Geneva – Eleven CASA/GAL Volunteers complete their 8-week training program and were sworn in as a CASA/GAL Volunteers by the Honorable Judge Kathryn Karayannis. This was the first in-person swearing in ceremony since 2020, after being held online for the past two years. The ceremony was held, Tuesday, September 6th in the atrium of the courthouse located at 100 S. 3rd Street in Geneva.
“We are very thankful and honored these volunteers have taken the time to be trained through our eight-week training program,” states CASA Kane County Executive Director Jim Di Ciaula. “Having a 217% increase in cases since the pandemic started, we have a record level of children awaiting a CASA/GAL volunteer. CASA Kane County continues to serve 100% of cases. So, we are actively recruiting volunteers on an on-going basis to be able to continue keeping up with the numbers.”
Judge Kathryn Karayannis stated at the ceremony the importance placed on the CASA Volunteer role and the reports. When preparing for court the reports are written by trained CASA/GAL’s who are unbiased and fair to protect the children, CASA/GAL’s and truly are the eyes and ears that help the judges make decisions on the cases.
It is anticipated CASA Kane County will serve more than 600 children this year. Community support and consistent volunteers is the key component to the success of our children. The average length of each case is one to three years and having a continuous CASA/GAL volunteer relationship with a child is frequently the most interested presence in these children’s life.
Volunteers come from every background and range from age 21 on up. Volunteers need no prior training. CASA Kane County trains and supports CASAs every step of the way. We are beginning to encourage couples, co-workers, friends and family members to share the experience, responsibilities, love and hope for these children. Our volunteers are among the most respected in the community.
CASA Kane County will have a Fall Training Program beginning Wednesday, September 28th. There are two ways to gain information and join the eight-week training program. Interested volunteers can sign up for a General Information Volunteer Meeting the next one will be Wednesday, September 14 from 6-7 pm OR complete the online general information Here:
https://casakanecounty.org/volunteer/general-information-meetings/
CASA Kane County is currently seeking VOLUNTEERS to serve children throughout Illinois! To learn more, visit the organization’s website at www.casakanecounty.org or call 630-232-4484.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Kane County is a nonprofit organization that trains and supervises community volunteers to ensure the safety, permanency, and best interests for 100% of abused and neglected child cases. Child victims come from every economic and cultural background in our community. CASA Kane County ensures that each foster child is placed in a safe, permanent home and that their needs, ranging from medical care to educational support, are met with urgency.
CASA Kane County is a unique GAL (guardian ad litem program), which means that volunteers are appointed as officers of the court and are significantly relied upon by judges to act in the court case on behalf of a child. This greater authority requires volunteer training and organizational standards to be at a heightened level of compliance.
Want More Information About Volunteering?
Take the First Step and Visit our Online Page for Information or to Attend an Informational Meeting.