Every year, more than three million children nationally are reported abused or neglected. Despite the states’ attempts to help, many of these kids become trapped in the court and child welfare maze and can spend their childhood moving from one temporary shelter to another.
This is where you can step in by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. CASA of Kankakee County, a program of Child Network, is seeking both male and female volunteers for its upcoming training class beginning in January. Volunteers from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds are welcome. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and willing to submit to background checks.
Classes will begin on Tuesday, January 9, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., and will be held at that time each remaining Tuesday and Thursday throughout January, as well as on Saturdays, January 13, 20, and 27, from 9 a.m. – noon. The final class session is Tuesday, January 30. All classes will be held at the Child Network office in Bradley. No special background or education is required to become a CASA.
Once accepted into the program, volunteers will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and in servicing the special needs of abused and neglected children. The training consists of 32 hours of classroom coursework utilizing a training manual containing content, objectives, and activities to develop advocacy skills. The curriculum models the values of respect and responsibility and focuses on knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be a successful advocate.
CASA volunteers are assigned to an abused and/or neglected child in the Kankakee County Court System and develop relationships with the children they serve. They also work closely with social service caseworkers, parents, counselors, and the court, spending an average of 10 hours per month on a case. Through these relationships, CASA volunteers then make independent recommendations to the judge as to the best interests of the children. Cases are considered complete when the child has found a safe and permanent home.
If you are interested in making a difference in a child’s life by becoming a CASA or would like more information, please call Patricia Memenga at 815-936-7372 or send her an email at pmemenga@childnetwork.org. You may also complete an application on the Child Network website at www.ChildNetwork.org.