Keeping an Eye on Kids
In this time of social distancing, we must all work to remain socially close to children. Child abuse and neglect is likely on the rise in the face of this pandemic, as families are put under more financial and emotional stress, but reporting may be down. To learn more about the steps CASA is taking to help keep kids safe during this difficult, unprecedented season of isolation, click here.
Using Digital Tools to Keep in Touch
During the pandemic, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) cannot enter the homes (foster homes or parental homes) of appointed children to ensure their safety and well-being. CASA Supervisors and CASA Volunteers are working from home—making calls, participating in video chats and doing everything in their power to keep in communication with all parties involved in the lives of the children. Click here to view our Remote Work Plan
Need for CASAs Greater than Ever; Virtual Training Available
CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit small staff (less than 15 people) is currently serving 634 children—which represent only one-third of the children in our five-county area needing a voice in court. For more information about being a CASA Volunteer visit CASAoftheTenth.org or email CASA@peoriacounty.org.
Volunteers Finding Ways to Stay in Touch with Children
CASA is busy advocating for kids during the COVID-19 pandemic in new and creative ways.
Volunteer Elyse Wiley sent a video of herself reading Jimmy Kimmel’s book, The Serious Goose, to her CASA kids, ages 1, 4 and 5. They loved it! Watch the video on YouTube.
Volunteer Russ Fahlberg develops craft projects that don’t require much in the way of materials and mails the projects to his CASA kids, who are in two separate homes. He then contacts the kids to check-in and discuss the craft projects.