CASA of Southeastern Illinois expands into three new counties

HARDIN COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - Exciting changes are underway for Court Appointed Special Advocate of Southeastern Illinois.

The organization is undergoing a massive expansion.

Mary Jo Agin has been the executive director of CASA of Southeastern Illinois for four years now.

“We’re court-appointed special advocates and we advocate for best interest of children who have been abused or neglected in the court system,” Agin said.

Agin has been instrumental in expanding services across the southeastern portion of the state into 3 new counties.

“Just in the last year we’ve expanded into Pope, Hardin and Massac County,” Agin added.

Ashley Forcum has been a volunteer advocate for the past four years as well.

“We basically are the voice of a child. We do meet with the family at least once a month. We do stay in contact over the phone or texting. Whatever that may look like,” Forcum said.

Forcum says the need for the expansion is necessary due to a rise in mental illness and drug use.

“If there’s a parent or family going through drug use or mental illness. The children of those families do feel the repercussions,” Forcum said.

CASA’s reach goes far beyond the courtroom and foster home.

“We offer frontline services as well. We provide anything the child might need. Clothing, Diapers, formula, and even beds. Whatever the child may need, we facilitate,” Agin said.

Forcum said that with the expansion, volunteer advocates are needed, and the reward can be overwhelming.

“It just really touches my heart. I love being able to give back to the community and help those children that are in need,” Forcum said.

Agin says as long as there’s a need, CASA will continue to grow, and that need is not expected to drop any time soon.

“We grow with each community. We serve 100-120 children. With this expansion, we will be up to 200 children by next year,” Agin said.

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer. Call 618-253-3355 or visit their website.