McLean County approves CASA grant and intergovernmental agreements to expand advocates into neighboring counties

The Justice Committee approved a FY27 grant agreement through the Illinois Association of Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) that consolidates funding to cover McLean and Logan counties and supports expansion into Ford, Livingston and Woodford counties, director Eileen Pagan Vega said.

Pagan Vega described the grant structure and an expansion plan: Ford County will be covered for one remaining year of expansion funding, while Livingston and Woodford will receive two years of expansion support under the agreement. She told the committee the program will operate under the CASA program of the 11th Judicial circuit once the expansions are complete and said local CAC (Children’s Advocacy Center) space will be used for training and operations in some counties.

Member Burns described CASA as highly beneficial; Pagan Vega said McLean County currently has approximately 62% of children in foster care assigned a CASA volunteer and that volunteers are available in the counties being added. She noted appointment of a volunteer still requires a judge’s order; volunteers are assigned when the court orders appointment.

The committee voted to approve the grant and intergovernmental agreements (10-year IGAs with initial two-year financial coverage) for the named counties.

Ending: With the approvals, staff said they will proceed with expansion implementation and volunteer recruitment/training in the added counties.