We are proud to be a partner for the last 16 years with CASA, Join us this Friday in downtown Peoria at the courthouse, for Hearts Around The Courthouse.

Cumulus Radio Morning Show personality Red Hot Brian Scott/ Brian & The Morning Grind added, “This is my 5th year with CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court & supporting this event; I am so proud to be able to be an additional voice for the children & victims who have experienced abuse or neglect and are within the Juvenile Court System in Peoria County. More than 1100 kids are in the Peoria County Judicial Circuit system right now. I encourage the people I can reach to step up, it may not be a monetary donation; but many of these kids, just need a big person to have in their lives; until their life gets back to some normalcy”.

HEARTS Around the Courthouse on April 22

Peoria County – As of year-end 2021, the number of pending child abuse and neglect cases in Peoria County was 1,198. The Youth Services Network Panel in partnership with Peoria County invites you to “HEARTS Around the Courthouse” on Friday, April 22 at 12 p.m. in the Peoria County Courthouse Plaza as we join HEARTS to raise awareness and draw attention to these cases of child abuse.

The event, hosted by the Youth Services Network Panel, is held annually during April for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Advocacy and front-line officials will speak on the unfortunate pending cases and the importance of child abuse prevention. Speakers include Pastor Claude White of Grace Baptist Church, Judge Mark Gilles, Judge Derek Asbury, State’s Attorney Jodi Hoos, Jeff Gress of Crittenton Centers, Stephanie Johnson of Pediatric Resource Center, Pastor Mike Womer from Relevant Faith Church, and Kitty Yanko of Peoria Humane Society.

Thank you to Cumulus Radio for their media partnership.

“HEARTS Around the Courthouse” participants are encouraged to wear blue to show their support of Child Abuse Prevention Month. To find out more about Hearts Around the Courthouse contact CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit, at (309)966-0709

CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit (formerly CASA of Peoria County) is a volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are within the Juvenile Abuse and Neglect Court System in Peoria, Tazewell, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties.

Mission: The mission of CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit is to ensure that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is placed in a safe and permanent home, by utilizing specially trained community volunteers who advocate for children abused or neglected going through the court system.

Vision: CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit’s goal is that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is placed in a safe permanent home as quickly as possible. To build the nationally recognized advocate program for children abused or neglected throughout the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Specifically, our vision is to:

• Increase volunteerism with quality case management and training
• Provide consistent and quality advocacy services and programs
• Increase awareness and visibility for CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit
• Implement fundraising plans that will sustain our future for generations to come

Values: We believe that all children have the right to a safe, permanent home and deserve the support and involvement of their community to make this possible.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit (CotTJC) values the inherent dignity and humanity of all people and welcomes the perspectives of people from all backgrounds in its staff, board of directors and volunteer base, in order to be more effective in its child advocacy work. Whether acting with respect to employees, volunteers or the Board, CotTJC selects, places, and evaluates those based on their personal qualifications, skills for the job, demonstrated performance and the contributions made, considering accommodations as appropriate and needed – without regard to race, gender, gender identity, class, religion, national origin, military service, education, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, geographical locale, political perspective or affiliation.

Our organization is immensely enriched by the contributions of persons of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. The varied perspectives deepen our ability to work toward our goal, which is to advocate for the best interests of children. CotTJC will continue to implement programs and policies to develop greater diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of the organization.

CASA Children Quick Facts

• More likely to find a safe, permanent home
• Spend less time in foster care
• Significantly less likely to re-enter foster care
• Receive more services while in the court or foster care system
• Perform better in school