CASE (Court Appointed Service Elective) is an affordable referral program that places court appointed community service volunteers at public and private not-for-profit organizations. Adults NOT convicted of violent, sexual or theft offenses are eligible to participate. Juvenile eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Not-for-profit agencies who participate always have the option not to utilize a CASE volunteer based on the person's offense.
What is the purpose of CASE?
CASE is designed:
- to assist individuals who have been judged appropriate for community service sentencing;
- to provide another source of volunteers for member agencies of The Volunteer Center of NW Suburban Chicago (TVC); and
- to help the courts administer justice in our area.
How does one enroll as a CASE client?
A potential volunteer contacts The Volunteer Center (TVC), answers some questions for the CASE Manager, and schedules an interview. The CASE Manager then contacts various agencies to determine sites where the CASE volunteer can complete community service hours. At the interview, the potential CASE volunteer must bring his/her community service order and documents that verify the charges or complaint for which community service was ordered. If it is determined that CASE placement is appropriate, the volunteer must: complete a CASE Form, sign a CASE Agreement, and in cash or money order, pay a sliding fee that is based on the number of mandatory community service hours. The CASE Agreement provides contact information regarding an agency that has agreed to provide the volunteer with the opportunity to complete his/her community service hours.
Where are CASE clients placed?
Most CASE volunteers are referred to agencies located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in Cook and Lake counties. Initially, the CASE Manager will discuss placement of a CASE volunteer with TVC member agencies; then other public and private not-for-profits that utilize CASE volunteers will be contacted by the CASE Manager. This process may take up to two weeks depending on the nature of the CASE volunteer's offense.
How are CASE clients placed?
Working together at the interview, the CASE volunteer and the CASE Manager discuss the best placement location based on: volunteer location, skills & availability; as well as agency needs. Then the CASE volunteer uses the CASE Agreement contact information to schedule his/her community service hours.
What happens after service hours are completed?
The CASE volunteer is responsible for reporting back to the court or the referring source.
Who do I contact for more information?
- Call our CASE Manager to discuss your needs: 847-228-1320
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- or e-mail our CASE Manager
- Download a CASE brochure.
