Kane County launches ‘Circle of Care’ initiative to support children and families
Community leaders from across Kane County officially launched the “Kane County Circle of Care: Connecting Children and Families with Well-Being Resources” at a public event on Thursday, Jan. 15, at Club Arcada in downtown St. Charles.
The Kane County Circle of Care is a collaborative, community-based initiative dedicated to strengthening families and reducing the number of children entering foster care through prevention and early intervention.
Launched by CASA Kane County in response to the rising number of children entering foster care, the initiative brings together leaders from higher education, law enforcement, health care, social services, and other child-serving sectors to improve access to resources, supports, and opportunities that promote long-term stability and well-being for children, youth, and families.
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director Heidi Mueller served as the keynote speaker, sharing her passion for the initiative and its potential to expand from Kane County to communities across the state of Illinois.
Mueller expressed how honored she was to be part of the launch and her excitement about the meaningful impact the Circle of Care can have on children in foster care and their families. She also spoke to the long-term vision of this work, noting how initiatives like this could ultimately reduce the need for DCFS or reshape its role in the future.
Laura Oswald, board vice chair and CASA/GAL volunteer with CASA Kane County, welcomed attendees and introduced the Circle of Care Steering Committee members.
Michael Isaacson, executive director of the Kane County Health Department, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative and emphasized the importance of collaboration to improve the health and wellness of families throughout Kane County.
Jeff Aranowski, chief of executive services with the Kane County Regional Office of Education, who outlined the Circle of Care’s 2026 priorities, including:
• Development of an online website and resource tool featuring general resources, prevention and early intervention, and resources for older youth ages 14 or older;
• Two educational conferences: Thrive Community Summit: Helping Families Thrive through Early Intervention and Prevention on May 1, and an Older Youth Education Conference on Oct. 15.
• HOPE Experiences, which provide children and youth with positive childhood experiences such as attending the theater, participating in sports activities, and engaging in cultural opportunities.
Jim Di Ciaula, executive director of CASA Kane County and the visionary behind this initiative, introduced the new Kane County Circle of Care logo and previewed the online resource tool currently under development.
He also thanked the Gerald A. and Karen A. Kolschowsky Foundation for providing seed funding to launch the initiative and shared a brief video demonstrating how families will be able to search for available Kane County resources.
Di Ciaula shared, “The Circle of Care is about changing the trajectory for children in Kane County — connecting families with the right resources early and showing that real impact happens when a community works together.”
The evening concluded with Brian Knetl, president of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, who shared his excitement about the initiative’s educational focus and encouraged community involvement through info@kanecircleofcare.org.
The Kane County Circle of Care aims to:
• Focus on prevention and early intervention
• Provide resources, opportunities, and support to help parents, children, and families meet basic needs and enhance overall well-being
• Create pathways for youth and adults to navigate life’s challenges and adversities
Why it matters
As the number of children entering foster care continues to rise in Kane County (doubled in the past 6 years), local leaders recognized the urgent need for a coordinated, proactive approach to supporting families before crises occur.
The Kane County Circle of Care was established to address this need by connecting families and youth with the tools, programs, and services necessary to thrive.
An advisory council, composed of cross-sector community leaders, meets regularly to assess emerging needs, refine the initiative’s vision and guiding principles, collaborate with DCFS, and identify priority areas for impact.
More recently, a steering committee was formed to guide and advance the long-term work of the Circle of Care. Initial efforts focus on strengthening prevention and early intervention resources and supporting older youth ages 14 or older, with plans to expand over time.
Community members, partners, and stakeholders are invited to join this effort by e-mailing info@kanecircleofcare.org to be added to the Circle of Care communication list.
Together, the community is working toward a healthier, more connected future for children and families throughout Kane County.
About CASA Kane County
CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization, dedicated to advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are subsequently placed in foster care. They recruit, train, and supervise volunteers who serve as the child’s voice and the judge’s eyes and ears throughout the duration of their case in juvenile court. The vision is for every child entering foster care in Kane County to be placed in a safe, nurturing, and permanent home. They envision that all children will be equipped with the tools, resources, and support to thrive, lead fulfilled and happy lives, and reduce the likelihood of repeating the cycle of abuse. For more information, visit casakanecounty.org.