CASA names new leadership

CASA Kane County, a nonprofit organization that serves local abused and neglected children, recently announced its new officers.

Michael Fratamico will serve his third year as board chairman. He is a certified public accountant and vice president of Prevue Pet Products. He has served on the board for six years.

Ed Werneke has just been elected vice chairman. Werneke is retired from Nicor. He first became involved with the organization when he volunteered as a CASA volunteer.

Jim Kaczkowski is the treasurer. He is a CPA for Kaczkowski & Associates, and is one of the agency's newest board members.

Mari Connelly is the new board secretary. She is the owner of AlphaGraphics in St. Charles.

Last year, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services received more than 3,700 reports of abuse and neglect in Kane County. Studies have shown that children who have been abused or neglected are more likely to become juvenile delinquents, or violent adult criminals. One factor that can prevent these outcomes is the presence of a concerned, consistent adult in their life. CASA volunteers provide such consistency by remaining on their case until it closes. CASA volunteers are appointed by the judge to every case involving child abuse and neglect in Juvenile Court. Last year, the program's 200 volunteers represented 466 children.

This year alone, there has been a 90-percent increase in the number of new cases.

CASA Kane County must continually train and case manage Court Appointed Special Advocates in order to meet the demands of the court system.

For information on ways you can donate or volunteer, call the CASA Office at (630) 232-4484, or visit the Web site at www.casakanecounty.org.