Kane County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate group, based in Geneva’s Third Street Courthouse, recently was nominated by U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-14th District, of Geneva for the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s “Angels in Adoption” program.

The program allows members of Congress to nominate an organization they believe “has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in the foster care system.” If selected, they will travel to Washington, D.C., for further training.

Gloria Bunce, CASA’s executive director, talked to The Republican about CASA.

Q What is CASA and what do you guys do?
A CASA is a nonprofit, volunteer-based program that advocates for the best interest of abused, neglected children within the juvenile and probate court system. In the past five years, we’ve (placed) 168 kids in nonrelative foster care and 230 in relative foster care. With those children ... we have to have some resolve for permanency. ... When you look at all the children that come into abuse and neglect court, we’re able to work (with all of them) as we’re appointed by the judge. Everything we do for this child is in the child’s best interest.

Q How did you hear about the nomination? How did you feel being nominated
A We were called by Maria De Leon(from Foster’s office). (She said) they talked about what organization in his district really made a significant difference in the foster care system. She said it was pretty unanimous that it was CASA. There’s probably about 100 others that are elected nationwide. We are among some of the greatest and most instrumental people in our nation that make this significant impact in these kids’ lives.
 
Q What made you want to get into this business?
A Social service has always pulled me in ever since I graduated college. It’s very hands-on work. I just know that one person can help make a difference. ... What these children need is a role model, somebody who is going to be there for the good and bad. ... One thing I think really sets us apart from any organization out there; these kids never ask for this fate. They never asked for this. That’s what drives us.

Q How can people get involved?
A (Go to www.casakanecounty.org). At general information meetings, you really learn what it all involves to become a CASA (volunteer). It’s the initial understanding, then you go through an interview with two case managers, then you go through 40 hours of training. You’re finger printed and have a background check. All that for a volunteer position. (And there are) still 225 active volunteers. Last year, we trained 50.