Speaking up for Abused & Neglected Children in LaSalle County, Illinois
Speaking up for Abused & Neglected Children in LaSalle County, Illinois
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer advocate for LaSalle County CASA, please read through the information below. Applications are accepted online, by mail or email at any time, and our 30-hour National CASA training course is offered periodically throughout the year.
Winter 2025 Training Series begins in January This will be a blended-flex online solo study with weekly group training (virtual or in-person) 1 evening per week as follows. Monday, January 6th Week 1 online module begins 1st group session 5:30pm-6:30pm Monday, January 13th (virtual or in-person) 5:30pm-8:30pm Monday, January 20th (virtual or in-person) 5:30pm-8:30pm Monday, January 27th (virtual or in-person) 5:30pm-8:30pm Monday, February 3rd (virtual or in-person) 5:30pm-8:30pm Monday, February 10th (virtual or in-person) 5:30pm-8:30pm This training series concludes with a swearing-in ceremony at the LaSalle County Courthouse on February 19th, 2025, at 9:30am followed by a court room observation & debrief luncheon. In-person sessions will meet at the Fox River Center at 110 Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350 in Suite 306.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer who is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child, or children, in foster care. A CASA is an independent voice for the child’s best interests throughout the time the child is in care (usually about 2 years). CASA duties fall into the following four areas:
Investigation: The CASA conducts an independent investigation of the child’s and family’s situation and circumstances;
Facilitation: The CASA communicates with all parties and encourages cooperation and collaboration so that the child’s case moves as quickly as possible to a good conclusion.
Advocacy: The CASA speaks up for the child and advocates for services, decisions and plans that are in the child’s best interests. The CASA advocates in team meetings, with schools, families caregivers, on the record in court and through reports to the court.
Monitoring: The CASA is directed to monitor the court orders for compliance and to bring to the court’s attention and changes that should be made to the orders. This means the CASA is in regular contact with all parties (the child, parents, foster parents or relatives, social worker, attorneys, and so on) so that fact-based recommendations can be made to the court on the child’s behalf.
The goal for every child in a Dependency Proceeding is to find a permanent, safe home as quickly as possible; that is often found in a return to the parents, but sometimes it means adoption by family or others.
Volunteer candidates selected as advocates shall be recruited and screened by the Executive Director and provided appropriate training prior to working with clients.
Send us your email address and get in on our next volunteer training session scheduled to begin on Monday, August 12th, 2024. Follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on training and events.
LaSalle County CASA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We respect and value individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring fair and inclusive treatment for everyone. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where all members, staff, and volunteers can thrive and be their authentic selves, free from discrimination based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, abilities, disabilities, or any other characteristic.
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