About CASA

From the establishment of the very first program in 1977 in Seattle, Washington by Judge David Soukup, the network has grown to nearly 950 CASA and Guardian Ad Litem programs that are recruiting, training and supporting volunteers in 49 states and the District of Columbia.  Nationally there are more than 250,000 CASA volunteers but more that 400,000 children that are waiting for a CASA.

Saline County CASA began May 23, 2000 at the request of Judge Brockton Lockwood of the First Judicial Circuit Court. The Judge was concerned about making drastic decisions with insufficient information.  He wanted someone to speak up for the best interest of the children in the courtroom.  He felt that a court appointed special advocate (CASA) could better prepare him to make the best possible decisions. Thus, CASA provides trained and qualified community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who are before the court as a result of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment as defined by the state child welfare laws. 

In May of 2023 Saline County CASA became CASA of Southeastern Illinois when we expanded into Gallatin County.