The Juvenile Court Judge in Marion and Clinton Counties has been named the Illinois Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA Judge of the Year.
Ericka Sanders was honored in a ceremony at the Marion County Courthouse Monday afternoon.
The statewide training coordinator for CASA Libby Moeller read from the nomination letter.
“Judge Erika Sanders sees and seeks to understand all sides of a family in crisis. Her commitment to a solution-based, family-centered approach is inspiring. Her unwavering support for Illinois Casa’s youngest local program has led to a solid foundation that in turn has allowed for expansion into Clinton County.”
Sanders in turn commended the CASA volunteers, noting she can breathe a sigh of relief when a CASA volunteer enters a case.
“They are volunteers. They are doing this with training but out of the goodness of their hearts. And they are legitimately making a difference in a child’s life and changing the trajectory of their lives. Just today one of the Casa advocates, with her own money, bought a kid a telescope because they said they were interested in astronomy.”
Sanders notes Marion County has one of the highest rates of abuse and neglect as well as children in foster care in the state with DCFS workers handling two to three times the number of cases they should. She says the CASA volunteers help to reduce the anger and frustration during juvenile court days.
Sanders commended Keith Winters, who heads the local CASA, for doubling the number of volunteers trained as originally projected. There are currently 28 trained volunteers assisting 42 children. Winters credited Sanders with a big role in getting the program started.
“They feel like their voice gets heard. Even though they are volunteers they know Judge Sanders takes what they say seriously.”
The Marion County CASA has now become the CASA of South Central Illinois as it begins working to develop the program in Clinton County. Winters says they are always open to those interested in volunteering in either Marion or Clinton County. You can call 618-594-6478 for more information.
