CASA Urges Northeastern Indiana Residents to Act Against Child Abuse

April 1, 2018

ALBION – During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Northeastern Indiana CASA challenges residents in the area to stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected.

At any given time, there are hundreds of children in foster care in the counties we serve - DeKalb, Lagrange, Whitley, Steuben and Noble counties. These children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own.

“The number of children in our area coming into our care continues to grow and we aim to meet that need,” said Kristi Bachman, Northeastern Indiana CASA's Executive Director. “Every child deserves the support of caring, consistent, trained adult to help them find a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive.”

Throughout the month of April, Northeastern Indiana CASA is calling on members of the community to help our program serve more of our area's most vulnerable children. Through social media posts and community involvement, our message is clear - abuse and neglect are not acceptable in our area and we stand together to raise a voice for children who need it.

Without intervention, the odds are stacked against children in foster care. A child with a CASA volunteer, however, spends 20 percent less time in foster care, on average, compared to a child without these volunteers. Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their well-being and are four times more likely to find a permanent home.  

“Our volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” said Bachman. “A child may have multiple social workers, attorneys, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future.”

Northeastern Indiana CASA is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA), a nationwide network of programs in nearly 1,000 communities. At the heart of the movement are nearly 87,000 highly trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of more than 280,000 of America’s children who have been abused or neglected. In our area, there are volunteer advocates fighting for the best interests of children, but more children need the care and support of a CASA volunteer.

To learn more about Northeastern Indiana CASA or to become a CASA volunteer, visit www.neincasa.net