 246,390 children in 2001.

CASA of Adams County began in 1990. As the agency grew in its service to children opening the Children's Advocacy Centers in Adams and Pike Counties, an agency name change was made to Children's Action Network, NFP in 2002.

(Click these images to see them enlarged)

« Back to Online Brochures