Child abuse and neglect is likely on the rise in the face of this pandemic, as families are put under more financial and emotional stress. Children are no longer in the public eye—they are not at schools or daycare, or in other locations where caring individuals would be able to spot signs of abuse. One group of volunteers in Missouri’s 42nd Judicial Circuit is working hard to ensure that abuse and neglect do not go unnoticed. The 42nd Judicial Circuit includes the counties of Crawford, Dent, Iron, Reynolds and Wayne.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are community members who volunteer with Mid-Ozark CASA. They work with children in the child welfare system who have already experienced abuse or neglect. They meet with children in person at least monthly, and provide information to judges that help them make the most well-informed decisions about each child.
These visits provide an opportunity for CASA volunteers to check in on children’s safety and well-being. But right now, meeting in person with the children they advocate for is difficult or impossible. This means it is harder for them to gauge what is going on in children’s lives, and their needs.
These volunteers are working with program staff to find creative ways to continue to meet with children by using technology such as Facetime and Skype and by being in touch through telephone calls, cards and letters.
“While none of these are a grand solution, this kind of creativity is what will make a real difference in children’s lives,” said Janet Jones, Mid-Ozark CASA Program Director. “We need volunteers now more than ever, and are encouraging all community members to join with us either by volunteering or by helping us ensure children are safe during this time of national crisis.”
If readers suspect a child is in immediate danger, they should contact the police or call 911. They can also contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline via text, phone or online chat (https://www.childhelp.org/childhelp-hotline/), to report abuse.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer and the rewards that come with serving as the voice of a child, Mid-Ozark CASA Volunteer Coordinators would love to hear from you (Crawford/Lisa Curtis and Ann Mullen; Dent/Crystle Grosspietsch; Iron & Reynolds/Debra Clouse and Wayne/Debra Thacker). Please contact CASA at 573-677-2022 or 573-259-4433.
