CASA of the Heartland Receives National Grant to Enhance Support for Local Children Impacted by the Child Welfare System

CASA of the Heartland has been awarded a $33,665 Volunteer Recruitment Grant from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children. CASA of the
Heartland recruits, trains, and supports dedicated community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children involved in judicial proceedings due to abuse or neglect. Through regular visits, information gathering, court reporting, and continuous case monitoring, these volunteer advocates help guide children through challenging times and work to secure permanent, safe homes, ideally within their families of origin when possible.

The National CASA/GAL Volunteer Recruitment Grant will allow CASA of the Heartland to strengthen its efforts to recruit additional volunteers, enabling the program to increase the number of children served across its expanding service region.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from National CASA/GAL as it will significantly enhance our visibility and recruitment efforts,” said Michelle Kail, Executive Director of CASA of the Heartland. “With this support, we can reach more prospective volunteers who share our passion for advocating for the most vulnerable children in our community. Each new volunteer helps us grow our mission, bringing hope and stability to the lives of children in need.”

With over 941 CASA/GAL state organizations and local programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia, CASA/GAL programs serve children in foster care and those who have experienced abuse or neglect. This grant funding is provided under the OJJDP FY2021 VOCA Children’s Advocacy National Subgrant Program (CFDA #16.756) and supports the recruitment and training of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteers nationwide. National CASA/GAL administers this program under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), authorized through the Victims of Child Abuse Act, 34 USC §20323.