Event in Geneva designed to raise awareness of child abuse
CASA Kane County invites the community to join the annual Hands Around the Courthouse event set for noon on Thursday, April 10, at the Kane County Courthouse in Geneva.
The event serves as a reminder of the need to protect abused and neglected children and raise awareness of the effects of child abuse, according to a press release from CASA Kane County.
CASA Kane County is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the interests of children in foster care through the advocacy of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers, group officials said.
Held in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Hands Around the Courthouse event brings together community members, legal professionals and child advocates to spotlight the challenges faced by children in the foster care system, the release stated.
Each year, CASA Kane County's volunteers advocate for nearly 700 children, working to ensure their voices are heard and their futures safeguarded, officials with the group said.
By gathering for the event, participants reinforce their commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect, according to the release.
This year's event will feature Kane County Chief Judge Robert Villa, Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser and CASA Kane County Executive Director Jim Di Ciaula, event organizers said. They will provide insights into the state of child welfare in the county and discuss how the community can help.
'We could not do this critical work without our dedicated volunteers, our loyal supporters and our community partners and friends,' Di Ciaula said of the efforts of CASA Kane County. 'We need all of you – and more – to join us in our important journey to protect children by providing a caring, trusted adult who is a constant in their lives and gives them encouragement, support and most importantly hope.
'We ask anyone interested in supporting children, to take the time to learn more about getting involved with CASA Kane County and joining us at this meaningful community event,' he said in the release.
For more information about Hands Around the Courthouse and to learn how to get involved with CASA Kane County, go to www.casakanecounty.org or call 630-232-4484.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Rogers County raises most money for CASA through Paper Doll Project
For the second consecutive year, Rogers County raised the most money in a six-county drive to benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates of Northeast Oklahoma. CASA, an organization of volunteers who advocate in court for kids in difficult situations, gathers donations each spring from its Paper Doll Project. Individuals or groups in Rogers, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Ottawa and Washington counties give anywhere from $100 to $1,000 to receive child-sized wooden dolls to dress, name and display. Marketing Coordinator Mark Ogle came to the Rogers County Commissioners' meeting Monday to present a trophy to Rogers County for financing the most dolls. Ogle said in addition to funding CASA's operations, the dolls help foster kids because the kids will now receive the clothes donors bought for their dolls to wear. "It is a collaboration among the communities and all the counties," Ogle said. "It does get competitive, so you all won and for a second year over, so that's quite an accomplishment, and a lot of credit to Rogers County and all the businesses and organizations that joined in." Donors funded about 200 dolls this year, Ogle said. Also at Monday's meeting, the commissioners put out to bid a project to build a storage facility for Rogers County Emergency Management. District 2 Commissioner and Chairman Steve Hendrix said the project is part of an American Rescue Plan Act award that also funded a command center trailer for Emergency Management. Bid documents call for a 5,500-square-foot, one-story structure adjacent to the Rogers County 911 Center on State Highway 88. "Finally," Hendrix said after the commissioners voted to approve letting the bid. "Emergency Management has equipment strung out everywhere. We're going to finally get a place to put it." Anyone interested in submitting a bid should contact Samantha Sherman, purchasing clerk for the Rogers County Clerk's Office, at 918-923-4429 or purchasing@ Developers may purchase or view a set of the building plans at the Rogers County Clerk's office, 200 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd. in Claremore. The commissioners also chose Burgess Co. to replace a malfunctioning accordion fire door on the fourth floor of the Rogers County Courthouse. The county had previously let this project but received no bid offers. Doug Presley, director of the Rogers County Maintenance Department, instead sought phone bids and received three. Burgess' $49,412 offer was the low bid.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Supreme Court Might Kill Nationwide Injunctions
The Supreme Court heard arguments this week that could reshape how federal courts block executive actions. On the surface, the justices seem prepared to rein in nationwide injunctions, the increasingly common tool used by lower courts to halt policies not only for the plaintiffs before them, but across all 50 states. In just the first five months of 2025, federal judges have issued such injunctions to block President Trumps executive order on birthright citizenship, his attempt to defund hospitals hospitals providing "gender-affirming" care to minors, and his sweeping pause on federal grants tied to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Conservatives have long criticized the practice as lawless and unmoored from the limits of Article III of the Constitution. Progressives, now more reliant on such relief to block Trump-era policies, argue its sometimes the only way to prevent constitutional harm from spreading while litigation unfolds. Whats likely to emerge, though, is not a bold doctrinal ruling but a narrow, compromise opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts. If that happens, the decision will offer a cautionary tale in judicial self-protection, in which institutional preservation is masked as constitutional principle, leaving the underlying structural problem untouched. The case, Trump v. CASA, centers on President Trumps executive order to limit birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. Lower courts have blocked the policy through nationwide injunctions, prompting