CASA issues call for more advocates

Volunteers needed to assist rising number of youths in foster care

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and CASA for Children is calling on the community to take action against child abuse.

There will a proclamation reading in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Farmers Bank and Trust, Cowhorn Creek location. Two CASA volunteers will speak on how CASA volunteers can positively affect a child’s life.

CASA volunteers serve as advocates for children in the foster system.

“The needs of our local children coming into care are more complicated than ever before, and life in foster care can be chaotic,” said Leigh Davis, development director for CASA. “Every child deserves the support of a caring, consistent adult with the training to help them heal and thrive.”

There are usually between 250 and 300 children in foster care in Bowie and Miller counties at any given time, and CASA is seeing an increase in the number of children entering the foster system. Locally, there are 80 volunteer advocates fighting for the best interests of approximately 350 children annually, which is only about half of the children who need a CASA volunteer.

Other events scheduled during April include Wear Blue Day Friday, and the community is encouraged to participate.

“It’s to raise awareness and call attention to the need to advocate for these children,” Davis said. “I don’t think people realize what a problem it is in this area. There are articles almost every day in the newspaper about it; I don’t really think people realize the magnitude.”

The blue campaign was started by a grandmother in Virginia in 1989 as a tribute to her 3-year-old grandson, who died at the hands of his mother’s abusive boyfriend. Since then, concerned citizens have worn blue to raise awareness that child abuse is preventable.

CASA’s 12th annual Songwriters on the Edge of Texas Concert takes place at 6 p.m. April 9 at Northridge Country Club. Performers include James McMurty, Doug Strahan & the Good Neighbors, Johnny Dango, Bruce Smith and Jonathan Terrell. Dinner is provided by Outback Steakhouse, and tickets are $75. The annual Songwriters Golf Tournament is at 1 p.m. April 10 at the country club. Lunch and registration are at 11:30 a.m.

“The money raised from that event helps us. It’s leverage to apply for matching grants through the government. The more support we get from the community, the more we are able to secure matching funds through the government,” Davis said. The goal for this year’s event is $70,000.

CASA needs volunteers to serve children, and will have an information session at 9:30 a.m. and at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and April 13 at 1201 Main St., Texarkana, Texas, for anyone interested in learning more about volunteering. Each session will last about an hour.

“CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” Davis said. “A child may have multiple social workers, attorneys, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future.”

CASA for Children is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. At the heart of the movement are approximately 77,000 trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of more than 250,000 abused or neglected children.

For more information about CASA for Children, to become a supporter or to volunteer, visit casatexarkana.org or call 903-792-1030.