HB 1039 and SB 1753

State Appropriation— Illinois is one of only six states in the U.S. that does not fund a CASA program.  The other states include: Alabama, Montana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  Illinois CASA seeks a $5,000,000 appropriation to provide current advocacy services and allow for new program development to provide trained, court appointed volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused and/or neglected children in Illinois’ Juvenile Court and Foster Care System . 

Illinois CASA Meets the Need—CASA volunteers make sure that the abuse and neglect that the children originally suffered at home doesn’t continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the system.  CASA advocates work tirelessly to ensure that children in foster care are placed in safe, nurturing, permanent homes as quickly as possible.  Last year alone 28,492 children were found to be victims of abuse and /or neglect. 

Seeking Partial Funding — Last year local CASA programs, through community, support raised over $3.9 million to provide the training and support needed to advocate for 4,740 abused and neglected children.  CASA programs in Illinois provide those services at a median cost of $831 per child (less than the national).  DCFS reported that in FY2007, there were 15,823 children in substitute care requiring more than $23 million to serve all the children in need.  Illinois CASA seeks only partial funding to grow and expand service.    Illinois can not afford not to have a CASA program.  Our most vulnerable children deserve to have a concerned consistent adult be present in their life.  One child. One future, One voice. That is the commitment of CASA.

Bill Sponsors House and Senate.doc

7501 N. University St., Suite 217 B Peoria, IL Phone 309-683-8788 Fax: 309-683-8788