The CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates program for children involved in court cases is merging and expanding.
The Effingham and South-Central Illinois (Marion and Clinton County) CASA organizations will merge to create CASA of the Fourth Judicial Circuit and will expand to provide services to the rest of the counties in the circuit that include Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Montgomery, and Shelby.
The former Executive Director for CASA of Effingham County, Libby Moeller, has been named the Executive Director of the expanded CASA. She is leaving the statewide CASA organization where she has served as Training Manager.
The expansion of services is being made possible by a federal grant received by Illinois CASA through United States Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office.
Fourth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Douglas Jarman says the program has been very successful in Effingham, Marion, and Clinton Counties and he looks forward to seeing the benefits provided to the youth of the Fourth Circuit and their families.
The President of the South Central Illinois CASA Board Rob Schnicker and Effingham County Board President Nicki Suckow say both boards believe regionalization offers the opportunity to provide services in a more efficient and effective manner. In a joint statement, the two say they are excited for the challenges that lie ahead and will continue to look to generous community members throughout the circuit to be a part of their mission to best support at-risk children and their families.
Both programs are not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing highly trained volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect in the Juvenile Abuse Court System. CASA volunteers work cooperatively with the Juvenile Abuse Court System to ensure prompt delivery of services and to make independent recommendations to the court concerning the child’s well-being.
