Foster children with a CASA advocate fare better

Dear Friend,

Did you know that Black residents comprise 7.6% of Lake County’s population, but right now black children make up 43.8% of the cases in the Lake County foster care system?

February is Black History Month -- a time to dedicate extra space to honor the history and incredible contributions of Black individuals in our community. A time to also recognize the struggles African American communities have faced, and to continue work towards a more equitable society for all.

So how does Black History Month matter for children in foster care? Well, it provides an extra opportunity to highlight the disproportional representation of children of color in foster care. As a result of systemic issues, children of color are unfortunately overrepresented in the foster care system and they experience higher rates of removal from their homes.

Due to the trauma and disruption that results from being torn away from the only home they knew, children who are removed from their homes can experience struggles with their mental, physical, and behavioral health: which can lead to difficulties in school and beyond. These kinds of hardships, if not addressed, can lead to poorer chances of success later in life, and the effects can be felt for generations in the future.

It is a cycle that needs to be broken, and CASA volunteers have a major role to play. CASAs are able to provide extra support, attention, and care to children in foster care. This service fills gaps leading to better outcomes to these children. Children with a CASA volunteer have access to more resources and support services, do better in school, and have better outcomes as adults. Although CASA volunteers advocate for one family of children at a time, the impact they make can last for generations to come.

This month, let us all recognize the disproportionate impact of the trauma that black children face in the child welfare system. Help us come together as a community as we work to support the children facing that trauma today and reduce that trauma for children in the future.

If you would like to learn more about the overrepresentation of black children in foster care, and what can be done to help, please read this report from childwelfare.gov.

In Advocacy,

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Your support makes an impact

In just the last month...

303 Volunteers served as CASAs

515 children served by a CASA

7 children had cases close

Thank You to the Richard L Duchossois Memorial Foundation!

The Richard L Duchossis Memorial Foundation was established in memory of Richard Duchossois, to recognize his active role of philanthropy in the community. We are so grateful for the foundation's recent contribution of $100,000. This support allows us to ensure we can continue serving all of the Lake County youth in care who need an advocate. Thank you!

Save the Date for CASA's 2023 Golf Outing

Attend a Performance of "Chasing Charming" and Support CASA!

Kirk Players theater will be donating proceeds from their performance of “Chasing Charming” on Sunday April 2^nd at 2pm to CASA. Kirk Players has also donated 10 tickets to CASA. Please email Nicoleta at ngirloanta@casalakecounty.com ASAP if interested in securing a comped ticket.

Chaos and comedy meet each other when a bumbling narrator finds that Prince Charming has been kidnapped by the evil witch Hagragard. The narrator struggles to maintain her family's honor when her well-meaning Fairy Godmother mistakenly sends six fairy tale princesses (accompanied by Goldilocks) to save the day. Working together against a dragon and a group of evil minions, they may be the unlikely team needed to save Prince Charming from disaster. A great comedy for the whole family. Performances are Friday, March 31st at 7pm, Saturday, April 1st at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, April 2nd at 2pm in the Mundelein High School auditorium. To purchase tickets, visit kirkplayers.org.

Kudos for Some Amazing CASA Volunteers!

To CASA Christina for her steadfast commitment to her CASA children in two cases. Christina has worked through many challenges with the foster mother in one of her CASA children’s placements. Christina exhibits professionalism, kindness and empathy and never misses an opportunity to advocate for the best interest of her CASA children.

To CASA Emma for her hard work and dedication to her CASA child and foster parents prior to the case transferring to another county. The foster mom sent Emma pictures and shared happenings and milestones with Emma on a regular basis, which was reflective of the wonderful rapport that Emma had built with the foster parents. Emma has already begun working on her second case, as she visited and helped the caregiver obtain furniture.

To CASA Carl for his excellent advocacy for his CASA boy whose case just closed in guardianship with grandparents. Carl showed dedication and compassion in his CASA work and was a valued member of the boy’s team. Throughout the case, the grandparents continually expressed their gratitude for Carl’s involvement with their family. He was a great encourager to his CASA boy and his grandparents and we are grateful for him.

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CASA Thanks Our 2023 Mission Partners

Mission Statement

CASA Lake County is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, thoroughly trained CASA volunteers work in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and represent the child's best interest in juvenile court.

700 Forest Edge Drive

Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061

www.casalakecounty.com

847.383.6260