DuPage CASA events draw attention to child abuse and neglect

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Court Appointed Special Advocates of DuPage County hosts two events on Thursday, April 18, to help draw attention to the issue of child abuse and neglect in DuPage County.

DuPage County Judge Robert J. Anderson speaks at the third annual Hands Around the Courthouse ceremony, a tribute to those who stand up for abused and neglected children in DuPage County, at 12:15 p.m. inside the DuPage County Courthouse Annex, located between buildings 503 and 505 at the courthouse complex, 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. Immediately following will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new CASA Children’s Garden, behind the 505 building. The Children’s Garden, a place where lost children are remembered and others can find hope for a brighter future, was a 15-month service project conceived, constructed and completed in July by Glen Ellyn Eagle Scout Daniel Weber.

This year’s gathering for Hands Around the Courthouse is sponsored by CASA of DuPage County in partnership with the DuPage Child Abuse Prevention Coalition, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois and the Family Violence Coordinating Council of the 18th Judicial Circuit.

CASA of DuPage County, founded by volunteers in April 1993, is celebrating its 20th anniversary of advocating for the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in the DuPage County juvenile court system. Funded by grants, foundations and individual donors, the service is provided at no cost to taxpayers or the families involved. Since CASA’s founding, more than 800 volunteers have served more than 1,450 children and youth throughout DuPage County.