“Being the Voice of the Child” is how CASA Executive Director Jill Olson described the work of their court volunteers during this week’s Rotary meeting.  Created in 1993 at the urging of Circuit Court Judge John Countryman, CASA DeKalb (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers are the link between professionals and children to see that the child’s wishes are fully represented as the judicial system seeks their safe treatment.

 

Olson says their organizations has about 60 volunteers and 25 lawyers providing services without charge.  They serve approximately 200 children a year.  Olson said a number of cases apparently never get reported since a study suggests there is a case of child abuse every 13 hours in DeKalb County.  Olson asked Rotarians to consider becoming CASA volunteers.  A volunteer typically commits to 10 to 12 hours a week.  Details may be found at their website:  www.casadekalb.org.

 

Olson added that the CASA program is a donor-funded organization.  Their largest fundraiser is the “50 Men Who Cook” event scheduled for August 12 at the NIU Barsema Visitor’s Center.