2021 Annual Report
I L L I N O I S C A S A
ILLINOIS CASA
WHAT IS A COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL
ADVOCATE?
When a family is in crisis and becomes involved in
the child welfare system, a Court Appointed Special
Advocate (CASA) volunteer may be appointed by
a judge to advocate for the best interests of the
child. This highly trained volunteer is someone from
the child’s community. Their responsibility is to get
to know the child, their parents, their family and
everyone else involved in the case. A CASA volunteer
will advocate for the child’s safety, permanency and
well-being while in foster care.
At the local level, the 31 local programs in 53 of 102
Illinois counties do the hands-on work of recruiting,
training and supervising these dedicated volunteers. At
the state level, Illinois CASA partners with the programs
to provide training, coaching and other resources.
As the statewide membership organization, we work
to connect each part of the CASA community and
empower the local programs to perform at their
highest level. Illinois CASA also works to improve
the child protection system through legislation and
positive public policy changes.
About Illinois CASA
MISSION
Illinois CASA, together with its local member
programs, supports and promotes court
appointed volunteer advocacy for children who
have experienced abuse or neglect.
VISION
Our vision is an Illinois in which all children thrive
in a safe, permanent and loving home.
PURPOSE
Illinois CASA provides statewide advocacy,
technical assistance, quality assurance, training
and resources for the network of Illinois Court
Appointed Special Advocate Local Programs,
builds capacity and plans for the growth of the
CASA network, and advocates for reform and
improvement in the child welfare sector in Illinois.
VALUES
As an organization we believe:
•
All children have the right to grow and thrive in
a safe, secure environment.
•
It is in a child’s best interest to live in a safe,
permanent home.
•
Every child deserves a consistent, caring adult
connection.
•
All individuals should be treated with respect.
•
In maintaining the highest standards of ethics
and confidentiality.
•
In serving as leaders for positive change
through advocacy and collaboration.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Dear Stakeholders,
We are honored to present the Illinois CASA 2021 Impact Report.
Although this is our first such virtual report, our Association’s commitment
to supporting children and families in Illinois goes back more than
two decades. Our network of over 3,500 volunteers, governing body
members and staff partners take great pride in the fact that in FY21 (7/1–
6/30) we have provided best interest advocacy to 9,203 children who
have experienced abuse and or neglect.
Illinois CASA, together with its local member programs, supports
and promotes court appointed volunteer advocacy for children who
have experienced abuse or neglect. To do this, Illinois CASA provides
advocacy, technical assistance, quality assurance, training and resources
for the network of 31 Illinois Court Appointed Special Advocate Local
Programs. We are focused on building the programmatic and financial
capacity of the CASA network to grow our reach, ensuring children have
access to a specially trained volunteer advocate. Everything we do at
Illinois CASA is driven by our vision of an Illinois in which all children thrive
in a safe, permanent and loving home.
Solving critical community challenges requires collective action. CASA
volunteers are just one player in the larger child welfare system. We
believe in a collaborative, holistic approach to support children and
their families and work to support reunification whenever possible. We
train our volunteers that all individuals deserve respect and cultural
competency matters.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has made for a challenging year,
especially for families and children already struggling. Since March of 2019,
the number of children assigned to the Illinois CASA Association increased
by 28%—from 7,249 to 9,293. Judges relied on CASA volunteers more than
ever to keep up with the influx and fill gaps in the child welfare safety net.
Our work ahead is to recruit enough new volunteers to meet this need, and
we have an ambitious plan to recruit 2,022 new volunteers in 2022.
This report features data from our impact in 2021. It also highlights some
of the ways in which the work we do benefits the child welfare system we
work with and, most importantly, the children and families involved.
We approach the work we do with a deep regard and humble
appreciation for our volunteers. The impact one caring committed adult
can make is infinite as is our regard for the CASA community in Illinois.
