FY2026 Data At-A-Glance

• 29 local programs served 85 of the 102 counties in Illinois. Find your local CASA program.
• 10,052 children were served by a local CASA program, a record-breaking year in Illinois. 
• 2,987 active CASA volunteers served children and families, with 514 new volunteers stepping up in their communities. Join us by becoming a CASA Volunteer.
• Of the 2,922 cases which closed, 71% of children lived with their biological parents, relatives, or fictive kin caregivers.
• Illinois CASA's service area has grown by 57% over the last five years, expanding from 54 to 85 counties. 

• Read the full FY2026 Illinois CASA Impact Report. 

FY2026 Impact Report

Outcomes

• Studies cited by the National CASA/GAL Association have shown that children with a CASA Volunteer are...
  • more likely to find a safe, permanent home.
  • more likely to succeed in school. 
  • half as likely to re-enter the child welfare system. 
• Further research from National CASA/GAL Association indicates that...
  • Judges have reported that CASA/GAL volunteers or staff have the most significant impact on promoting long-term well-being. 
  • CASA/GAL volunteers or staff play a critical role in supporting families by connecting parents with services aimed at securing safe and permanent housing and other support services that can aid in the reunification of their children.
  • Foster parents have reported that CASA/GAL volunteers or staff play a critical role in bridging the gap in communication and information, thereby promoting positive sibling relationships among children in their care.
  • Children appointed a CASA/GAL volunteer or staff experience significantly fewer placements than children in foster care who are not appointed a CASA/GAL staff or volunteer.
     

Illinois Child Welfare Statistics