ABOUT ADVOCATES:
Every year, children in Vermilion and Edgar Counties enter the court system because of abuse or neglect. In the middle of hearings, case files, and legal decisions, one voice can make a powerful difference.
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That voice can be yours.
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Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child in the juvenile court system. CASA volunteers focus on one child or a group of siblings, building a consistent relationship and helping the court understand what the child truly needs.
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You do not need a legal background. You only need the willingness to show up, listen carefully, and stand up for a child who deserves a brighter future.
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Children in foster care face significant challenges. Many struggle with stability, education, and long term relationships. A CASA advocate helps interrupt that cycle by ensuring a child’s needs remain front and center.
The Impact of a CASA Advocate
Provide safety
Permanency
Provide the best well-being for the child
Requirements of a CASA Advocate
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Be 21 years or older
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Fill out an application accessible here
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Pass a background check
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Complete the 30 hours of pre-service training, as well as an ongoing commitment to visit with the child for a minimum of 1 hour per month over the life of the case, generally an 18 month commitment.
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*No special skills are required to volunteer, only the desire and commitment to make a lifelong difference for a child who has been abused or neglected.
A Child in Our Community is Waiting for Someone Like You
Every child deserves at least one adult who shows up, listens, and speaks up for them when it matters most. When you volunteer with Vermilion/Edgar County CASA, you become that voice.
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CASA volunteers are everyday people who choose to stand beside children navigating the court system because of abuse or neglect. With training, guidance, and ongoing support from our team, you will advocate for what every child deserves: safety, stability, and the chance to thrive.
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The decision to get involved begins with a simple step. If you feel called to make a difference in the life of a child in our community, we are ready to walk alongside you.
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Now that you have chosen to make a positive impact in the life of a child, you may be wondering how to become a CASA volunteer with Vermilion/Edgar County CASA. The steps to begin the process are outlined below, and our staff will support you throughout each stage. If you have questions about serving as a CASA advocate, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, contact our office at 112 North Vermilion, Danville, IL 61832, or email us at elizabeth.mellen-irle@casavermilion.org.
Your journey to becoming a CASA volunteer begins with a simple step.
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Complete and submit the online volunteer application to let us know you are interested in advocating for a child in our community.
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Prefer paper? You may also print the application and submit a written copy.
To ensure your application is processed smoothly, please keep the following in mind:
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Do not submit documentation directly to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). All materials should be submitted through Vermilion and Edgar County CASA.
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Provide an accurate email address for each reference listed on your application so we can contact them during the screening process.
Applications and materials may be mailed or delivered to:
CASA of Vermilion and Edgar Counties
112 North Vermilion
Danville, IL 61832​
You may also email materials to director@casavermilion.org.
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Once your application is received, a member of our CASA team will review your information and contact you with updates about the next steps in the process.
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We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Applicants participate in a pre training interview and complete the required background check forms.
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This step helps ensure that every CASA volunteer is prepared to serve children safely and responsibly.
All CASA volunteers complete our pre service training program before being assigned a case.
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This training combines the national CASA curriculum with local information specific to Vermilion and Edgar Counties. You will learn how the child welfare system works, what advocacy looks like in practice, and how to effectively support the children you serve.
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Training includes approximately 30 hours of classroom instruction.
After completing training, volunteers participate in a swearing in ceremony where they officially become Court Appointed Special Advocates.
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It is a meaningful moment that marks the beginning of your role as a voice for a child in court.
Finally, you will meet with your CASA coordinator, receive your first case assignment, and create an advocacy plan for the child you will serve.
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Your coordinator will support you throughout the process and remain a resource as you begin your work as a CASA volunteer.
How to apply
Now that you’ve chosen to make a positive impact in the life of a child, you may be wondering how to become a CASA volunteer with Vermilion/Edgar County CASA. The steps to begin the process are outlined below, and our staff will support you throughout each stage. If you have questions about serving as a CASA advocate, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, contact our office at 137 North Vermilion, Danville, IL 61832, or email us at director@casavermilion.org.
1. Submit an Application
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Complete and submit the online volunteer application.
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If you prefer, you may print the application and submit a written copy.
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2. Follow Application Guidelines
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Please do not submit any documentation directly to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). All materials should be submitted through Vermilion/Edgar County CASA.
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When completing your application, provide an accurate email address for each reference listed so we can contact them during the screening process.
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Applications may be mailed or delivered to: Vermilion/Edgar County CASA
137 North Vermilion Danville, IL 61832 You may also submit materials by email to director@casavermilion.org.
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3. Application Review After your application is received, a CASA staff member will contact you with updates regarding the status of your application.
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4. Interview & Background Check
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Applicants will complete a pre-training interview and fill out the required background check forms.
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5. Complete Pre-Service Training
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All volunteers must successfully complete CASA’s pre-service training program. This training combines national CASA curriculum with information specific to Vermilion and Edgar Counties so you are prepared to advocate for children in our community. (Approximately 27 hours of classroom training.)
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6. Participate in the Swearing-In Ceremony
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After completing training, volunteers participate in a swearing-in ceremony to officially become CASA advocates.
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7. Observe Court Proceedings
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Volunteers will observe court to better understand the child welfare and court system.
(Approximately 6 hours.)
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8. Meet Your Coordinator & Receive Your Case
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You will meet with your CASA coordinator, be assigned a case, and develop an action plan to advocate for the child’s best interests. (Approximately 2 hours.)
Upon successful completion of pre-service training, background, and reference checks, the CASA Volunteer will be formally accepted as an advocate at the official swearing-in ceremony.