Our very best,
Mari Christopherson
CEO
Mari Christopherson
CEO
Lynn Harvey
Board Chair
Lynn Harvey
Board Chair
ILLINOIS CASA
Illinois CASA Local Programs
Advocacy Network for Children
Adams, Brown, Cass, Morgan, Pike, Schuyler
Boone County CASA
Boone
Champaign County CASA
Champaign
CASA of East Central Illinois
Cumberland, Coles
CASA of Cook County
Cook
CASA DeKalb County
DeKalb
CASA of DuPage County
DuPage
CASA of Effingham County
Effingham
CASA of Franklin & Hamilton
Counties
Franklin, Hamilton
CASA of Jefferson County
Jefferson
Jersey County CASA
Jersey
CASA Kane County
Kane
CASA of Kankakee County
Kankakee
CASA Kendall County
Kendall
CASA of West Central Illinois
Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Warren
CASA Lake County
Lake
LaSalle County CASA
LaSalle
CASA of the 15th Judicial Circuit
Carroll, Lee, Ogle
Macon County CASA
Macon
CASA of Southwestern Illinois
Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair
CASA of Marion County
Marion
CASA of McHenry County
McHenry
CASA of McLean County
McLean
CASA of the 10th Judicial Circuit
Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell
Child Abuse Council/CASA for
Children
Rock Island
CASA of Saline County
Saline
Sangamon County Child Advocacy
Center/CASA of Sangamon
County
Sangamon
CASA of Vermillon and Edgar
Counties
Edgar, Vermillon
CASA of River Valley
Grundy, Will
CASA of Williamson County
Williamson
Winnebago County CASA
Winnebago
55% of children
with a CASA
advocate were
reunified with their
family of origin.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Alexander
Bond
Winnebago
Bureau
Calhoun
Christian
Clark
Clay
Clinton
Crawford
De Witt
Douglas
Edwards
Fayette
Ford
Fulton
Gallatin
Greene
Hardin
Henry
Iroquois
Jackson
Jasper
Johnson
JoDaviess
Lawrence
Livingston
Logan
Stephenson
Macoupin
Mason
Massac
Menard
Mercer
Montgomery
Moultrie
Perry
Piatt
Pope
Pulaski
Richland
Scott
Shelby
Union
Wabash
Washington
Wayne
White
Whiteside
Woodford
Adams
Brown
Carroll
Cass
Champaign
Coles
Cook
Cumberland
De Kalb
DuPage
Edgar
Effingham
Franklin
Grundy
Hamilton
Hancock
Henderson
Jefferson
Jersey
Lake
Kane
Kankakee
Kendall
Knox
La Salle
Lee
McDonough
McLean
Macon
Madison
Marion
Marshall
Monroe
Morgan
Ogle
Peoria
Pike
Putnam
Randolph
Rock Island
St. Clair
Saline
Sangamon
Schuyler
Stark
McHenry
Tazewell
Vermilion
Warren
Will
Williamson
Boone
Counties with
CASA
Counties
without CASA
ILLINOIS COUNTIES
SERVED BY CASA
CASA’S IMPACT IN
ILLINOIS IN FY21
31
LOCAL
PROGRAMS
9,349
CHILDREN
SERVED
932
NEW CASAs
TRAINED
3,175
ACTIVE CASA
VOLUNTEERS
CASA volunteers advocate for the
best interests of children who have
experienced abuse or neglect.
Here’s what that means.
CASA Best-Interest Advocacy
RECOMMEND
Speak up for the child’s best interests in court. Make recommendations regarding the child’s placement
and needed services, and monitor the child’s situation until the case is released by the court.
LEARN
Learn all you can about the
child and his or her family
and life.
ENGAGE
Engage with the child during
regular visits.
REPORT
Report what you have learned
and observed to the court.
COLLABORATE
Collaborate with others to ensure that
necessary services are provided and are
in the child’s best interest.
ILLINOIS CASA
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
As an organization, we believe that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are central to our commitment to
carrying out our mission of best interests advocacy for children in Illinois who have experienced abuse and/
or neglect. We commit to ensuring that our mission aligns with our core values, and that every aspect of our
organization incorporates DEI principles.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF CONCENTRATION:
1.
Purposefully strive to foster diverse Board
of Directors and Staff that reflect the diverse
population of children we serve throughout the
state of Illinois.
2. Intentionally build a systemic culture of inclusion
and equity that is reflected in our language,
actions, policies, and trainings.
3. Empower the Illinois CASA network by providing
resources that allow for implementation of DEI
principles at the local program level.
4. Actively empower CASA volunteers to bring
awareness to discrimination and implicit bias as
it is encountered in our daily advocacy work with
children.
By focusing on the above, we strive to ensure equity
for all children who have experienced abuse and/or
neglect in Illinois regardless of race, ethnicity, gender
identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or socio-
economic status.
