History of CASA

Champaign County CASA was incorporated in 1994 with the support of Circuit Court Judge John R. DeLaMar. Judge DeLaMar was concerned that life-altering decisions were being made concerning abused and neglected children's lives without sufficient information. He welcomed CASA volunteers into his courtroom, and recognized their impact as an independent voice for the child.

On December 1, 2002, CASA became the Guardian ad litem (GAL) for Champaign County. As Guardian ad litem, we are the legal entity that represents the legal interests and rights of the children who have been abused and/or neglected. CASA now serves as the GAL for virtually all the children that involved in a juvenile abuse and neglect case. This change in status affords the children we serve a more powerful voice—a voice that is focused on their best interests.

The Children We Serve

What does having a CASA volunteer mean to a child? Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they can't - or won't - take care of you. Now, into your life come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, social workers, judges, lawyers, and more. Having a CASA volunteer means having by your side a trained and committed adult who has been appointed by a judge to watch over you and advocate for your best interests. That volunteer will make sure you don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. They will be there for you until your case is closed. It can make the difference between homelessness and a safe home, between dropping out and completing school, between unemployment and success, between jail and becoming a productive member of society.

In 2006, Champaign County CASA served 691 children. We currently have 130 active volunteer advocates. The children we serve range in age from newborn to 18 years of age. Last year over 35% were under age 6.

Board of Directors

President

Sandy Hannum

President Elect

Everett James

Treasurer

Mary Ann Snyder

Secretary
Gwen Wilson

Harold Allston, Jr.
George Badger
David Barr
Cari Bishop
Rebecca Bryant
Karmen Coates
Leanne Courson
Ann Einhorn
Maureen Juodis
Robin Kaler
Laurie Kramer
Amber Marks
Jo Radcliffe
Michelle Raucci
Patrick Rouse
Katelyn Scott
Keith Cameron Smith
Sam Smith
Tanya Wood

Honorary Board
Susan Abbott
Louise Allen
Martha Haynes
Dave Lawrence
Jack McManus
Mary Perlstein
Katy Podagrosi
Joseph Smith
Victor Stone

Staff & Attorneys

Staff

Gigi Lambert, Executive Director
gigi@chcocasa.org
Jillian Smith, Advocate Case Coordinator
jillian@chcocasa.org
L. Craig Johnson, Office Manager
cjohnson@chcocasa.org
Donna DeVito, Advocate Case Coordiantor
ddevito@chcocasa.org
Lisa Little, Advocate Case Coordinator
llittle@chcocasa.org

Attorneys

Mr. John R. DeLaMar
Ms. Carrie Kmoch
Ms. Peggy Pennacchi

To contact our attorneys, please call the office at (217) 384-9065 and leave a message.

CASA News & Events

National CASA celebrates 30-year anniversary in 2007

Save the Date September 24-27
CASA Luggage Drive & Banquet

Champaign County CASA

Court Appointed Special Advocates

FOR CHILDREN

About Us