About CASA
Our Work
CASA DeKalb County is the eyes and ears of the Judge and the voice of the child in court. We gather information about a child by visiting them and speaking with others involved in their life. Through written reports, CASA Advocates provide a clear picture of the child’s life to the Judge so the Judge can make informed decisions on the case.
Our Volunteers
We recruit everyday citizens to be volunteer advocates for children. A CASA Advocate becomes a stable, consistent person in a child’s life during their court case, giving them hope for a better future. Find out how you can help change a child’s story starting today.
Our Vision
Our Values
Compassion for children – a sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.
Advocacy for justice for children in the juvenile court system who have experienced abuse or neglect.
Service to the community built on trust and responsibility.
Acknowledgement and Respect of others’ diverse cultures, lifestyles and spirituality.
Our History
1977
The first CASA program was started by Judge David Soukup in King County, Washington
1993
CASA DeKalb County was incorporated as a nonprofit organization
1994
First training class sworn in by the DeKalb County Circuit Court as CASA Advocates
1999
Serving 100% of children involved in abuse or neglect court each year
2013
Celebrated 20 years of advocacy for DeKalb County children
2021
Moved to our current location to support our growing staff size
Today
Our Impact
CASA Advocates help ensure children do not fall through the cracks of the child welfare system. Advocates build healthy relationships with the children in their case, strengthening a child’s resilience and helping them overcome the trauma they have experienced.
Here is an example of our impact...
My name is Noah*, and I am 3 years old. I had a scary experience in a hotel room where my mom and her friends were doing drugs. They fell asleep and never woke up, leaving me all alone. The police found me and took me to live with my grandma. That’s when I met my CASA Advocate, Betty*. We read books together and talk about how I'm doing. She even talks to my grandma about what I need. Betty always brings fun things to do when she comes to visit - we love to laugh together! I really like having her around because she makes sure my voice is heard in court. Since my mom is gone and my dad is not around, Betty is helping my grandma adopt me by making my best interest known to the court. She is making sure that the adoption goes smoothly so my case doesn't fall through the cracks. I trust my CASA Advocate to be my voice in court – because of her, I should be adopted soon. I am happy in my new home, and I am so thankful for my CASA Advocate who has been by my side every step of the way.
*Names changed for confidentiality.
It is the policy of CASA DeKalb County, Inc. to not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, recipient of an order of protection, marital status, physical or mental disability/handicap or military status in any of its activities or operations. For more information, contact CASA at [email protected].
For information about victim’s rights and crime victims' compensation, please visit the Illinois Attorney General’s website at https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/victims/ or the DeKalb County, IL Victim Witness Program website at https://dekalbcounty.org/departments/states-attorneys-office/states-attorney-victim-witness-program/.
