Imagine being a child with parents who can’t—or won’t—take care of you.
Into your life come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, social workers,
judges, lawyers, and more. You need help, but where can you turn?
Now, imagine a trained, committed, court-appointed advocate who speaks up for you, stands by your side, argues for your best interests—until the case is closed.
That’s what it means to be a CASA.
It means making sure a child doesn’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system—or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. It means the difference between homelessness and a safe home, between dropping out and completing school, between unemployment and success, between jail and becoming a productive member of society.
Thanks to our volunteer advocates, Champaign County CASA currently serves nearly 400 children, ranging from newborn to 18 years of age. Last year, over 35% were under age 6.