Help a child thrive during this new school year

Summer is coming to an end and that means a new school year is just around the corner. The beginning of the school year can be an exciting time for most children, but it can also lead to more reports of child abuse and neglect as faculty, staff and other parents notice signs of maltreatment children may have endured during their time away.

Schools on average make up 13 percent of abuse and neglect reports and tend to be one of the highest sources of reports each year. “During the summer, sometimes signs of abuse or neglect go unnoticed due to fewer interactions with teachers and other adults outside their family,” said Brandy Eldridge, Executive Director of CASA for Children. “Teachers and school officials are required by law to report any signs of abuse, so it is quite common for there to be a rise in reports when school starts again.”

The increase in DFPS reports during the new school year frequently leads to more children entering the overburdened child welfare system, creating an urgent need for more CASA volunteers to speak up for the best interests of these children.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers make an effort to form a relationship with these children individually, getting to know them and gathering important information about their unique physical, emotional and educational needs. By speaking up for children’s best interests and acting as the eyes and ears of the court, CASA volunteers help ensure that the children they serve are safe, their needs are addressed, and they have the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.

Last year, more than 16,400 Texas children were in the child welfare system, waiting to be placed in permanent homes. Currently in Cass County there are approximately 26 Victims of abuse and neglect. These children were removed from their homes through no fault of their own and placed in the overburdened child welfare system. There are only six CASA volunteers to advocate for these children. Ten additional local volunteer advocates are needed to effectively advocate for all of these children.

Ordinary community members dedicate their time to become CASA volunteers. They are professionally trained and appointed by a judge to work with a child or sibling group and the people involved in the children’s lives, including relatives, teachers, social workers and others.

“With the information they gather, CASA volunteers assess the children’s physical, emotional and educational needs. Their recommendations tremendously help the judge overseeing the case to decide the best option for the child,” said Eldridge.

CASA for Children urgently needs more advocates that can make a difference in the lives of these children, especially now that the back-to-school season has begun,” said Eldridge. “Become a CASA volunteer to ensure that all children get the support they deserve both in school and beyond – giving them a better chance at a brighter future.”

To take the first step towards becoming a CASA volunteer, attend an informational session hosted by CASA and the Cass County Children’s Advocacy Center on Wednesday, August 21 at 9:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. at 144 Rush Street, Linden. This is a great, no-obligation introduction to CASA and its mission. CASA staff will be on hand to discuss the increasing need for volunteers, what it means to be a CASA, and how community members can help make a difference in the lives of area foster children. Find more information on www.casatexarkana.org or by calling 903-792-1030.