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Community Corner

Volunteers Needed!

Local Nonprofit Announces Volunteer Training/Informational Sessions

 

CASA of Will County asks locals, “Are you up to the challenge of helping abused and neglected children?”

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JOLIET, Ill. – September 25, 2013 – CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Will County, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to draw from community resources to provide well-trained volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the juvenile court system, announced today its upcoming informational sessions in Naperville. Informational sessions are held periodically to provide those interested in volunteering an opportunity to learn more and ask questions.

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These informational sessions will be held at 4232 Tower Court, Naperville, IL on:

October 3       3:30 – 4:30

October 9       10:00 – 11:00

CASA volunteers play an integral role in acting as Guardians Ad Litem (GAL) in court cases involving minors who are often the victims of abuse or neglect.

 “CASA would not be able to serve children in need without our volunteers,” said Rita Facchina, Executive Director of CASA of Will County. “We are always in need of new volunteers who are willing to dedicate their time and efforts to this great cause.”

Following is an overview of the primary roles CASA volunteers fulfill in their appointed children’s cases:

 

·         Investigation of the child’s circumstances, becoming the judge’s eyes and ears.

·         Monitoring compliance with court orders, ensuring necessary services are being provided to the child and family.

·         Verification of whether the parents are improving their parenting skills and that the foster placement, where applicable, is appropriate for the child.

·         Advocating for successful placement in a permanent loving home as quickly as possible.

 

In order to prepare them for these responsibilities, volunteers receive 33 hours of pre-service training and must commit approximately 10-15 hours per month of volunteer service in addition to meeting other requirements, including a minimum age requirement, and completion of a criminal background and personal reference check as well as a personal interview.  Our next training session begins October 19 and the subsequent training is tentatively scheduled for January 2014.  Trainings are conducted quarterly. 

The most important prerequisite to becoming a CASA advocate is a sincere and genuine interest in the welfare of children and a willingness to make a positive impact in their lives, as the advocates’ mantra is “I am for the child.” The impact volunteers make on the children they serve underscores the importance of r CASA of Will County’s efforts to recruit new advocates.

CASA of Will County, a 501(c)(3), has been serving the area’s youth since 1994. In 2012, the organization served 274 abused and neglected children in Will County, representing 50% of the children that came into care. However, 83 children were not served due to a lack of volunteers. Its long-term goal is to represent 100% of the children who come into care. CASA of Will County receives its funding from corporate and private donations as well as fundraising events, including the upcoming Polar Express. Those interested in the program can call the office at 815-730-7072, email Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Sheri Lerner at slerner@casaofwillcounty.org or visit the website at www.casaofwillcounty.org.

 

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About CASA of Will County:  CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Will County is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to draw from the community resources to provide well-trained volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in our juvenile court system. For more information please visit www.casaofwillcounty.org or follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/casawillcounty or YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/casaofwillcounty.

 

 




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