CASA brings awareness to tragedy of child abuse, neglect

April is Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and a time to recognize that everyone can do their part to helping to keep children safe.

CASA Kane County is hosting "Hands Around the Courthouse," an awareness event, at noon Thursday, April 9, in the rotunda of the historic courthouse located at 100 S. Third St. in Geneva, educating the community about this important and tragic issue.

The event will consist of three speakers: William J. Parkhurst, Abuse and Neglect Judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit; Joseph H. McMahon, Kane County State's Attorney; and Gloria Bunce, executive director of CASA 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.

In addition, the most recent class of 29 newly trained CASA/GAL volunteers will also be sworn-in at the event.

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

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, 587 children were victims of abuse or neglect, removed from their homes and entered the child welfare system. Fortunately, CASA Kane County and its 250 active CASA/GAL volunteers, were appointed to every single child advocating for their best interests, safety and permanency.

The organization will also begin distributing information packets to Illinois State Mandated Reporters to further education the community on what to do if abuse or neglect is suspected. Everyone can do their part by calling (800) 25-ABUSE to make a report.

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

To learn more, visit the organization's website at www.casakanecounty.org.

Follow "Kane County CASA" on Facebook.