Illinois CASA

Local CASA programs all over the state are preparing to host CASA Pre-Service Training! Summer is the perfect time to become an advocate for the thousands of children navigating the Illinois child welfare system.

💙 CASA Volunteers are everyday people who become trained in promoting the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, and who are currently navigating the child welfare system. CASA Volunteers are appointed by local judges, and spend an average of 5-15 hours a month advocating for their case until the child finds a safe, permanent, and loving home.

Take the next step to 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.™

📌 Find your local CASA program or sign up for a CASA 101 Informational Session on our website: illinoiscasa.org/how-to-help/

Happy Father’s Day! Today we celebrate dads and father figures who provide strength, support, and care to children in our community. Your impact matters more than you know.

We're looking for people, especially men, who are willing to advocate for kids that have experienced abuse or neglect in communities around Illinois. Consider becoming a CASA Volunteer today: https://illinoiscasa.org/how-to-help/

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived to Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing enslaved Black Americans more than two years after Abraham Lincoln had issued the proclamation. Today, Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history and our society's ongoing work to ensure equity and equal opportunity in our communities.

If you're interested in learning more about the historical impact of Black leaders in child welfare, and the growing research on eliminating bias and disproportionality in Illinois child welfare system, here are a few resources:

📖 ABA Resolution 606: The Original Story of Racism in the Child Welfare System (by the Illinois Collaboration on Youth) www.icoyouth.org/2024/02/21/aba-resolution-606-the-original-story-of-racism-in-the-child-welfare-system/

🤖 How Illinois DCFS used AI to uncover bias in child welfare case notes (by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-illinois-dcfs-used-ai-uncover-bias-wv34e/

❤ Honoring Black Leaders Past and Present Who Shape Child Welfare with Courage and Care (by Dr. Susan McConnell, Let It Be Us Executive Director) letitbeus.org/black-history-month-honoring-black-leaders-past-and-present-who-shape-child-welfare-with-courage-and-care/

📊 FY2025 Racial and Ethnic Disproportionality in the Illinois Child Welfare System (by the University of Illinois School of Social Work) https://cfrc.illinois.edu/pubs/rp_20250930_RacialAndEthnicDisproportionalityInTheIllinoisChildWelfareSystemFY2025Report.pd

We're looking for people in who are ready to 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗔 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.™

60 seconds is all it takes to get connected with your local CASA program and find out how you can become an advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in your community. Click on your county to find your local program ⬇

Illinois CASA - Local Program Locations Click on your county and get connected to your local CASA program.

This Friday's is highlighting Katie Hallowell from CASA DeKalb County, Inc.!

Katie was awarded the Bronze Volunteer of the Year award, and recognized for her approach to advocating for the whole child. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, Katie considers the many factors that contribute to a child's healthy development. Not only does she go above and beyond in her advocacy for children, Katie also uses her time to recruit volunteers and mentor new advocates who work alongside her.

❤ Her local CASA program said it best: "Today, Katie is advocating for children from three families, each with very different trajectories, needs, and court statuses. She manages these responsibilities with compassion, professionalism, and an impressive depth of knowledge. We are incredible grateful for Katie's openness, willingness, and honesty, not only in the courtroom, but in every interaction she has as an Advocate."

💙 We too are thankful have a network of over 3,000 volunteers like Katie who become trained advocates navigating an open child abuse or neglect case in Illinois. Learn how you can become a CASA Volunteer to advocate for a child living in your community: https://illinoiscasa.org/how-to-help/

is more than a celebration, it's a time to bring awareness to LGBTQ+ visibility, safety, and belonging in our communities. 🌈

At Illinois CASA, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and heard. CASA Volunteers advocate for the best interests of youth navigating foster care all around our state, ensuring that their unique identities are respected and that their voices are not overlooked in the justice system.

📍 We're looking for community members like you to become trained Court Appointed Special Advocates for youth with an open child abuse or neglect case in Illinois. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer: https://illinoiscasa.org/how-to-help/

For we're highlighting a volunteer from CASA for Kids who is celebrating her 10 Year CASA-Versary in 2026!

Leslie Cox was awarded the Bronze Volunteer of the Year award for her dedication to supporting families who are navigating the Illinois child welfare system. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate, Leslie values the voices of children, ensures that siblings in foster care maintain relationships, and empowers youth to participate in their own advocacy journey.

💙 Her local CASA program states that, "Leslie consistently makes time to support children in need throughout Franklin County. Through her unwavering professionalism and compassion, she has given a voice to youth who were often unable to speak for themselves."

❤ We are thankful to have a network of over 3,000 volunteers like Leslie that advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in our state. Consider becoming a CASA Volunteer to make a lasting difference in a child's life: https://illinoiscasa.org/how-to-help/