About the Nonprofit
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CASA Kane County is a nonprofit volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of these children within the juvenile court system. CASAs, which stands for court-appointed special advocates, are specially trained volunteers who act as the crucial voice of a child in an abusive or neglectful situation. CASA Kane County believes all children in the foster care system should have a “safe, nurturing and permanent home where they can thrive with the support and involvement of their community.”
CASA’s roots date back to 1976 in Seattle when juvenile court Judge David W. Soukup found that he lacked the information he needed to make a life-changing decision for a 3-year-old girl who was the victim of child abuse. He realized these children needed trained volunteers who could speak up for them in the courtroom for their best interests. This is where CASA volunteers step in, helping to ensure that the rights of these children--who through no fault of their own enter abuse/neglect courts--are received and respected.
Child Bill of Rights
Through caring and dedicated volunteers, CASA of Kane County will advocate for all children in need, will generate awareness of their plight, and will cultivate strong partnerships with individuals and organizations committed to bettering the lives of abused and neglected children. CASA of Kane County will advocate for the best interests of each and every one of its children, and in doing so, help ensure that the child client’s rights listed below are received and respected.
Every child in care has a right….
· To a safe, healthy, and appropriate environment, either with his/her biological family, with an adoptive family, or in continuing foster care.
· To be informed of his/her rights as a youth in care, and to be an active participant in their case when appropriate.
· To confidential communications with his/her attorney, caseworker, and CASA/GAL, and to have his/her privacy protected.
· To have his/her best interests represented at every court hearing by the CASA/GAL who is represented by an attorney.
· To receive necessary medical, dental, vision, hearing, and mental health services.
· To have consistent access to quality education, guidance, and preparation for adulthood.
· To practice his/her religion and uphold their cultural values without restriction, and to participate in extra-curricular, community, and life-enriching activities when appropriate.
· To be protected from physical, emotional, sexual, and other forms of abuse, and to be safeguarded from discrimination.
· To have consistent and healthy visits with siblings and other family members if deemed appropriate by the court.
· To receive consistent, high quality child welfare services for the duration of his/her time in care.