The Illinois CASA board of directors adopted a DEI
statement in 2021 to ensure that it actively embodies
the qualities of an inclusive organization. Illinois CASA
has an active Equity Task Force that was also renamed
in 2021 from its previous name of Diversity Task Force.
In 2021, the Equity Task Force has focused on assessing
the network, establishing goals, and incorporating DEI
training and concepts throughout the network. The task
force also embarked on anti-racism training in late 2020
through a partnership with Crossroads.
“The support of a CASA
advocate reduces
the trauma children
experience through
their commitment to be
that proverbial “friend in
need” always the same
person, there when
needed, and diligently
advocating for their best
interest.”
RETIRED HONORABLE JUDGE
MILTON WHARTON
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
ILLINOIS CASA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
In March of 2021, Illinois CASA hosted its annual
conference virtually. “Closing the Gap: Equity in
Advocacy” attracted 300+ attendees.
The keynote speaker, Kelly Hurst
from Crossroads Anti-Racism
Training, facilitated the
morning presentation.
Afternoon sessions
included Dr. Alyssa Dunn
who presented her work
on advancing equity in
Education and LaDonna
Wattley, a former CASA staff
partner in Indiana, delivered her
training: “Big Momma’s House” on bias and diversity
concepts within the child welfare system.
The conference culminated with an awards
celebration recognizing CASA Judge of the Year,
The Honorable Jonathon Braden from Illinois’ 5th
Circuit for his no nonsense and compassionate
support of children and families.
Charlotte Meier, Executive Director of CASA of
Boone County, was named Staff Partner of the Year.
Under Director Meier’s leadership, CASA of Boone
County has significantly increased the number of
children served during the pandemic.
The final two awardees both came from CASA of
Southwestern Illinois. Darlene Roy, was recognized
for 20 years of service as a Board Member and Betty
Page was named Volunteer of the Year.
Accountability
We report on our activities and decisions to local programs, stakeholders, donors, grantors, and community
partners. We accept responsibility for our activities and decisions. We report and disclose the result of
activities and decisions in a transparent manner.
ILLINOIS CASA SERVICES TO LOCAL
CASA PROGRAMS
Illinois CASA supports the development, growth, and
continuation of local CASA programs. Each year, local
programs provide feedback about their satisfaction
of the services that Illinois CASA provides. Results
from the member survey for FY21 indicated very high
satisfaction with the services provided.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Illinois CASA also helps support local programs to
ensure they are following National CASA’s Standards
for Local Programs and working to achieve the best
interest for the children they serve. This complex
process includes document review, and stakeholder
and staff interviews and participation in a board
meeting. Begun in the final quarter of the fiscal year,
18 will be completed by 2022.
NETWORK TRAININGS
Illinois CASA facilitated 60 network-wide virtual in-
service trainings aimed at trauma informed and best
practice advocacy, virtual book clubs, Pre-Service
training and Training of the Facilitator trainings with
4,792 combined participants. Illinois CASA has a
robust, on demand recorded webinar library that was
accessed over 700 times in FY21.
ILLINOIS CASA
Financials
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF CASA
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY
JULY 2020 – JUNE 2021
EXPENSES
Grants to Local Programs
$2,659,061
Administration
$58,244
Direct Services Training & Volunteer Recruitment,
Network Program Support
$801,919
TOTAL EXPENSES
$3,519,224.65
REVENUE
Illinois DCFS Grant–State Appropriation
$2,841,753
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
(ICJIA)
$586,805
Other Public Funding
$23,500
Donations
$32,554
Program Service Income
$21,865
TOTAL REVENUE
$3,506,477.45
NET OPERATING REVENUE
–$12,747.20
EXPENSES
REVENUE
Grants to Local Programs
Administration
Direct Services
Illinois DCFS Grant–State Appropriation
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA)
Donations
Other Public Funding
Program Service Income
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Program Data
OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN
SERVED BY CASA IN FY21
Research shows that reunification
with their parents, when safe and
possible, is the best outcome for
children. CASA volunteers stay by
a child’s side throughout the case,
advocating first for reunification
when safe and possible. If
reunification is not safe or possible,
CASA volunteers will advocate
for the child to be adopted by or
live with other relatives or family
friends. If that is also not an option,
CASA volunteers will work towards
adoption by a non-relative.
No matter the outcome, CASA
volunteers will keep in contact with
the child’s support network until
the case closes so that everyone
continues to put the child’s best
interests first.