the administration to challenge their legitimacy. During oral argument, Roberts and several justices expressed concern about the expanding use of nationwide relief. Justice Alito called it a "disease" spreading through the federal courts. Justice Gorsuch warned about turning single judges into de facto national policymakers. But what was just as telling were the breadcrumbs dropped about a likely off-ramp: class certification. That means that instead of issuing an order that halts a federal policy "nationwide," a district judge could define a class - say, all U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants - and enjoin enforcement of the policy against the entire group. The end result would be practically identical. If the court rules that nationwide injunctions are unconstitutional, lower courts may simply respond by certifying plaintiff classes broad enough to justify system-wide relief. In effect, judges will achieve the same outcome under a different procedural theory. Executive policies will still be blocked nationwide, but the mechanism will be dressed in new robes. Thats not judicial restraint. Thats a judicial workaround. And the impulse to allow it without acknowledging it seems likely to come from the courts center. Roberts, ever the institutionalist, is clearly sensitive to the perception that the judiciary is inserting itself into national policymaking. But his instinct is to manage appearances, not confront structure. The problem with nationwide injunctions is not just that theyre controversial. Its that they enable a single unelected district judge to dictate federal policy far beyond their jurisdiction. Thats not a political complaint; its a constitutional one. When trial courts routinely bind nonparties and issue system-wide relief, they exceed the role Article III envisions. A real ruling would address that head-on. It would clarify whether and when courts can bind the federal government outside the scope of the parties before them. It would not tinker with the tools while ignoring the incentives. Whats needed is not just a change in doctrine. Its a change in expectations. The first federal judge to issue a sweeping order shouldnt dictate national policy while appellate review drags on. A healthier structure would encourage narrow, party-specific relief until questions of law are settled by circuit courts or, ultimately, the Supreme Court. Instead, Roberts seems poised to split the baby. Hell signal disapproval of nationwide injunctions in form, while leaving the door wide open to class-wide relief that functions identically. The court will protect its image without restoring the actual boundaries of judicial power. To be clear, institutional legitimacy is worth caring about. But it doesnt come from a neutral tone or procedural sleight of hand. It comes from the courage to decide structural questions clearly, even when the result is politically uncomfortable. Roberts wants to preserve the courts reputation - but preservation isnt the mission. Judgment is. In the short term, the Trump administrations birthright order may still be blocked, just not by a "nationwide injunction." In the long term, lower courts will read between the lines. Theyll continue to halt national policy from the trial bench, using slightly different procedural tools, with a nod and a wink from the Supreme Court. The court may technically strike down nationwide injunctions. But it wont stop them. Justin Evan Smith is a law student, business strategist, and contributor with Young Voices. Follow him on X @thejustinevan.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
CASA reaching 'end of the tunnel' with new building, donations still needed
For the past 23 years, court appointed special advocates with CASA for Hunt County have worked with children who have been removed from abusive living situations by the courts and advocated for those children while they're in foster care. In 2024 alone, CASA volunteers served 133 kids. On Saturday, members of the community gathered at CASA's new location-to-be at 2701 Washington St. where they 'blessed' the building by writing inspirational messages on the stud beams. Many of the messages written offered thoughtful prayers, while others quoted Bible verses such as 'By their fruits you will know them' or the words of people they admire like 'The most interesting information comes from children for they tell all they know and then stop' by Mark Twain. CASA purchased the building in May of last year and with it being nearly 60% larger than their current location, staff and volunteers hope to serve more children by including a large volunteer training and meeting room, individual offices for confidential casework as well as a volunteer networking area. With the long-vacant building in need of roof repair, a new heating and air conditioning system, flooring, paint, office buildouts, technology system installations and more, CASA has been collecting donations from within the community through its 'Renovation Required' campaign as well as through other means, including a $25,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation. 'Thanks to the incredible support of foundations, grants, civic groups, businesses, individual donors and CASA's own funds, we've already accomplished a great deal: architectural design; asbestos removal; interior demolition; and a brand-new roof, HVAC system, plumbing and electrical work,' CASA executive director Lori Cope said. 'We're now in the exciting phase of interior construction,' she added. 'Our target move-in date is mid- to late August 2025 and we are seeking funding to help us cross the finish line. Contributions will help cover vital interior items such as flooring, lumber, paint, bathroom fixtures and office furniture.' With about $80,000 needed to complete the remaining work, CASA is still asking for donations through the 'give' tab on its website, In addition to financial donations, the organization is also looking for people to volunteer labor; whether it be construction, painting or helping install its technology infrastructure. Those interested in helping with the actual renovation efforts can contact CASA by email at CASA@ or phone at (903) 450-4410. The organization is also planning to soon start another pre-service volunteer training course for those who would like to serve children in crisis more directly. More information on the duties required of CASA volunteers as well as an online application for volunteers can also be found on its website under the 'volunteer' tab.
