every child matters.
You are the difference a child needs.
every child matters.
You are the difference a child needs.
CASA for Kids serving La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon Counties
UPDATE 4.14.2025
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Our Mission
At CASA for Kids, our mission is to promote the best interests of children in abuse and neglect cases by providing court appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers in care and protection proceedings under Chapter 48 of the Wisconsin State Statutes.
Our Vision
We believe that all children have a right to be safe and have their voices heard.
Our Values
- We value every child's right to a safe and permanent home.
- We value child-centered advocacy, service, and collaboration.
- We value honesty, integrity, and compassion.
- We value accountability and commitment.
Our Program
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates
Advocates are our most valuable program resource and the backbone of our organization. Without our child advocates, our program would not exist nor could we continue to do the important work needed to help children from abuse and neglect.
What is our program?
CASA for Kids is solely focused on advocating for a child's best interest throughout the duration of their CHIPS (Child in Need of Protection & Services) case. Majority of the time, the child has already been placed out of home. Our advocates are trained and vetted before being sworn in as an Officer of the Court. Once their case assignment begins, they maintain a positive and consistent presence in the child's life. Their visits and observations are recorded and presented to the judge in an accurate and objective court report. All the while, gauging the child's best interest, needs, wants, additional resources/supports, providing insight and recommendations.
Why is our program important?
CASA for Kids is vital to the trajectory of a child's life and future well-being. A child with a CASA volunteer is less likely to reenter the child welfare system and the proportion of reentries is consistently reduced by half. They are more likely to achieve permanency and more likely to be adopted. They are also just as likely to be reunified with a birth parent as a child without an advocate. CASA cases have a higher number of services ordered for children and families. CASA children tended to perform better academically and behaviorally in school but the most important factor is children and youth with a CASA volunteer reported significantly higher levels of hope. A child’s hope has been associated with positive outcomes such as academic success, self-control, overall wellbeing, positive social relationships and optimism.
CASA for Kids believes we can advocate to prioritize the voices and experiences of children who have been abused and/or neglected. We have an obligation to make sure our local judges have all the information they need to make the best determination in court cases involving maltreated children, in order to ensure the best outcome.
Answer your calling and become a child advocate with CASA for Kids
Requirements to become a CASA volunteer:
- 21+ years old
- Complete 30 hours National CASA training
(online classroom at your own pace or in-person by request)
- Pass a background check
- Pass reference checks
- Complete continuing education
- Commit at least 1 year to a case
You can help us.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
meet our team
Anne Gordon, Executive Director
Brittney Waraxa, Program Coordinator
Brittney Waraxa, Program Coordinator
Brittney Waraxa, Program Coordinator
Brittney Waraxa, Program Coordinator
Brittney Waraxa, Program Coordinator
Meet our board
Mark Saxton, MD., President
Joan Bluske, CPA, Treasurer & Secretary
Judy Klevan, MD., Vice President
Judy Klevan, MD., Vice President
Joan Bluske, CPA, Treasurer & Secretary
Judy Klevan, MD., Vice President
Joan Bluske, CPA, Treasurer & Secretary
Joan Bluske, CPA, Treasurer & Secretary
Joan Bluske, CPA, Treasurer & Secretary
Richard Strauss, MD., Board
Richard Strauss, MD., Board
Joan Bluske, CPA, Treasurer & Secretary
Tom Rhorer, JD., Board
Richard Strauss, MD., Board
Mark Nigogosyan, MD., Board
Mark Nigogosyan, MD., Board
Richard Strauss, MD., Board
Mark Nigogosyan, MD., Board
support casa for kids
If you are unable to volunteer, share our program with others and share our website. Help us network! Help us fundraise! Join our CASA community. Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
CASA for Kids is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization.
(FEIN 93-2337300)
proudly supported by:
A.L.M. Charities
Great Rivers United Way
Gundersen Health System
Wisconsin CASA Association
La Crosse County
Kou Yang-Toyota of La Crosse
TDS Fiber-Onalaska, WI
Mayo Health System
