The end of summer and the start of a new school year is an exciting time for most children. But for some, the beginning of school could reveal a dark secret when signs of abuse and neglect these children have suffered over the summer are noticed by teachers, staff and other parents.
“Because children are subject to less adult supervision over the summer, it’s not uncommon for reports of suspected abuse and neglect to spike at the start of the school year,” said Karen Biernacki, Family Advocates Chief Executive Officer.
Many of the children who are confirmed as victims are removed from their homes and placed into foster care—often far from their friends, families and schools. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers from Family Advocates are specially screened and trained to speak up for abused and neglected children who, through no fault of their own, end up in the foster care system.
“Being uprooted from their homes and families is scary for these children. We at Family Advocates want to make sure that they do not get lost in the overburdened foster care system,” Biernacki said. “For that reason, we need more people in our community to speak up and make sure these children’s voices are heard. We want to help ensure that their stay in foster care is as short as possible and that they are placed in safe, loving homes quickly so they can begin to heal.”
There are 240 children in the child protection system in La Porte, and only 44 CASA volunteers to advocate for their best interests.
“Too many children are forced to go through the chaos of moving through the child protection system alone,” Biernacki said. “Family Advocates needs more volunteers to step up and be a voice for children who desperately need them.”
Laura Holloway has been a CASA volunteer for one year. As a CASA volunteer, she advocates for children’s needs in court and in the child welfare system. She helps them through their struggles in foster care. Laura’s number one goal is to help the children find a safe, loving family.
“We need more dedicated CASA volunteers like Laura to walk with children every step of the way and ensure that they are placed into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible,” Biernacki said.
Make this the year you become a CASA volunteer and help children in need find safe, permanent homes. For more information, visit www.lpfamilyadvocates.com or call 219.324.3385. The next training session begins Tuesday September 13, 2016.