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Help give abused children a voice in court with CASA

For more than 30 years, CASA Kane County has been recruiting, training and supervising community volunteers who serve as court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) and the guardian ad litem (GAL) for children in court due to abuse, neglect or private guardianship.

Volunteers need no special background or experience, the CASA organization provides extensive training and supports each volunteer every step of the way in their work.

Meet the team and learn more about what it means to become a CASA/GAL volunteer at an online session from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, June 2 or July 7; 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 28; and 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 30.

Volunteers must complete an in-depth, 40-hour training program that prepares them for the life-changing work they will be doing for the children and the court.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with CASA Kane County, contact Sandie Cross at sandiec@casakanecounty.org or (630) 433-3131.

To find out about future volunteer information sessions, visit casakanecounty.org/volunteer/general-information-meetings/.

The volunteer acts as the eyes and ears of the judge to help make the best decision for a safe, caring and permanent home for each child.

The volunteer must maintain a relationship with the child, including establishing and investigating the child's situation and needs, as well as visiting the child at least once to twice a month.

As part of case reviews, volunteers speak with the child and relevant adults while investigating the child's situation and needs; review appropriate records and reports; and observe the child, significant others and child visitations.

Volunteers must attend all court hearings to see that all relevant facts are presented and attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child.

They also provide a written report to the court with factual information and participate in case conferences concerning the child.

To learn more about the expectations and requirements of being a CASA/GAL volunteer, visit casakanecounty.org/become-a-casa-gal-volunteer/.

Follow CASA Kane County on Facebook.

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