CASA

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children is a national network of 939 community-based programs that recruit, train and support citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities.

Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer County CASA currently has 23 volunteer advocates. Empowered directly by the courts, they remain involved until a child’s case is closed, providing judges with the critical information needed to ensure each child’s rights and needs are met.

Mission:

The EveryChild Rock Island, Henry and Mercer Counties Court Appointed Special Advocate (RIHM CASA) Program recruits, screens, trains, supervises and supports volunteer citizens to effectively strengthen families and speak to the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children within the 14th Judicial Juvenile Court System (Rock Island, Henry & Mercer Counties) because every child has the right to a safe, permanent and nurturing home. 

Vision:

Every child is placed in a safe, permanent home.

To build our nationally recognized CASA program for abused and neglected children, focusing on Rock Island, Henry & Mercer Counties and throughout the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Our vision is to:

• Serve all eligible children within RIHM CASA’s service region.

• Achieve for all eligible children a stable, healthy and permanent family/ home.

• Increase Volunteer capacity through quality supervision, case management support and training.

• Provide consistent high-quality RIHM CASA services.

• Increase awareness regarding and the visibility of the RIHM CASA Program

What does a CASA do?

• Works to make a child's voice heard in court.

• Works to protect a child's safety and well-being in and out of the court room.

• Works to make sure children will be placed in a safe and loving home.

• Respects a child's right to privacy and does not share any information about a child unless it is for their safety. 

• Cares about what a child has to say and help support their needs.

What does CASA do with a case?

• A CASA meets with a child to find out how things are going in a child's foster home, with their parents, and at school. 

• A CASA gathers information from other people involved in a child's life and their family. 

• A CASA writes a report for the judge to use in the next court hearing. 

How long is a CASA involved?

• A CASA can work with a child as long as their court case is before the court. 

​How can you become a CASA volunteer?

• No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all cultures and professions, and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds.

• Once accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training. Volunteers are trained in courtroom procedure, the social service system and the inner workings of the juvenile court system. Understanding more about family dynamics and the development of children is also discussed during training.