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Become a CASA Volunteer

More than 16,000 Illinois children will experience an open child abuse/neglect case this year. We believe that every single child deserves an advocate who will step up to protect their best interests. Get connected to your local CASA program or Read more about becoming a CASA Volunteer. 

What is CASA Volunteer?

Court Appointed Special Advocates® (CASA) are community volunteers who stand up and speak out to help children who have experienced abuse and neglect. These volunteers are well-trained, appointed by judges, and supported by local CASA program staff to advocate for children in the courtroom and beyond. CASA Volunteers:

  • Are assigned to advocate for children who have an open child abuse or neglect case in Illinois.
  • Build relationships with children by visiting them at least once a month and ensure that the child's best interests & desires are voiced in court. 
  • Can be caring adults of any background, and are thoroughly trained & supported throughout this flexible, unique, and meaningful volunteer opportunity. 

Giving just 5-15 hours of your time per month can Change A Child's Story.™ Learn more about the role of CASA Volunteers.


Attend a CASA 101 Info Session

Want to learn more about the role of CASA Volunteers in Illinois? Join a CASA 101 virtual informational session to learn more about the CASA role, ways to get connected to your local CASA program, and more information about becoming a volunteer. 



Find Your Local CASA Program

Ready to get connected to your local CASA program? CASA exists in 87 of the 102 Illinois counties.

Click your county to find your local CASA program. Local CASA Staff are equipped to provide all the training and supervision you need to advocate for children in your community. 


Stay Connected with Illinois CASA

Get occasional email updates from Illinois CASA, including stories from local CASA programs, upcoming webinars & events, and ways to strengthen our advocacy as a network. 

July 2026: One volunteer's consistency

A story adapted from local CASA staff:

When a child entered foster care shortly after birth, they were assigned a CASA Volunteer in their community.

Over the next five years, the child experienced six different agency caseworkers. Through every transition, every court hearing, and every milestone, one person remained by their side:

Their CASA Volunteer. 

Last year, the child was adopted by their foster parents into a loving, permanent home.The CASA Advocate was there to celebrate that special day and remains in contact with the child today.

You may not be able to change where a child's story begins, but you can help change how it unfolds.

Children in your community need someone who will show up, stay involved, and advocate for their best interests. You have the power to Change A Child’s Story.

Learn more about the impact of CASA Volunteers.

Our impact this year has changed our community!

  • Children Served in FY25

    9,907

  • Volunteer Hours in FY25

    128,849

  • Volunteer Advocates in FY25

    3,057

  • Number of New Children Served in FY25

    2,893

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

  • DCFS
    DCFS
  • The Office of Illinois Courts
    The Office of Illinois Courts
  • Illinois Attorney General
    Illinois Attorney General
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