The Illinois Bar Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce a $2,500 grant to CASA of Franklin County, one of 32 grants awarded this year totaling $304,995. CASA of Franklin County recruits, trains and supports volunteers to speak up for the best interest of abused and neglected children in Franklin County Juvenile Dependency Court. According to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, in 2006, Franklin County was 10th in the state with the highest number of child abuse and neglect reports based on population. As the charitable affiliate of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Foundation’s mission is to ensure meaningful access to the justice system, especially for those with limited means, and to assist lawyers who can no longer support themselves due to incapacity. This past year, through the support of ISBA members, IBF distributed more than $425,000 to support these efforts.