DuPage CASA exists to give a voice to the most vulnerable members of our community: children who are experiencing the court system due to abuse, neglect or a lack of a caregiver. In DuPage County, every one of these children has a CASA. Every one of these children has an advocate, a champion, a voice.
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CASA volunteers supported children who are victims of abuse and neglect in DuPage County. -
hours were spent by DuPage County CASA volunteers in 2022. -
in small grants were distributed to 57 young adults. -
in gift cards were donated to children.
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“I cannot express how critical the role CASA plays on the street, in the homes, outside the Courtroom, inside the Courthouse, and especially in Court. ” Judge Michael Wolfe Juvenile Court Judge -
“We learned that there is an army of loving people who take foster kids and their foster families into their care and walk that uncertain path alongside them. That is CASA.” - Foster parent
Safe & Stable
Often a CASA volunteer advocate is the only stable adult in a child’s life and the one person they can trust to always be there. Our advocates support the children we serve in may impactful ways.
| Best Interest Advocacy | Guardianship Assistance | Educational Advocacy | Empowering Futures | Empowerment Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A CASA volunteer advocate is appointed within 48 hours of a child’s removal from an unsafe home. Our advocates visit them regularly, help them navigate their new living arrangement, and advocate for their best interests as the system works to find a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. | A responsible family member providing private guardianship is an alternative to foster care. Our advocates investigate the circumstances and obtain vital information to assist the court in making decisions regarding the best interest of the child in these circumstances. | Our advocates work with caregivers and parents to ensure children are enrolled in school and receiving needed resources and services. CASAs connect children and families with community resources to support the children’s education, often establish relationships with school personnel to advocate for each individual child’s needs and report any educational needs to the court. | CASA’s Empowering Futures Program focuses on providing training, tools, and resources to volunteer advocates who work with children ages 13+ to assist the youth with education, life skills, employment, housing, physical and emotional health, and family connections as they attain independence and are no longer supported by the foster care system. | DuPage CASA provides small grants to youth assisting them toward achieving educational and vocational goals and preparing them for independent living. Funds may be granted for expenses which are not covered by other sources, scholarships, grants, or loans. |
