CASA Kane County hosts its annual Hands Around The Court House event for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It’s an opportunity to spread community awareness of the unfortunate reality that children are being abused and neglected, right here in our county.

CASA Kane County will hold its annual “Hands Around The Court House (HATCH)” event at noon Thursday, April 4, at the historic Kane County Courthouse at 100 S. Third St. in Geneva.

The community is invited to this free awareness event where they will hear brief remarks from the 16th Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Robert Villa and CASA Executive Director Jim Di Ciaula, among other community leaders directly involved with this important program.

One of the largest CASA organizations in the state based on the number of children served, CASA Kane County works proactively to protect and advocate for 100% of the children who have been in abuse or neglect situations originating in Kane County — and follows them wherever they are fostered in the state.

CASA Kane County volunteers are also sworn in as officers of the court — guardians ad litem — and are often the first person the juvenile court judge wants to hear from regarding the best interests of these children.

Child abuse and neglect has risen at an alarming rate following the pandemic. CASA Kane County continues to serve increased numbers of children, a record 663 children in 2023 — the highest in the organization’s 35-year history.

Statistics show that children and youth who have spent time in the child welfare system are more likely to face negative influences such as incarceration, homelessness, and unemployment.

In addition, they are less likely to graduate high school, more likely to be trafficked, and have a 1 in 3 chance of later abusing their own children.

CASA Kane County is the solution. CASA/GAL volunteers make a significant impact in the life of an abused or neglected child and help avert these negative statistics.

It has been proven by the National CASA Organization for Children that Children with a CASA volunteer:

• Are half as likely to reenter the foster care system;

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

• Will experience fewer, traumatic placement moves;

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

“We could not do this critical work without our dedicated volunteers, our loyal supporters, and our community partners and friends. We need all of you — and more — to join us in our important journey to protect children by providing a caring, trusted adult who is a constant in their lives and gives them encouragement, support, and most importantly — hope!,” state Jim Di Ciaula, CASA Kane County executive director. “We ask anyone interested in supporting children, to take the time to learn more about getting involved with CASA Kane County and joining us at this meaningful community event.”

CASA Kane County’s annual HATCH event provides an opportunity for awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month while reminding the community of the ways we can help protect the well-being of all children.

Attendees will learn more about what they can do through small acts that help protect children, strengthen our families, and foster the health and well-being of the next generation. Yard signs will be available to take and post at your home or business, along with information regarding CASA, and how you can help prevent child abuse and neglect right here in Kane County.

After the brief program, participants will be asked to join hands for a moment of silence acknowledging local victims of child abuse and neglect, and there will be both moving and inspirational photo opportunities available to the local media.

CASA Kane County is issuing a call to action for community residents to stand against child abuse, take action to support children and youth who have been abused or neglected, and help protect those who remain silent. Everyone can do his or her part by:

• Attending the Hands Around the Courthouse event

• Picking up a yard sign calling for more volunteers

• Learning about becoming a CASA/GAL volunteer

• Donating to CASA Kane County

• Reviewing the Mandated Reporting Toolkit on the CASA website

• Calling 1-800-25-ABUSE to make a report if abuse or neglect is suspected

• Follow CASA Kane County on social media during the month of April and share to your pages to further spread awareness

Also keep an eye out during the month of April, as your local coffee shop may have received specially designed hot cup sleeves with the CASA logo and QR code that links directly to the CASA Kane County website, for additional awareness and information on how to get involved.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Kane County is a guardian ad litem, nonprofit volunteer organization that has been advocating for the best interests of children in abuse and/or neglect cases within the juvenile court system since 1988.

Relied upon by judges and, most importantly, the children, CASA/GAL volunteers are among the most respected volunteers and advocates in the community. CASA Kane County relies solely on philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, grants, and special event fundraising to support its operations. To learn more, visit www.casakanecounty.org or call (630) 232-4484.