Local CASA Organization Recruits Volunteers to Advocate for Kids in Judicial System

BELLEVILLE - CASA of Southwestern Illinois is looking for volunteers to help kids navigate the judicial system.

CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, work with kids who have experienced abuse or neglect. Most of these kids are in the foster care system, and CASA volunteers spend time with the kids and speak on their behalf in court to help the judge make decisions in the best interest of the child. The CASA SWI organization is looking for volunteers who will work with these kids and advocate for them in a court setting.

“No one should have to go through the foster care system alone,” said a spokesperson for CASA SWI. “There's a lot of bad things in this world, so just having someone there that can spread a little good, do something good for a child — that is so important.”

Volunteers must be 21 years old and have a clean background check. Every volunteer receives extensive training so they’re prepared to meet with the child, write court reports and attend meetings.

CASA SWI asks volunteers to commit to a child for the duration of the case. This translates to about five hours a month or less, and you make your own hours.

“Anyone that has a willingness to help [can volunteer],” the spokesperson said. “You don’t have to have legal or courtroom experience, just a love for helping others, someone who has a little bit of extra time in their month that they want to give, and someone that really cares about children.”

The volunteer is a stable presence in the child’s life. They are appointed by the judge and write reports on the child’s behalf. The CASA SWI spokesperson pointed out that volunteers go a long way toward improving a child’s life.

“It’s really beneficial for the child because they’ll have someone there with them that hopefully can help them find a safe, permanent home once they are out of the foster care system,” they added. “It’s really someone there to advocate for them, speak up for them, and just kind of be their friend through the tough time they’re going through.”

CASA SWI serves St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Randolph and Bond Counties. For more information about CASA SWI, including how to volunteer, visit their official website at CASAofSWIL.org.

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