GET INVOLVED
Become an Advocate
GET INVOLVED
Become an Advocate
Ready to Make a Difference in the Life of a Child Who Needs You?
To begin your life-changing journey as a CASA Advocate, follow the steps below. If you have any questions please contact Sharie Dodge, Advocate Engagement Manager, by sending an email.
Attend a Virtual Information Session
CASA of McHenry County holds informational sessions that allow you to learn more about the Advocate role, exploring the requirements, and commitments, impact you can make. Join us at one of our upcoming sessions listed below to discover the answers to all your burning questions:
Wednesday, February 19, 6:30 - 7:15pm
Zoom Register Here
Thursday, March 13, 7:00 - 7:45pm
Zoom Register Here
Fill Out an Application
If you are interested in joining an upcoming training class, complete your application. Once we have reviewed it, we will contact you to schedule an initial interview.
Attend Advocate Training
Attend a 7-week training class with others interested in becoming an Advocate like you! Trainings are generally held on weekday evenings, once a week for 2.5 hours each evening, followed by 2-3 hours of pre-work at home. Learn about the experiences of a child in foster care and how you can best advocate for their best interests.
“It is SO important that these children have their voices heard in the court system. You can definitely make a life-changing difference for a child. I have seen that over the past 14 years.”
– Evey, Volunteer Advocate, served on 8 cases with 11 children
“I’m excited because I think it’s an opportunity to really help a child in need, a situation to be effective. I feel I have the training behind me and the confidence to do this!”
– Felicia, before taking her first case as a Volunteer Advocate
Upcoming Advocate Training Sessions
Winter ’25 Training – Evening
Introduction: Thursday, Jan 23 – 5:45pm – 7:00pm
Session 1: Thursday, Jan 30 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 2: Thursday, Feb 6 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 3: Thursday, Feb 13 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 4: Thursday, Feb 20 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 5: Thursday, Feb 27 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 6: Thursday, Mar 6 – 5:45pm – 9:00pm
Swear-In: Thursday, Mar 13 – 8:00am – 8:45am (TBC)
Winter ’25 Training – Daytime
Introduction: Wednesday, Jan 22 – 9:15am – 10:30am
Session 1: Wednesday, Jan 29 – 9:15am – Noon
Session 2: Wednesday, Feb 5 – 9:15am – Noon
Session 3: Wednesday, Feb 12 – 9:15am – Noon
Session 4: Wednesday, Feb 19 – 9:15am – Noon
Session 5: Wednesday, Feb 26 – 9:15am – Noon
Session 6: Wednesday, Mar 5 – 9:15am – Noon
Swear-In: Friday, Mar 13 – 8:00am – 8:45am (TBC)
Spring ’25 Training
Introduction: Wednesday, Apr 16 – 5:45pm – 7:00pm
Session 1: Wednesday, Apr 23 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 2: Wednesday, Apr 30 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 3: Wednesday, May 7 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 4: Wednesday, May 14 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 5: Wednesday, May 21 – 5:45pm – 8:30pm
Session 6: Wednesday, May 28 – 5:45pm – 9:00pm
Swear-In: Friday, May 30 – 8:00am – 8:45am (TBC)