Golf outing supports CASA DuPage County so organization can help kids in need
Consistency. That is what a child needs.
But for children who enter the court system due to allegations of abuse and neglect in the home, the only thing they can count on is change.
That's where CASAs come in. Court Appointed Special Advocates serve children ages 21 and younger who find themselves in the juvenile court system. CASA, a national group, has organizations in Lake, Cook, Kane and DuPage counties.
According to its website, dupagecasa.org, CASAs visit once a month and observe the child where they live for the duration of the court case, as well as other settings where needed; attend court hearings, school and interagency meetings; communicate with caseworkers, foster parents and family members; gather and record information from each interaction; review agency reports, service plans, court orders and other documents; and prepare written reports for the court of information obtained from visits.
Those appointed to a child must attend 30 hours of pre-service advocate training; spend, on average, 10 hours per month on casework; maintain at least 12 continuing education requirements per fiscal year; and remain on the case from acceptance until the case is closed, which on average is two to three years.
Consistency. The one person a child can look to for comfort and understanding during a dark time.
"Emotional damage caused by child abuse follows children into adulthood. They can develop post-traumatic stress, depression, and struggle with mental illness," said CASA DuPage County Executive Director Suzanne Skala in an email.
"By building strong children, we can avoid years of trying to repair broken adults. We express our sincerest gratitude to the entire DuPage County community for supporting our vision that every child deserves a safe, permanent, and nurturing home."
To help with its programs, CASA of DuPage County will host its annual CASA Golf Classic fundraiser Wednesday, May 17, at Cantigny Golf, 27W270 Mack Road in Wheaton.
The day includes 18 holes of golf (scramble format) with contests and games, raffle items and live auction items. Registration and the box lunch start at 11 a.m., with a noon shotgun start, followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and program at 6:30 p.m.
Cost is $250 for golf, $1,000 for a foursome; $60 for dinner only.
Sign up at bidpal.net/casagolf2023. For information, visit dupagecasa.org.
There are also sponsorships available.
Vicki Shaw, development director for CASA DuPage County, talks about how you can become a volunteer to help kids in need.
Q: What is CASA DuPage County? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
A: CASA of DuPage County supports children in the foster care system who have been removed from their unsafe homes because of abuse and neglect. CASA recruits, trains and supports volunteer advocates to effectively speak to the best interests of children in the court system and in the community. CASA's vision is every child deserves a safe, permanent, nurturing home.
Q: How many people per year do you serve?
A: CASA of DuPage serves about 400 children in DuPage County annually.
Q: What are some of your programs?
A: Here are our programs:
Juvenile Abuse/Neglect
Children who have been removed from their unsafe homes because of abuse or neglect are appointed a CASA volunteer who will get to know them and advocate for their best interests. The CASA volunteer advocate will visit children regularly, connect them with resources and support them through this traumatic time in their lives.
Guardianship Assistance
As an alternative to foster care, a responsible family member or family friend may be granted legal guardianship when a parent is unable to care for their child. CASA is also appointed to children in these cases to assess circumstances and report to the court regarding the best interests of the child.
Educational Advocacy
Advocates work with caregivers and parents to ensure children are enrolled in school and receiving needed educational services. Volunteers establish relationships with teachers and help connect children and families with tutoring and other community resources.
Empowering Futures
Older youth can face daunting obstacles, as they often do not have a consistent adult to guide and prepare them for adulthood. This program trains advocates to assist youth ages 13 and older with education, life skills, employment, housing, physical/emotional health, and relationship building as they move toward independence.
Empowerment Grants
DuPage CASA provides small grants to older youth, assisting them in achieving their educational and vocational goals. This program funds expenses for book and technology fees, extracurricular activities, as well as expenses associated with starting a new job.
Q: Where do the majority of your funds come from to support your work and what are they used for?
A: CASA of DuPage's annual operating budget is just under $1 million. We are privately supported by grants, special event fundraising and direct support from individuals.
Q: How can readers become volunteers?
A: If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, visit dupagecasa.org/get-involved/.
Q: How can readers help CASA DuPage if they can't volunteer?
A: There are a few different ways to support CASA of DuPage. You can make a donation online at dupagecasa.org. Other ways include sponsoring an event, donating a vehicle or stock, naming CASA in your estate plan, or donating gift cards for foster youth. You can view more information on these ways to support CASA of DuPage at dupagecasa.org/support-casa/.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
A: This year marks CASA of DuPage County's 30th anniversary!
Because of our long-lasting partnership with the DuPage County court system that began in 1993, we are proud to have provided advocacy to more than 3,000 children. We started 30 years ago with 15 volunteer advocates who were the voices of 33 children.
Today, CASA has grown into a strong and impactful organization in the DuPage County community - with experience, expertise, and resources, now supporting more than 400 children with 180 volunteer advocates in the past year.
CASA of DuPage will celebrate at its upcoming Golf Classic Wednesday, May 17, at Cantigny, and at its Pearl Gala on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Sheraton in Lisle.
For more information about our upcoming golf outing, visitbidpal.net/casagolf2023 or contact Vicki Shaw at vicki@dupagecasa.org.
CASA golf outings
CASA in Lake, DuPage and Kane counties will host golf outings to support CASA’s mission to ensure that every child in the foster care system has a safe and permanent home. Proceeds from the events will go toward recruiting, training and supporting CASA volunteers.
CASA DuPage County
When: Wednesday, May 17; registration and the box lunch start at 11 a.m., with a noon shotgun start, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and program at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Cantigny Golf, 27W270 Mack Road in Wheaton
Cost: $250 for golf, $1,000 for a foursome; $60 for dinner only
Register: Sign up at
bidpal.net/casagolf2023CASA Lake CountyWhen: Monday, June 26; registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the shotgun start at 11 a.m.Where: Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, 24000 N. Old McHenry RoadRegister:
www.casalakecounty.comCASA Kane CountyWhen: Monday, Aug. 14Where: St. Charles Country Club, 1250 Country Club Road, St. CharlesDetails: