Advocacy in a virtual school environment

Dear CASA Supporter

Now that it is time to return to school—in a world that means going back to school mostly or entirely virtually—the unmet needs and unequal access to education has never been more clear for the children we serve. Many children do not have the technology required for remote learning. In addition, educators have always been one of the leading mandated reporters for child abuse and neglect, and they simply won’t have the ability to serve in that role as we embark on a new version of education.

Our volunteers have done incredible work to advocate for the educational needs of their CASA children, including ensuring access to technology is provided. They also continue to serve as the eyes and ears of the court, monitoring the well being for all of the children they are assigned to and providing factual detailed reports to the Judges. Throughout this public health crisis, our volunteers have shown up in amazing ways and we want to say thank you and acknowledge that incredible work.

Together in advocacy,

Terri Zenner Greenberg

Executive Director

There are 72 Lake County children waiting for a CASA volunteer right now. Give the gift of a brighter future. Give a child a CASA.

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Your support makes an impact

In just the last month...

269 Volunteers served as CASAs

442 children served by a CASA

9 children had cases close

Kudos for some amazing CASA Volunteers!

To CASA Marla for her excellent advocacy for her CASA children. She has done a fantastic job as her CASA girl faces a number of mental health challenges leading to placement disruptions. Marla has always been committed, reaching out to her girl weekly, being patient when her girl was shut down and staying in close contact with the girls’ foster parents and therapist. She’s been an important part of the girls’ professional team during various staffings and she has written excellent reports keeping the court informed of all the updates. She has also stayed in close contact with her foster boy and his foster mom monitoring that all is going well in his placement.

To CASA Tracey for the happy adoption for two of her CASA children. She has been their CASA since the beginning of their case in 2013. She’s been by their side as placements and adoptions fell through, their behaviors became challenging and schools changed. She had a great relationship with their now adoptive mother and was always a welcome guest in their home. Now they finally have their forever family with Tracey celebrating alongside them. The adoptive mother has shared that she'd like Tracey to continue being a part of the boys’ lives.

To CASA Lisa who took on a new case in the middle of the pandemic. Lisa jumped right in with virtual visits and phone calls and even wrote an informative court report, all within the first month. Lisa’s consistent communication via email has helped keep everyone on the same page.

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News and Upcoming Events

Our Open Air Back to School Open House

On Friday, Aug. 7, CASA Lake County hosted our annual back to school event, but it looked a little different this year. We had approximately 75 CASA volunteers who attended our Open Air Back to School Open House, in order to gather items for their CASA children as the school year kicks off. Practicing social distancing and wearing masks and gloves, our CASAs picked up and safely delivered nearly 130 backpacks for CASA kids thanks to The Chapel Libertyville. Additional school supplies, clothes, winter coats, underwear, shoes, socks, and other essential items for kids were also available. Additionally, we had wagons to give to foster families with younger children. With many unemployed and underemployed caretakers, CASAs ability to supply these critical items to children and families in foster care was greatly appreciated. We are so grateful to The Chapel Libertyville for making this event possible for the eighth consecutive year, providing the backpacks for almost 130 kids during this challenging time.

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CASA Thanks Our 2020 Mission Partners

Mission Statement

CASA Lake County is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, thoroughly trained CASA volunteers work in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and represent the child's best interest in juvenile court.

700 Forest Edge Drive

Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061

www.casalakecounty.com

847.383.6260