Breaking the cycle of child abuse

By Michelle Cobern

Executive Director of CASA of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties

Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) has been in the news lately for failing to protect children in the state’s care. Many are just now learning about this tragic situation, but if we only focus on this issue when it is highly visible in the newspaper or on the morning news, it can be easy to miss the bigger picture.

This April, as we observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Volunteer Week, it’s important we recommit ourselves to ending the vicious cycle of abuse and to standing up for every child too young to speak for themselves. This month, and throughout the year,

CASA of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties encourages concerned citizens to come together to promote awareness of the child abuse and neglect that exists in our local communities. CASA of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties is one of the 72 CASA programs across Texas that works to ensure all children placed in the foster care system, due to abuse or neglect, can have the safe, stable and nurturing environments they need to thrive. CASA programs recruit and train everyday members of the community to speak up for the best interests of children in court to ensure that they are placed into loving, permanent homes as quickly as possible. These extraordinary people are called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteers.

Last year, more 47,348 children were in the care and custody of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) due to abuse or neglect. CASA of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties, along with our statewide CASA community, provided 8,476 CASA volunteers who served 25,947 children in 207 of Texas’ 254 counties over the course of the past year.

Children in foster care experience a tremendous amount of change and instability. Often, they don't have a consistent adult that they can rely on – someone to keep them safe and make sure their voices are heard. But children with a CASA volunteer spend less time in foster care and receive better access to support and services.

The future of Texas relies on the healthy growth and development of all children. So this April, as we mark National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, schools, government agencies and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to support families and prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening our entire community. With National Volunteer Week coming up April 10-16, now would be the perfect time to get involved with the CASA cause.

Last year, roughly less than half of the children in the child welfare system did not have a CASA volunteer to advocate for their best interests. Be that someone for a child in foster care – someone who speaks up to change a child's life forever. Consider becoming a CASA volunteer and take that first step in helping to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. New CASA Volunteer Training for CASA of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties begins April 11, 2016.

If you see abuse, report it to (800) 252-5400 or go to www.txabusehotline.org. If a child’s life is in danger, call 911. If you want to leave a legacy of positive change, become a CASA volunteer. For more information, visit www.BecomeaCASA.org or www.casatcm.org or call 903-717-8940.

Michelle Cobern is Executive Director of CASA of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties which recruits, trains and supports volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in Titus, Camp and Morris Counties.