Welcome to the Boone County CASA Inaugural Newsletter and Happy New Year!

In this first Boone County CASA Newsletter, we wanted to recap some of the events that took place with the CASA program in 2008, as well as give you detailed information on what the CASA program provides to our community and to the children we serve.

History of the CASA Program

In 1977, a Seattle judge conceived the idea of using trained community volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. So successful was this program that soon judges across the country began utilizing citizen advocates. In 1990, the US Congress encouraged the expansion of CASA programs with passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act.

Today, CASA has grown to a network of more than 50,000 volunteers that serve 225,000 abused and neglected children through 900+ local program offices nationwide. Our advocates, also known as volunteer Guardian ad Litems, are appointed by the court. Judges rely on the information these trusted advocates present in their written reports.

Boone County CASA Increases the Number of Child Advocates
Boone County CASA is excited about adding ten new advocates in 2008. These community members were sworn in as CASA volunteers before the Honorable Judge J. Todd Kennedy at the Boone County Courthouse. These new advocates join the existing team of seven advocates, increasing the programs capacity to better serve abused and neglected children.

Each new volunteer completed thirty (30) hours of rigorous training in courtroom procedures, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of abused and neglected children. They also had to pass a background check in preparation for their responsibilities. Each CASA volunteer will follow a single case, which may include one child or a sibling group, until the case is typically resolved in about two years.

The advocate will meet monthly with each child to assess his or her progress and needs. By regularly talking to foster parents, teachers, caseworkers and others, advocates acquire relevant information to help the judge make sound decisions, which at the end of the case, will result in a safe and loving home for the child.

If you are interested in volunteering to be an advocate, please contact our office. The next training is tentatively scheduled for April. The children in the court system are counting on us to improve their lives.

In 2008, there were 40 children in Boone County who had been abused and/or neglected. Volunteers serving as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), provide a powerful voice for these children.  

Boone County CASA Hires New Case Manager

Shannon Marion was hired as the new Case Manager in August 2008.  Shannon has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA and her paralegal certificate from Keiser College.  She has also served as a legal advocate supervisor and as a victim witness coordinator.  Shannon has been doing a fantastic job managing the current CASA caseload.

2008 Fundraising Events

2nd Annual Murder Mystery

Everyone, young and old alike, who attended our 2^nd Annual Murder Mystery Dinner were members of the themed “Class of ’85.” This event took place on Thursday, May 22^nd at 6:00 pm at The Community Building in Belvidere.

Our Intrepid Inspector Sponsors, those who contributed $500 for the evening festivities included: 

Ralph J. Baudhuin Foundation

Filtration Systems, Inc.

General Mills

Kerry Ingredients

Dan & Lynn Sellers

Raffle

We recently held our first raffle and the funds earned from this event went directly to helping the children in our program. The winners were drawn at our annual Breakfast Before Business on September 25^th at the Keen Age Center. Raffle prizes included a handmade quilt, a $100 gas card and $50 cash.

CASA Participates in the Heritage Day Parade and Green Giant Family Day

We participated in the Heritage Day Parade which took place on June 29.

This was great way for the people in our community to get to know us a little better.

We also joined Green Giant’s Family Day again this year. Visitors to our booth enjoyed mini putting and winning prizes including Learning Links passes donated by Rockford Park District.

New Web Site and Method to Donate to Boone County CASA

Please visit our new web site at:  www.boonecountycasa.org to learn more about our organization and the many volunteer opportunities that are available.

If you would like to make a donation, please call the CASA office or visit: www.firstgiving.com/boonecountycasa.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Boone County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA), based solely on the health, safety and best interest of children, is to ensure that every abused, neglected and dependent child has a competent, caring volunteer advocate in all judicial proceedings of that nature.