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CASA Lake County IL, Inc.
Cause Area
- Advocacy & Human Rights
- Children & Youth
- Community
- Justice & Legal
Location
700 Forest Edge DriveVernon Hills, IL 60061 United StatesWebsite:
http://www.casalakecounty.com
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Organization Information
Mission Statement
CASA Lake County promotes and protects the best interest of children who have been abused or neglected, by training volunteers to advocate for them in the court, in schools, and in our community to help them find safe, permanent and loving homes.
Description
Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents because they can't - or won't - take care of you. Now, into your life come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, social workers, and more. A CASA volunteer brings stability to a life that sorely needs it.
CASA Lake County is part of the nationwide network that is Court Appointed Special Advocates. You can learn more about National CASA at https://casaforchildren.org/
More than 280 volunteers serve nearly 500 children annually in Lake County, IL. Since its inception, CASA Lake County volunteers have helped thousands of children find safe, permanent homes.
Who are Our Advocates?
CASA empowers everyday citizens as appointed members of the court. Volunteers are teachers, business people, retirees, stay-at-home moms, grandparents, and more. Some work full time, others don't...but all are extraordinary people who want to make certain the voices of abused/neglected children are heard. Being a CASA volunteer does not require a specialized degree or legal experience. We provide all the training that's needed.
To apply, or to learn more, go to https://casalakecounty.com/
Reviews
Would you recommend CASA Lake County IL, Inc.?
15 reviews
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(2016-08-03 12:33:02.0)
CASA is a great organization! It is not easy by any means, but you truly make a difference in the life of a child. Many children in foster care have so many people coming in and out of their lives. As a CASA, you commit to staying with that child/children through their time in the system. The child/children know they can depend on you. That means the world to them and the impact you can have is immeasurable!
(2016-03-28 13:05:38.0)
I have been a CASA for 2 years. Children are the least represented in our court system. CASAs are the voices that speak only for them. The training is in depth and our trainer was excellent. CASAs can work alone or with a partner. I knew no one when I began the training but was asked if I wanted to partner with a classmate. Having a partner was a great decision for me. We see things from different viewpoints and share the "work." She has become a good friend so that is a totally unexpected benefit.
All CASAs have an Advocate Advisor to call on any time there is a question or concern. Our advisor is always there for us and is very supportive.
Basically this is an opportunity to do something for children that have not had the security and support that all children deserve.
(2016-03-26 15:17:22.0)
As an advocate for a child, you really can make a difference in their life. Volunteering starts with a training program that is relevant, interesting and prepares you to become an advocate. CASA is a very well run organization with impressive staff. The organization is truly grateful for its volunteers; besides the rewarding feeling associated with helping a child, being appreciated is an extra benefit. I feel so lucky I found CASA Lake County!
(2016-03-23 08:13:32.0)
I am so happy to have found CASA Lake County. I was looking for a way to give back to the community and to really feel like I was making a difference. I could not have found a more perfect fit. The training program was fantastic - I looked forward to going to each and every session. I have also enjoyed the relationships that I have built with the children that I am advocating for, as well as the supervisors and other advocates. Most importantly though, I feel like the volunteer work that I do has a direct and positive impact on the children that I work with.
(2016-03-22 04:49:20.0)
CASA of Lake County is great organization to volunteer with for so many reasons. First they offer a training program that will help you immensely as a CASA. You are also assigned a case along with a manager who helps you as much or as little as you need. Through out the year there is continuing educational programs that are always relevant and informative. The CASA staff is extremely knowledgeable and some of the most giving people you will ever work with. My CASA work has been a truly rewarding experience. My CASA child loves having me visit her school, her placement, play games, read or just talk on the phone.
On a personnel note my volunteer work has trickled down to my own children, and given them an appreciation, respect and desire to give back in some way also.
(2016-02-21 10:37:59.0)
I have been a volunteer advocate for about 1.5 years. I love the opportunity to build long-term relationships with kids in foster care and to represent their best interests to the court. I love my CASA kids and am honored to be part of their life.
