CASA Kane County calls residents to action

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

CASA Kane County, as a leading nonprofit agency in promoting child welfare, is hosting a variety of community awareness activities to help draw attention to this important issue right here in Kane County.

Unfortunately, child abuse exists at an alarming rate. Last year, there were 4,200 investigated cases of abuse or neglect in Kane County, which is fourth highest in the state of Illinois, after Cook, Lake and Winnebago counties.

The time is now to focus our efforts on ways to find ways to prevent abuse before it occurs, and protect children who have been in an abusive situation. As a community, we must arm ourselves with the information, facts and resources to look for the signs of child abuse and care for our most vulnerable citizens.

CASA Kane County has developed an informational tool kit in collaboration with the Kane County State's Attorney and the Kane County Regional Office of Education that is meant for Illinois State Mandated Reporters of Abuse.

These are individuals who have direct contact with children at any time - day care workers, teachers, health care workers and law enforcement officers, among many more.

This information will be coming in the mail next month to these types of organizations and is also available for download on CASA's website, www.casakanecounty.org.

The organization is also hosting its 13th annual Hands Around the Courthouse event at noon Thursday, April 6, in the lobby of the historic courthouse, 100 S. Third St. in Geneva.

With speakers Chief Judge Susan Clancy Boles, Juvenile Division Circuit Judge Clint Hull, and CASA Kane County Executive Director Gloria Bunce, attendees will learn from those in the field every day what is happening, what to look for and how we all can do something to stop it.

After the brief program, participants will be asked to join hands for a moment of silence acknowledging local victims of child abuse and neglect.

The ceremony is open to the public and lasts about 20 minutes. A light lunch will also be provided.

Throughout the month of April, CASA Kane County also draws awareness to this issue by displaying blue pinwheels on the courthouse lawn, representing every child the organization served in the previous year.

Last year, 608 children were victims of abuse or neglect, were removed from their homes and entered the child welfare system. Fortunately, every single one of those children were appointed a CASA/GAL volunteer to advocate for their best interests, safety and permanency.

CASA/GAL volunteers make a significant impact in the life of an abused or neglected child. National CASA statistics found that children with a CASA volunteer:

• Are half as likely to re-enter the foster care system;

• Are more likely to receive education, medical and other needed services;

• Will experience fewer traumatic placement moves;

• Will spend eight months less in the foster care system than those without a volunteer.

CASA Kane County is issuing a call to action for community residents to stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected and those who still remain silent.

Everyone can do his or her part by visiting CASA's website and reviewing the Mandated Reporting Toolkit, attending the "Hands Around the Courthouse" awareness event, learning about becoming a CASA/GAL volunteer, or, most importantly, by calling (800) 25-ABUSE to make a report if abuse or neglect is suspected.

CASA Kane County is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interests of more than 600 abused and neglected children annually within the juvenile court system.

To learn more, visit www.casakanecounty.org or call (630) 232-4484.