Adams County CASA was established in 1990. Three additional programs were started in 2018
to help abused and neglected children in Pike, Hancock and Morgan counties. In 2019, three
more programs were started in Brown, Cass and Schuyler counties.
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, please call 217-223-2272 for
Adams, Brown, Cass, Hancock, Morgan, Pike and Schuyler Counties.
What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (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 or even years.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused or neglected children in court. CASA volunteers work alongside attorneys and social workers from case inception to its completion.
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.
Become a CASA Volunteer!
Who are CASA?
- Men and Women of all ages
- People from all walks of life and educational backgrounds
- Concerned citizens who are willing to speak up for a child
What does a CASA Volunteer do?
A CASA volunteer is appointed to a child’s case, he or she is responsible for taking the time to get to know the child and the people who have regular contact with the child as well. A CASA reviews records, speak with parents, foster parents, teachers, and most importantly the child.
A CASA submits recommendations to the court outlining what is the best interest for the child.
Who Can Be CASA Volunteers?
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.
Volunteers are trained in courtroom procedure, the social service system and the inner workings of the juvenile court system. Understanding more about family dynamics and the development of children is also discussed during the training.
A CASA volunteer’s commitment is 10-12 hours a month. This is a challenging job that all find to be very rewarding.
CASA Job Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Complete the thirty-hour training program.
- Comply with all policies and procedures of CASA of Adams, Brown, Cass, Hancock, Pike, Morgan and Schuyler County
- Pass all background checks
- Have a valid driver’s license and car insurance
- Comply with Mandated Reporting standards
CASA Job Description
- Serve in the best interest of the child(ren).
- Complete a thorough investigation of the case.
- Maintain regular, ongoing contact of no less than once a month with the child in person.
- Participate in continuing education totaling twelve hours throughout each year by attending networking and in-services.
- Write reports for court hearings that will give an adequate description of the child, their environment, and recommendations you feel would aid in their well being and best interest.
- Attend all court hearings.
- Maintain complete records of all contacts and information gathered. Upon completion of the case, all records will be turned over to the CASA office.
- Maintain complete confidentiality.
- Make contact with the assigned attorney to insure the best interest of the child are being met.
- Monitor service plans and court orders to determine if progress is being made in the case.
- Report any incidents of child abuse or neglect to the CASA supervisor and appropriate authorities.
- Remain actively involved in the case until formally discharged by the court.
- Participate in continuing education totaling twelve hours annually either by attending trainings offered by Advocacy Network for Children or other resources approved by CASA staff.
CASA Agency Newsletters
CASA September 2024 Newsletter
CASA September 2023 Newsletter
CASA September 2022 Newsletter