By Cita Rasul
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and now, in the midst of a pandemic, we are actively witnessing the risk of child abuse and neglect to the children of Santa Cruz County increase dramatically.
As community members experience increased levels of stress, incidents of abuse and neglect will increase. Under the current conditions, the role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate is an even more vital means of connection for our children and youth, yet remains much the same.
A CASA volunteer spends time with one child each week, getting to know them and gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. Volunteers communicate with attorneys and social workers.
They review records, research information, and talk to anyone involved with the child, including parents, extended family members, doctors and teachers. If you have just 2-4 hours a week to be there for a child in foster care, you can make a difference.
Learn more about volunteers by attending an online information meeting. Register at casaofsantacruz.org/signup.
Upcoming online informational sessions will be: Tuesday, April 21 at 1 p.m., Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m., and Tuesday, April 28 at 1 p.m.
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For information see Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County at www.casaofsantacruz.org, call (831) 761-2956 or email [email protected].