Community Members Stand Up Against Child Abuse

HYATTSVILLE, Md. - April 8, 2013 - PRLog -- A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds in this country and over 600,000 children are abused or neglected every year.  Over 1,500 children die of abuse or neglect every year.  This is nothing short of a human rights crisis. In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, ordinary citizens are standing up and saying, “Enough!”  

April was first declared National Child Abuse Prevention Month by Congress in 1983.  Throughout April, activities and campaigns are organized across the country at the local, state and federal level to bring awareness to child welfare issues and to garner support for abuse prevention efforts.  It is a reminder that we must work as a community to support and strengthen families and protect children.  

Society has a fundamental obligation to ensure that the basic rights and needs of every child are met. In our society the stewardship of a child’s rights rests primarily with family. But too many families are in crisis, and too many children are lost in the process. Because of that, right now, nearly 425,000 children are separated from their families—a disturbingly disproportionate number of whom are Native American, Latino and African-American. Over the course of any year 700,000 children go through the child welfare system- a system full of well-intentioned people trying their best to place children in what is hoped will be better circumstances. But it is, after all, just a system—and an overtaxed one at that.  

The solution to such injustice begins with a single volunteer. Locally, CASA/Prince George’s County is providing a voice for abused and neglected children in our community by providing a Court Appointed Special Advocate or “CASA volunteer.” More than a mentor or a special buddy, a CASA is specially trained to know what is in a child’s best interest, and how to get those interests met by the system. According to the National CASA Association, “This is about ensuring that every child has the right to learn, and grow, and be treated with dignity and respect.”  

On April 8th, CASA/Prince George’s County’s Executive Director, Ann Marie Binsner will receive the prestigious “Kappa Alpha Theta CASA Program Director of the Year” Award at the National CASA conference.  This is the program’s second national award.  They also received one in 2009 for their diversity initiatives. Known in the County as a leader in child welfare reform, CASA is leading the charge to prevent child abuse and do a better job of taking care of those children who are victimized.  

“CASA Champions,” a group of volunteers from the community, have stepped forward to help CASA raise awareness about child abuse and raise funds to help victims of child abuse during the month of April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The “I am for the Child” campaign will utilize a variety of print, online and social media to educate the community on child abuse- the causes, effects and solutions; and raise funds to provide CASA volunteers to more victims of abuse.  

When asked about the campaign and his involvement with CASA, volunteer Joseph Adetayo said, “I decided to get involved with our children to keep hope alive and let them know that there is always a rainbow after the storm.” Volunteers like Adetayo will continue to stand up for children and help build a community that keeps its children safe.  

About CASA/Prince George’s County:
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/Prince George's County is a volunteer-based organization that partners with the juvenile court to improve the lives of children living in foster care who have suffered from abuse and neglect.  With a strong commitment to diversity, CASA trains and supervises volunteers from the community who advocate for the best interest of children, recognizing and respecting each child's individual needs.  By providing a voice to children in the foster care system, CASA’s goal is to help children and promote the timely placement of those we serve in safe, permanent homes.

To volunteer with CASA or contribute to the “I am for the Child” campaign, call 301-209-0491 or go to www.pgcasa.org.