May is National Foster Care Month, a time to bring awareness to the children and youth in foster care across the nation, and to acknowledge our CASA volunteers who play a critical role in supporting children in foster care right here in Lake County, Illinois. This year's theme is “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities,” and it revolves around raising awareness about the challenges faced by young people transitioning out of foster care and identifying the necessary supports to enhance their outcomes.

As a consistent, caring adult in a child’s life, CASA volunteers help Lake County judges make the most informed decisions for the well-being of the child. Our volunteers help identify resources for the child and their families to help strengthen them and prevent crises before they occur. CASA volunteers not only advocate for children and youth within the court, child welfare and school systems, but also form connections with them that can last for years. Many young people who age out of the foster care system will maintain a relationship with their CASA volunteer into adulthood. Relational permanency—the ability to preserve and maintain important long-term relationships—is fundamental to the well-being of children and youth in foster care. Maintaining relationships with CASA volunteers, relatives, and kin can increase stability, reduce trauma, and help children maintain a sense of family, belonging, and identity. Lastly, our volunteers help build a support system and find resources for youth aging out of foster care. Without support, young people transitioning out of foster care face many challenging obstacles. Having basic needs met, like housing and food security, can make a big difference.

So this month, we celebrate our amazing volunteers for their impact in the lives of children in foster care. They are the backbone of our organization and we simply couldn't do it without them. We also celebrate those that partner with us and support our mission. Your generosity is what allows us to continue to do this work.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to the children and families we serve,

P.S. Your gift supports our recruitment, training, and supervision efforts to provide a CASA volunteer to every child that needs one.

Friday, September 27th, 2024 

To CASA Sandy whose first case closed in adoption after four years of dedicated work. Advocating for this child since he was taken into care at only a couple of months old, Sandy showed unrelenting commitment by rarely missing a visit for the duration of the case. Sandy accepted a second case three years ago and supports this child with the same zeal. Thank you, Sandy, for continuing to advocate for our CASA children and recently accepting a third case with challenges.

To CASA Laura for her patient and persistent advocacy for her challenged teen girl. There have been many ups and downs in this case for Laura as the teen is difficult to communicate with and hard to track down. However, Laura’s consistency in reaching out and encouraging her teen finally paid off and the teen allowed a visit. Laura did a great job during the visit encouraging the teen and demonstrating non-judgmental, strength-based and youth-centered advocacy.