(2016-02-21 07:54:45.0)
CASA of Lake County is a terrific organization to volunteer with. It provides a flexible option to help children who are living in very challenging circumstances. The training and supports are outstanding. As a volunteer I felt like I could make a positive impact in the life of a troubled child. I can't say enough good things about this organization.
(2016-02-21 07:43:33.0)
Children that become assigned to CASA cases are often being robbed of the joys of their childhood and are in very difficult positions through no fault of their own. Accepting the position of a CASA means being committed to following the children through their entire case, always being available to collect and update all the facts in order to present the best recommendations for the children before the Court. It is very rewarding to be part of a great team involved in "the best interest of the children".
(2016-01-21 13:53:52.0)
I would highly recommend volunteering for this organization. The CASA advocates for children in the foster care system. These children need an adult to "show up" for them. This is a great place to make a difference in children's lives.
(2016-01-13 12:20:30.0)
This is an amazing organization. It is well run and professional. The volunteers undergo an intense training as they work with vulnerable children in the foster care system. The volunteers get great support from their managers and are well equipped to make an impact in the lives of the foster children who they advocate for.
(2015-12-05 07:38:44.0)
Volunteers for CASA Lake County advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected who are in extremely difficult situations that mainstream adults and families have difficulty comprehending. Oftentimes we are the only true advocate for these children. Our role is to gather as much information as we can, periodically write up reports for the Court, and act on behalf of the child to help bring the case to the best situation possible which may take several years. I was very concerned about my ability to do this as I have no prior related training or education in this field. This is not needed due to the excellent 40 hours of training over a 6 week period and the on-going support by both a personal mentor/manager along with a very hands on and approachable staff. CASA is for committed volunteers who want to make significant differences in the lives of children in extreme need and who want to be challenged personally.
(2015-11-17 16:59:21.0)
CASA Lake County is dedicated to the best interests of children whom for no fault of their own have landed in the Child & Family Services system.
As a CASA I collaborate with children face to face not because I am a teacher, doctor, attorney, therapist or parent. I am with them to listen, and in turn speak on their behalf, so that ultimately they may thrive in a safe and permanent home where they can focus living the life of a child again.
There are numerous opportunities to support CASA Lake County: small fundraising endeavors, advocate recruitment events, private speaking engagements, and Gala planning to name a few. Volunteers are engaged in many activities.
Led by a lean team of approachable and accessible staff, over 300 CASAs champion the voices for roughly 500 children in Lake County. Unfortunately, new children enter the child welfare system daily. Fortunately, handfuls of exceptional volunteers join forces with CASA Lake County to support them!
(2015-11-07 11:23:50.0)
Sometimes you find yourself doing volunteer work and wonder if you are really making a difference in the world around you. That will not happen with CASA. Every adult I have met who had a CASA in their younger years has emphasized how crucial that person was in the topsy-turvy world of foster care.
Being a CASA is a significant commitment (40 hrs of training, then approx 10hrs/mo for minimum of 2 years), but there are supportive roles in the office for those who can't give that much time. The organization is well-run: not a moment of training was wasted; layers of assistance are built in for new volunteers; watchdog organizations rate CASA highly in their use of donated funds.
I am so glad that I found this worthy cause to which I could offer my time and efforts.
(Administrator for this Organization)
(2014-01-31 09:19:47.0)
CASA Lake County provides the opportunity to improve the life of an abused or neglected child by advocating for them in the overburdened child welfare system.
CASAs visit the children monthly and communicate with whoever interacts with the child (teachers, foster parents, therapists, etc.). They then provide the juvenile court judge with reports regarding the child's current situation and recommendations regarding their best interests.
The training is very thorough and interesting. The responsibilities are significant, but each advocate has a manager on staff who guides them.
This type of volunteer commitment is not for everyone, but it is a tremendous opportunity to positively impact a child's life - and the lives of the generations beyond.
(Administrator for this Organization)
(2011-08-29 14:25:52.0)
Volunteering for CASA provides the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. A HUGE difference. The opportunity is most challenging and demanding, but the rewards are tremendous.