Who Stands Up for Children Who Are Suffering at Home?
As children, many of us longed for the days we would eventually become adults. The notion of being able to dictate our own lives, make our own decisions, and provide for ourselves seemed both irresistible and luring.
Yet, as an adult, what we envisioned as a child becomes more of a notion of responsibility, hustle, and relentless hard work. We find ourselves in the tough world of “adulting” and are left missing the ease and freedom of our childhoods.
But the sad reality is that many children in our community are not living free and easy lives.
In fact, the majority of our kids — more than 60 percent – have been exposed to crime, abuse, and violence within the past year — many in their own homes. In Denton County, 1 out of every 223 children are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect, averaging 40,000 children exposed to violence in their homes.
Children lack the ability, or know-how, to advocate for themselves, and protect themselves from abusive situations. Whether it’s the lack of problem-solving abilities, access to life-saving resources, or even the limitations in removing themselves physically from the abuse, children are left to their own devices.
It's in cases like these, being an adult pays off.
By utilizing your “adult” privilege, adults like you can actually help save children’s lives.
And that’s exactly what adults are doing through the work at CASA of Denton County.
CASA’s dedication to protecting children
When a child experiences severe abuse or neglect and is removed from their home, many times a judge appoints a Court Appointed Special Advocate®, known as a CASA. Both the staff and volunteers at CASA of Denton County are highly trained advocates who represent a child’s best interests in the child protection system.
They are adults dedicated to the protection of every child, in every way.
Once a case has been reported of severe abuse or neglect, that child is removed from their home and placed into foster care. With the ultimate goal of helping children find safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible, CASA staff and volunteers meet with the children and family regularly to ascertain the best solution for each party.
The majority of our kids — more than 60 percent – have been exposed to crime, abuse, and violence within the past year — many in their own homes. In Denton County, 1 out of every 223 children are confirmed victims of abuse or neglect, averaging 40,000 children exposed to violence in their homes.
The majority of children who are victims of abuse and neglect are aged between 0-5 years old. Children so young, that they literally have no way to defend themselves against the atrocities forced upon them. Unable to stand up for themselves, and with parents unable to protect them, the CASA volunteers become one of the few stable relationships in these children’s lives.
But this, by no means, signifies that older children and teenagers are not in need of just as much care and advocacy. Every child, regardless of their age and circumstances, deserves an advocate to fight for their needs.
Known as a Guardian Ad Litem, each CASA volunteer has specific duties and responsibilities regarding legal, educational, and medical advocacy that they represent before a court to ensure each child’s specific needs and their best quality of life.
The well being of each child is the ultimate priority of every CASA staff and volunteer.
Last year alone, CASA volunteers traveled over 300,000 miles all over Texas and neighboring states to meet with children and family members. With a minimum of one meeting a month with each child, volunteers were able to build relationships, gather necessary information, and stand up for the differing needs of every single child.
Acting as the “eyes and ears” for the judges in child welfare cases, these volunteers make it their mission to fight for the wellbeing of each child.
Realizing that building relationships with children through a screen presents disadvantages and challenges, CASA volunteers have really upped their game this year.
Although 2020 has put a damper on physically meeting with the kids, CASA volunteers have displayed their abundant creativity while meeting with children virtually. From spunky ZOOM read alouds, to playing Battleship online, volunteers have proven that not even a pandemic can stand in the way of getting these children the help they need.
The challenges of 2020 have created a stronger advocacy force
Because of the impacts of COVID-19, the number of abuse and neglect cases have increased. In fact, CASA of Denton County has seen some of the worst cases they have seen in a long time. CPS normally monitors both the children and the families, but when the pandemic hit, communications slowed and cases are lasting longer than before.
Not only has this increased the need for more volunteer advocates, but it’s also increased the need to begin new initiatives.
CASA volunteers advocate for more than just legal, medical, and educational services. At times, some of the most simple and practical needs, such as access to the internet, require the input of these trained volunteers.
As a community, we may be facing isolation, but CASA of Denton County isn’t letting our children be alone for a minute.
Last spring, two teenage boys were temporarily placed with their grandmother until their home situation could be restored. Needing both internet access and technology to continue their classes online, their CASA advocate stepped in and found a way for their grandmother to get connected to the internet, and helped the boys get devices for school.
Sometimes the simplest things can make the greatest impacts.
But their out of the box thinking didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, volunteers initiated Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Zoom calls where families can be brought together virtually to discuss the details of cases that many times get passed over. This helps iron out wrinkles in multi-personed communication, but also creates a platform for families to safely learn how to communicate about difficult issues.
These CFE calls have been so successful, that a father separated from his two children because of his deportation, has been able to enact a plan of permanent reunion through the advocacy of CASA volunteers.
Yet despite their great strides in providing protection for hurting children, the influx of cases once schools resumes remains a fear.
Counselors, teachers, and healthcare providers are the largest reporters of child abuse – and once these keen eyes have access again to our little ones, it is likely that a large number of cases will be reported.
But whatever may come, the staff and volunteers of CASA remain poised and ready to stand up for any and every hurting child.
Be the adult every child needs
Channel that inner child view you once had about adults. The autonomy, the power, and the ability to accomplish anything. Use it to fight for the protection and wellbeing of currently hurting children.
There are so many children crying out for the protection and help from adults who can fight for them. Be the answer to their silent cry.
You can make a difference in the lives and well being of Denton County children.
As a community, we may be facing isolation, but CASA of Denton County isn’t letting our children be alone for a minute.
As adults, we have a duty to stand up for those who can’t advocate for themselves. And when it comes to standing in the gap between life and death situations, CASA of Denton County is one of the greatest organizations you could possibly partner with.
As the number of abuse and neglect cases continues to rise, the need for advocates rises as well. And here’s the bottom line – without people like you stepping in for these children, CASA would cease to exist, and children would continue to suffer.
“CASA is powered by the amazing people of Denton County. Our volunteers are some of the most gutsy, creative, and intelligent people out there. They’re finding ways to make sure Denton County kids are safe and thriving, by coming to the aid of suffering children,” Executive Director, Debbie Jensen says.
You have a chance to be a hero.
Mark your calendars for the next virtual CASA advocate trainings in September (Thursday, September 24 & 29, 2020 from 5:30-8:30 pm), and become an everyday hero for a child in need. Whether you’d like to volunteer as a court advocate, advisory council member, or special events coordinator, CASA has a place for you.
Consider volunteering with CASA, and make a change in the lives of our hurting children.