What We Accomplish

Every year children are reported abused and neglected. Some children must be removed from their homes because it isn’t safe for them to remain. Many enter foster care and wait for the complex, often lengthy process in which a judge will determine where they may safely and permanently live. During this time they may move from one temporary home to another, never knowing what will happen next. This is where a CASA volunteer steps in.

For CASA volunteers, the ultimate goal is to help ensure that all of the children in protective care find safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. Some children reunite with parents or relatives, while others make a connection with adoptive parents.

For many children, a CASA volunteer is the only constant during a frightening, uncertain time and remain with the child until their case closes. Few volunteer roles have such a critical and immediate impact on the life of a child as that of a CASA volunteer.

Reunification is the most common, and, most desired permanency goal for children in foster care. Keeping families together is better for the children, whenever safely possible. It is the first and best option. The goal of Sangamon County CASA is to reunify children with their families. Research shows that CASA involvement reduces the time a child spends in foster care by an average of 6 months. Children are less likely to re-enter the foster care system and have numerous positive outcomes such as academic success, overall wellbeing, increase in self-control, positive social relationships and optimism.