The CASA program is expanding to better serve children in need across several counties. Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan has announced a major merger that unites CASA of Franklin and Hamilton Counties with CASA of Effingham County, creating a new organization called CASA for Kids.
CASA for Kids provides court-appointed volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in counties covered by the Second and Fourth Judicial Circuits.
Mariah Hayes, the Executive Director of CASA for Kids, explained how the merger unfolded:
“The regionalization process started in summer 2024, with efforts to merge CASA of Franklin and Hamilton Counties with CASA of Effingham County, which also expanded into Clay, Fayette, and Jasper counties. CASA of South Central, serving Clinton and Marion counties, also joined the effort. The full merger was finalized in December 2024, and now we are CASA for Kids. Thanks to support from Chief Judge Morgan and funding through IL CASA, we’ve been able to expand into three additional counties in the Second Circuit.”
Chief Judge Morgan expressed her enthusiasm about the expansion:
“Expanding into White County in January 2025, with plans to launch programs in Edwards and Wayne counties soon, demonstrates our commitment to serving more children—especially in rural Illinois. I’ve worked with CASA of Franklin and Hamilton for years, and I look forward to supporting CASA for Kids as we continue to give a voice to every child involved in juvenile court, no matter where they live.”
Tina Casillas, the Director of Programs, added:
“This growth allows us to help even more children and families. Children are our future, and it truly takes a village. We’re grateful to our partners, volunteers, and community supporters for making this possible. Together, we’re building stronger, safer futures for the children we serve.”
For more information about volunteering or supporting CASA for Kids, visit casa4change.org.
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