April is an important month for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Marshall County because it is National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. During this month, their goal is to spread the word that child abuse and neglect is real and it happens all over. Child abuse and neglect is not just something that affects one socioeconomic status, one race, or one ethnicity. It happens in every state, every county, and every town within each county.
The most important part of raising awareness is letting every individual in Indiana know that they are a mandated reporter. In some states, only certain professionals are considered mandated reporters but not in Indiana. EVERYONE is required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect. This also means that it is not up to the person making the report to decide first if it meets criteria for abuse or neglect… that is up to the trained caseworkers who answer the hotline calls. The number in Indiana for reporting abuse or neglect to the Indiana Department of Child Services is 1-800-800-5556. This hotline is answered by trained caseworkers 24/7.
A common concern is “what if I’m wrong” and instead, we should be asking ourselves “what if I’m right?” The goal of reporting abuse and neglect is primarily to keep children safe. Removing kids from their families is an extreme measure and is a last resort, only to be used if and when children are not safe in their home or environment. If you feel that something is not as it should be and there is any possibility at all that a child is not safe due to abuse or neglect, please report this so that kids and families who are in need of help can get the help they need!
Haley Kittrell, Executive Director of CASA of Marshall County also announced the April Volunteer of the Month for April. Allison Kara became a CASA volunteer in the fall of 2013. Allison is involved in many volunteer organizations but she goes way above and beyond for her CASA child. Kittrell said, “Most recently, she reached out and with the help of the CASA Board of Directors, her CASA child will be able to attend her prom!” Being a CASA volunteer is about building a relationship of trust with a child who is hurting, and Allison has put in what all these kids need most: her time and dedication. Kittrell said, “Allison jumped in with both feet about a year and a half ago and she hasn’t slowed down since!”