CASA involvement
reduces the time a
child spends in foster
care by an average
of 6 months.
(DCFS CFSR REPORT,
OPTIMA DATA)
ILLINOIS CASA LOCAL PROGRAMS
Advocacy Network for Children
421
157
125
Boone County CASA
99
41
17
Champaign County CASA
630
243
142
CASA of Cook County
651
77
328
CASA DeKalb County
229
105
63
CASA of DuPage County
339
176
178
CASA of East Central Illinois
243
88
39
CASA of Effingham County
131
21
62
CASA of Franklin & Hamilton Counties
107
26
38
CASA of Jefferson County
195
45
34
Jersey County CASA
88
20
30
CASA Kane County
609
294
266
CASA of Kankakee County
94
22
17
CASA Kendall County
136
72
44
CASA of West Central Illinois
189
44
CASA Lake County
688
230
319
LaSalle County CASA
53
27
26
CASA of the 15th Judicial Circuit
167
74
21
Macon County CASA
419
141
256
CASA of Southwestern Illinois
972
319
173
CASA of Marion County
78
78
31
CASA of McHenry County
167
52
142
CASA of McLean County
134
67
91
CASA of the 10th Judicial Circuit
756
106
208
Child Abuse Council/CASA of Rock Island
33
20
CASA of Saline County
99
27
21
Sangamon County Child Advocacy Center/
CASA of Sangamon County
175
94
74
CASA of Vermillon and Edgar Counties
485
146
48
CASA of River Valley
372
124
140
CASA of Williamson County
206
90
76
Winnebago County CASA
384
141
103
Children
Served
in FY21
New
Assignments
in FY21
CASA
Volunteers
in FY21
10
ILLINOIS CASA
Network Engagement
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Illinois CASA provides the network with technical
support for all major areas of operation. During
FY21 Illinois CASA provided technical assistance in
the areas of grants, data collection, social media,
education, program operations, recruitment, case
support, legislation and policies and procedures.
COVID-19 related technical assistance continued to
be an ongoing need for the network. To address this
need Illinois CASA brought in a human resource expert
to provide guidance to the local programs on office
re-opening plans. The Illinois CASA staff has a wealth
of information in all areas relating to the effective
operations of CASA programs. Illinois CASA ensures
that the network is apprised of pertinent information
impacting the network and the youth in care in Illinois.
Illinois CASA established three new task forces and
work groups that meet on a regular basis allowing
members from the network the opportunity to voice
their opinion and creativity. The task forces help
establish goals in various areas of the CASA network
and build a sense of community across the network.
Some of the groups have emerged organically within
the network.
ILLINOIS CASA EQUITY TASK FORCE
Illinois CASA has an active Equity Task Force
composed of 11 members of the CASA Network. These
members include Board Members, Illinois CASA staff,
Program Directors, and Program Staff. The group has
focused on assessment of the network and creating
measurable goals for the task force. The task force
meets on a regular basis at least quarterly to discuss
progress. In FY21, the task force was focused on
assessment of the network to help drive training.
As part of FY21 goals, the task force met its goal of
adopting a DEI statement.
ILLINOIS CASA DATA TASK FORCE
Illinois CASA has an active Data Task Force composed
of members of the Illinois CASA staff, Program
Directors and Program Staff. The work has focused on
standardizing the utilization of Optima, CASA specific
data management system used throughout the state.
The task force is also working on creating a guide for
the network on data entry. The goal of the network is
to make the data collection and entry process uniform
throughout the state.
ILLINOIS CASA RECRUITMENT TASK FORCE
In FY21, Illinois CASA established a recruitment task
force to address the critical need to attract new
volunteers to serve the increased number of children
assigned to the Illinois CASA network during the
pandemic. This increase, coupled with complications of
recruiting, training and supervising volunteers virtually,
forced Local Programs to brainstorm new virtual
strategies. Each Local Program received funding from
Illinois CASA earmarked for recruitment in their service
area. The task force continues to meet quarterly and is
open to any staff partner across the network engaged
in recruitment efforts at the local level.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
11
Education Advocacy
Children in foster care face many obstacles throughout their lives, one of them being educational
attainment. Many of children CASA provides advocacy for experience low-grade completion rates, increased
absenteeism, are more likely to be disciplined and suspended from school, are 50% less likely to complete
high school education, and less than 3% pursue and attain post-secondary education. Covid-19 further
increased the education gap due to remote learning.
