Mayors encourage public to help children, become CASA advocates
CASA of Northeast Texas kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention Month Tuesday with an event at Farmers Bank and Trust.
In the past year there were more than 58,000 confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect in Texas, said Leigh Davis, CASA development director.
“While these numbers are daunting, at CASA we believe there’s hope,” Davis said. “We think we can stop the cycle of abuse.”
Texarkana, Ark., Mayor Ruth Penney-Bell, a former CASA volunteer, spoke at the kickoff.
“This is Texarkana’s opportunity to be a listener. This is our opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life,” Penney-Bell said.
Texarkana, Texas, Mayor Bob Bruggeman talked about the importance of having a group like CASA in the community.
“We’re very fortunate to have a group like CASA in the community, that can help those that can’t help themselves,” Bruggeman said.
CASA’s main program is pairing Court Appointed Special Advocates with children who are in the middle of custody cases because of
abuse or neglect.
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. 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.
Randy Moore, a CASA volunteer and advocate, spoke at the event.
“As an advocate I can make a difference in the child’s life. When I take a case I am that child’s advocate and I get involved in all phases of his or her life. I’m the eyes, ears and voice for the child in the court,” Moore said. “I’ve had kids from 3 days old to 6, 7, or 8 years old and they’ve never had anybody that spoke for them and who was looking out for their best interest. This is a way to give back to the community and do something for somebody that’s really in need.”
Moore estimated that he spends 8 to 12 hours a month on advocating for the child and cases generally take between 6 to 12 months to resolve.
“I’m a volunteer. I don’t get paid but I sure get something back because I’m doing something for the children and something for the community,” Moore said.
Other events going on during Child Abuse Prevention Month include Wear Blue Day Friday. The community is encouraged to wear blue to advocate and raise awareness of abused and neglected children.
Also, CASA’s 12th annual Songwriters on the Edge of Texas Concert takes place at 6 p.m. Sunday at Northridge Country Club and the annual Songwriters Golf Tournament is at 1 p.m. Monday at the country club. Lunch and registration are at 11:30 a.m.
“We’re asking the community to step out and do things to bring awareness for these children,” Davis said.
For more information about volunteering with CASA call 903-792-1030 or visit casatexarkana.org.