Child Abuse month offers chance to learn about CASA

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and CASA of Northeast Louisiana is raising awareness about child abuse and neglect and the need for more citizens within our community to step forward and help make a difference.  

When a child is placed in the foster care system, due to abuse or neglect, they are often removed from their home and placed in state care – sometimes far away from their family, loved ones and community. CASA volunteers, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are everyday people from all walks of life who are recruited and specially trained to advocate for these children and provide a consistent, reliable adult presence for them during a difficult time in their life.  

CASA volunteers are assigned to one child or sibling group to advocate for their best interest in court, in school and other settings. They get to know the child, and everyone involved in their life, such as family members, foster parents, therapists, and teachers, to develop a realistic picture of the child’s unique situation. They make recommendations to the judge overseeing the child’s case with goal of ensuring that they child is safe and has the resources needed to heal.  

According to the LA Department of Children and Family Services, there were 52,862 reports of suspected abuse or neglect last year. Annually in Louisiana, there are roughly 7,000 children and youth who have been removed from their homes and placed into the foster care system.  

CASA of NELA invites you to get involved during Child Abuse Prevention Month in the following ways:

• Consider becoming a CASA Volunteer – next training begins May 20.

• Join us for a virtual lunch and learn informational meeting from noon to 1 p.m.April 21 to learn what a CASA does and how you can help children in need. Sign up by emailing your name and email address to volunteer@casaofnela.org.

• Connect and engage with CASA of NELA on Facebook and Instagram. CASA will be posting educational content relating to child abuse, neglect and how our community can come together to make a difference.  

• April 9 is Wear Blue day to show support for all the children who have lost their lives due to abuse. Take a selfie and tag #casaofnela.