With $886,198.00 in Coronavirus Emergency
Supplemental Funding from the Illinois Criminal Justice
Information Authority, Illinois CASA committed to
providing educational advocacy support to children
by providing financial support, technical assistance,
training, and leadership guidance to the 31 local
programs, staff partners, and CASA volunteers. Each
Local Program received $25,961.00 and allocated the
funding in a manner most suited to their service area.
As a result, CASA volunteers:
•
Collaborate with foster parents, social workers, and
educational personnel
•
Advocate for children to remain in their home
school when changing foster homes
•
Ensure timely academic record transfer when a
child is placed in a new foster home
•
Advocate for timely and consistent developmental
screening
•
Advocate for special education services as needed
and ensure yearly reviews
•
Identify and assist with inappropriate suspensions
and expulsions
•
Assist youth in securing tutors as needed
•
Ensure graduation requirements are on track
•
Support youth with post-secondary education
planning
“At a time when children do not
have adequate access to their
caseworkers, resources or even
basic human necessities, the
presence of a CASA in a child’s
life is the physical embodiment
of a guardian angel. Now more
than ever, CASAs are a vital
and necessary factor in the
healing of traumatized children.
CASAs are a gift for which we
are so very grateful.”
HONORABLE JUDGE ERICKA SANDERS
12
ILLINOIS CASA
Illinois’ Juvenile Court Act of 1987 was written when the Illinois CASA network was newly established. So,
while the Act includes basic provisions regarding the roles and responsibilities for CASA, the State Office
worked with judges, members of the General Assembly and other involved parties to draft updated language
more reflective the Association’s current capacities. HB 3277, sponsored by Senator Christopher Belt and
Representative Terra Costa-Howard clearly defines the role and responsibilities of advocates and was
passed by the 102nd General Assembly and goes into law January 1, 2022.
APPOINTMENT TIMING
The revision calls for CASA appointment upon the
filing of the petition or at any time during the life of
a case if special advocates are available. The word
“may” is replaced with “shall” regarding appointment
of CASA in all counties except Cook at the request of
the Public Guardian’s Office who acts as the Guardian
ad Litem and attorney for the child in that county.
Having a caring, consistent adult to listen and place
a child’s best interests at the forefront of a case +can
make all the difference. After receiving approved
specialized training, CASA and GAL volunteers
get to know the child intimately. They listen. They
communicate with the parties involved in the child’s
life to determine the needs necessary for them to
heal and thrive. They ensure the child is safe and
provide critical information which aids the court in
making crucial legal decisions that may have long
lasting effects for children and families. In a system
riddled with high turnover and large caseloads, CASA
and GAL volunteers are caring, consistent adults who
form a one-on-one relationship with a child facing an
uncertain future.
PROVIDES CLEAR DEFINITIONS
OF THE CASA ROLE
A ‘court appointed special advocate’ is a community
volunteer who must receive approved training in
compliance with state and nationally developed
standards, has been thoroughly screened and is
actively being supervised by a court appointed special
advocate program in good standing with the Illinois
Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates
and the National CASA/GAL Association. Additionally,
the revision outlines eligibility criteria for volunteer
candidates.
PROMOTES CULTURAL COMPETENCY
The proposed revision requires training regarding
cultural competency. Defines cultural competency.
Calls for court appointed special advocate programs
to promote policies, practices and procedures that
are culturally competent. Ensures all volunteers have
the training necessary to appreciate, understand,
and appropriately interact with members of diverse
populations within the local communities they serve.
Legislative Update
“CASA has been an incredible
asset to our court system and
the families CASA has been
appointed to. I have worked
closely with several advocates
and they have made such
a difference in the lives of
children and families. It is a
truly phenomenal program.”
WHITNEY KAMPWERTH LUEBBERS, ATTORNEY
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
13
Recruitment in FY21
Illinois CASA crossed a major
threshold in June 2021 with over
3,000 volunteers now serving
throughout Illinois. 932 advocates
were trained last year—no easy feat
during a pandemic.
Illinois CASA worked to increase
social media presence across
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and
LinkedIn.
Illinois CASA committed $131,925 to
support local recruitment efforts across
the state. Local programs received money
to enhance awareness and recruitment
utilizing billboards, television, newspaper,
radio and yard signs.