© 2025 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

McLean County CASA expands to Logan County

A McLean County program that supports abused and neglected children is expanding to Logan County.

CASA trains volunteers as court-appointed special advocates for children to help and monitor them through the time the children find a permanent home.

When a kid enters the child welfare system, the court can appoint someone to speak on behalf of the child's best interests and needs. This is separate from a Department of Children and Family Services case worker.

“We look forward to this opportunity to expand the CASA program and better serve the needs of children in foster care throughout the Logan County community," said Mary Pat Frugo-Anderson, executive director of CASA of McLean and Logan counties. "Finding passionate and committed volunteers who are interested in contributing to a child’s well-being is imperative to our mission.”

The volunteer monitors the court case, meets with the child, advocates for the child's needs, and communicates with the adults in a child's life. The training is designed to allow the volunteer to consider the situation through a trauma-focused lens.

Serving as an advocate involves regular meetings with the child, interviewing adults involved in a child’s life, drafting court reports on the family’s progress, and creating recommendations that are in the best interest of the child.

The McLean County version of the national program is about three decades old and has just begun recruiting volunteers for Logan County abuse and neglect cases.

If you have questions, or you are interested in volunteering with CASA of McLean and Logan Counties, contact volunteer recruiter/trainer Paige Malloy at (309) 434-5853 or email.

WGLT Senior Reporter Charlie Schlenker has spent more than three award-winning decades in radio. He lives in Normal with his family.