WMPD, CASA fly the flag of child abuse prevention

WMPD, CASA fly the flag of child abuse prevention

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month

news@theeveningtimes.com

A new banner flies over the West Memphis Police Department. With paper doll cut out styled stick figures holding hands across the blue canvas this flag was raised to raise child abuse awareness in the community. Onlookers then planted pinwheels, symbols in the fight against child abuse in the garden at the base of the flag. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Arkansas Delta held the ceremony Thursday pointing out the April month long focus and remembrance of child abuse victims.

The local CASA recently expanded from just covering Crittenden County, and now includes Lee, Phillips, St. Francis and St. Francis counties. 125 volunteers were trained and sworn in as court appointed advocates in Crittenden County over the last decade touching the lives of more than 500 children.

“April is National Child Abuse Awareness month,” said Lori Wilson with the Children’s Advocacy Center. “We raise this flag in April to bring awareness of child abuse in our county.”

CASA Program Director Cassie Rutledge read the proclamation by Governor ASA Hutchinson.

The governor noted more than 33,000 reports of child abuse or neglect were filed in the state last year. Follow- up on these case showed 9,500 cases were true. The governor underscored the need to provide safety and security for those children. He asked everyone to be aware of signs of child abuse and neglect and to report suspicions.

The campaign aimed to raise volunteers along with awareness. The group holds out the goal that every child in need has an advocate by 2020. More Thursday events mark the CASA awareness April calendar.

CASA recruits, supports and promotes court appointed volunteer advocates for abused or neglected children. Too often children languish as overwhelmed social service and legal systems work through the process. CASA volunteers stand by the child until the case is closed or the chid is placed in a safe, permanent home.

Often the CASA volunteer becomes the one constant adult in their lives.

Judges appoint CASA volunteers to represent the best interests of the abused or neglected child removed from the home. Studies have shown great results for children. Increased adoption rates coupled with decreased numbers being bounced from home to home or those needing long term foster are proven results. Children with a CASA volunteer are also half as likely to reenter foster care and perform better in school.

Everyday people volunteer for CASA and are trained and screened locally.

CASA is on the quest to raise friends, funds and volunteers. Take the opportunity to attend one of the remaining events this month to find out more.

CASA hosts the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce business after hours meeting, Thursday, April 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.

at their headquarters 905 N. 7th Street.

This Thursday, April 14, a special Guardians of Hope event at ASU Magruder Hall goes from 4 to 6 p.m.

with an RSVP in advance needed to Lori Wilson at (870) 702-5933.

By John Rech