CASA of Williamson County

CASA of Williamson County Offers

First-Ever Summer Fast Track Training

Each Spring and Fall CASA of Williamson County hosts a 30-hour New CASA Advocate training to prepare caring volunteers within the community to become advocates for abused and neglected children. Although this training is usually a month long with evening sessions twice a week to complete, a “fast track” training is being offered for the first time this June for those who are available and interested in becoming a CASA Advocate. Training will begin June 16^th and class will take place from 9 a.m. to noon each day, except Tuesdays, through June 27^th. After being trained, a CASA advocate is sworn-in as an officer of the court and ready to become a child advocate for a local child who has been abused and/or neglected. “We need to keep advocates trained and available to take cases,” states Executive Director, Cheri Fitts. “Now that we’ve increased our level of service, we definitely want to continue serving all of these children in need.” She added. “And to serve 100% of the children coming into care, we need to host a training this summer to have enough trained advocates to assign that will last until we train again in the fall.” Persons interested in finding out more about becoming a local CASA volunteer advocate should contact CASA of Williamson County at 997-1301 ext. 291. The local website is www.casawilliamsoncounty.com.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Williamson County, a non-profit organization, and member of the National and Illinois CASA Associates, Advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children. Based on the belief that children are entitled to a safe and permanent home, CASA works in collaboration with legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and represent the child in juvenile court.

What is CASA?

CASA of Williamson County is comprised of dedicated volunteers, trained to assist our children in need. As a result of our volunteers, extremely vulnerable children and youth are supported by our caring and committed advocates, providing reassurance and stability through the sea of case workers, attorneys, therapists, and care givers.

What does a CASA do?

CASA volunteers are ordinary men and women who want to personally lend a hand to our children in need. Along with our director, they work with a judge, alongside attorneys and social workers, as appointed officers of the court. When a CASA is assigned to a case, it is their responsibility to learn as much as possible about the involved child(ren) by reviewing records, visiting teachers, neighbors and parents. These volunteers then appear in court to report their findings to the judge, helping to determine what is in the best interest of the child.

Our Children Need You......

There are abused and neglected children in Williamson County who need your support. CASA of Williamson County, Inc. is only a phone call away. Become a volunteer, make a contribution, or simply tell others about how CASA is helping children during a frightening and bewildering time.

CONTACT US

We can be reached at:

618-997-1301 extension 291
casawmsn2@yahoo.com

Our office is located at:

Williamson Co. Courthouse Annex

201 W. Main, Marion, Illinois 62959.

Correspondence can be mailed to:

P.O. Box 972, Marion, IL 62959

Speak up for a child.