Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA) expands to Logan County

 

[January 22, 2025]  Logan County, IL – CASA of McLean and Logan Counties has announced that the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program will expand into Logan County beginning January of 2025. CASA is a nationwide organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected by providing well-trained volunteers to advocate for children and their families through a trauma-focused lens until a safe and permanent home is secured. In 2024, Illinois CASA served 59 of the 102 counties in Illinois.

“We look forward to this opportunity to expand the CASA program and better serve the needs of children in foster care throughout the Logan County community. Finding passionate and committed volunteers who are interested in contributing to a child’s well being is imperative to our mission.” says Mary Pat Frugo-Anderson, Executive Director of CASA of McLean and Logan Counties.

The program is seeking volunteers in Logan County; CASA of McLean and Logan Counties offers a variety of in-person and online training modalities that give volunteers a thorough educational and hands-on experiences before a volunteer begins their case. The role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate is to oversee the progress of the child welfare case, meet with the child & advocate for the child’s needs, and to communicate with the adults involved in a child’s life.

MORE ABOUT CASA – When a minor enters the child welfare system, the court may appoint an advocate who speaks on behalf of the child’s best interest and needs. These advocates are sworn by the court and serve on a volunteer basis; serving as an advocate involves regularly meeting with the child, conducting interviews with adults involved in a child’s life, drafting court reports on the family’s progress, and creating recommendations that are in the best interest of the child. Serving as a CASA is a long-term commitment to serving one child at a time, as CASAs are expected to advocate for the child until a permanent home is located.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and are committed to making a positive impact on a child's life. Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a corporate employee, a retiree, or a teacher, there is a place for you in the CASA program.

CONTACT – If you have questions or you are interested in volunteering with CASA of McLean and Logan Counties, please contact the Volunteer Recruiter/Trainer, Paige Malloy, at 309-434-5853 or email [e-mail]. To apply to be a CASA volunteer, please check out our website.
 

[Text received from Paige Malloy]