Latest news with #CourtAppointedSpecialAdvocate
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
3 new CASA volunteers sworn in to help advocate for children in Harrison County
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — After 30 hours of training, Harrison County's Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program has welcomed three more child advocates to help make a difference. On Wednesday morning, Nicole DeSimone, Stephanie Stewart and Jill Steele were sworn in by Judge McCarthy, taking an oath to help protect and advocate for children who have been victims of abuse and neglect. DeSimone, Stewart and Steele now join more than 30 other volunteers in Harrison County's CASA, though Executive Director Alisha Madia said that the organization could use many more to help avoid children and their families being placed on waitlists. 12 News spoke with Madia on what's to come for these new volunteers. Child Watch Visitation Day held across multiple Marion County agencies 'Our goal is to not overwhelm, you know, any advocate. Most of our advocates work full time or have other commitments in their lives, so. It's about 10 hours a month, they're appointed to one child abuse and neglect case at a time that way they can really spend their time devoted to that child and family,' said Madia. 12 News also spoke with new volunteer Jill Steele on why she chose to get involved with CASA. 'There's a whole lot to know just about the preparation for representing a child and being an advocate for a child and giving them a voice. For me personally, I come out of education. I'm a retired principal and teacher, and so it's kind of familiar to me,' said Steele. CASA offers four classes a year to train to become a volunteer. This group of graduates was the first to have two classes a week, which sped up their training process, which was typically eight weeks long before. To learn more about how you can get involved with Harrison County's CASA, you can visit its website or call 304-623-5749. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
07-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
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 or call 630-232-4484.
