CASA News & Events

THANK YOU Champions for CASA

Your events were all great successes. Your efforts are much appreciated.

History of Champaign County 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 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 a trained and committed adult, by your side, 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.

Champaign County CASA currently serves nearly 600 children, thanks to our 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
Tom Ulen

President Elect
Annette Lansford

Treasurer
Keith Cameron Smith

Secretary
Sandy Hannum

Harold Allston, Jr.
George Badger
Rebecca Bryant
Leanne Courson
Ann Einhorn
Emmie Fisher
Bianca Green
Maureen Juodis
Robin Kaler
Laurie Kramer
Robin Leonard
Andy Miller
Trish O’Donnell
Janice Olson
Katelyn Scott
Mary Ann Snyder
Shawn Wax
Gwen Wilson

Honorary Board
Susan Abbott
Louise Allen
Martha Haynes
Dave Lawrence
Jack McManus
Dorothy O’Neill
Mary Perlstein
Jo Radcliffe
Joseph Smith
Shirley Stillinger
Victor Stone

Staff & Attorneys

Staff

Attorneys

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

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