Dear CASA Supporter

October of 2018 marks a significant milestone for CASA Lake County – our 25th anniversary. Over the past 25 years, our CASAs have been passionate, unwavering champions for the children of our county. At joyful adoptions, our CASAs were there. At the unlikeliest of graduations, our CASAs were there. At tearful reunifications with rehabilitated parents, our CASAs were there – and so much of their success is thanks to you – our board members, volunteers, donors, and supporters.

Community is central to what a CASA program can accomplish. Our incredible staff draw from the seemingly bottomless giving spirit of our citizens to improve outcomes for children in the foster care system due to issues of abuse or neglect. Over the course of our history, we have strengthened longtime partnerships and cultivated new relationships with the belief that through cooperation between government, agencies, and individuals we can do more together.

Starting from a humble beginning with a small Board of 4 volunteers, we have grown into a team of 22 Board Members overseeing a staff of 16, which supports 270 volunteers serving over 500 children per year. In 2017, that included nearly every single youth-in-care in Lake County, Illinois.

Throughout the year, we will celebrate our past while continuing to look to the future. For the past 25 years, our goal has been to protect every child's right to grow up in a safe and nurturing home. With your help, we will continue to do that. Thank you for being part of our team.

We are proud of the impact we have collectively made in our first 25 years. Imagine what we can do together over the next 25!

Your support makes an impact

In just the last month...

Kudos for some amazing CASA Volunteers!

To CASA Terri for her excellent advocacy during a period when the caseworker has been largely absent. She’s been persistent in trying to contact caseworker and keep communication with caseworker’s supervisor. She has kept the court informed during the many recent hearings through her reports on the needs and conditions of her CASA child. Her calm, professional and pleasant demeanor has helped the foster parents deal with myriad frustrations at court.

To CASA Christine for her excellent work in advocating to ensure her CASA child’s return home was done in a measured way so it was clear that the father was equipped to care for him. Her last report to the court following a visit to the father’s home, contained important information for the judge and the attorneys which showed that the little boy felt secure and comfortable returning to his father and his extended family. Throughout the case Christine excelled at forming respectful and collaborative relationships with all the parties involved.

To CASA Patty who has been a CASA since 2013, and whose second case successfully ended in adoption. Her most recent case began in July of 2015 and involves two girls with a significant trauma history. Patty takes her commitment to these children seriously and devotes countless hours in advocating for their best interests. Fortunately, she developed a relationship of mutual respect with the caseworker of her CASA children; this has allowed her to be present for all major transitions. When the pre-adoptive home of almost five years requested the girls be removed, Patty was still by their side as a constant in their lives. Patty assisted the caseworker in moving them to two different placements as their second placement disrupted after only five months. Because of her long-term relationship with these girls, Patty was asked to be a part of the decision making process in selecting their new pre-adoptive home. There appear to be many reasons to be hopeful for the success of their new home. However, until this case is closed, Patty continues to advocate for the medical, educational, and psychological needs of these two wonderful girls.

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.