4-30-24 Guest DJ: CASA DeKalb CountyEmma from CASA DeKalb County was our Guest DJ today. We talked about a variety of things regarding CASA including:
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Information about child abuse/neglect
600,000 child victims of abuse and neglect in the US in 2021 (per National Children’s Alliance)
CDC estimates 1 in 7 children experienced child abuse or neglect last year
Child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional and physical effects
Need to work together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families
CASA’s Role
CASA serves as the voice in court for 100% of children who have experienced abuse/neglect and are involved in the court system through no fault of their own.
Served over 200 children annually
Community members volunteer as CASA Advocates to gather information about the lives of the children we serve by attending meetings, talking to everyone involved in the child’s life (teachers, parents, foster parents, counselors, doctors). They present this information to the judge so the judge can make informed decisions about the child’s case.
What the public can do to help
If you see somethings, say something! Report any suspected child abuse to the hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE, 1-800-252-2873)
Volunteer to be a CASA Advocate
We have a total of 28 sibling groups who do not currently have a volunteer on their case and are being served by one of our Advocate Supervisors. While our Advocate Supervisors are amazing, we need CASA Advocates on these cases so that they can spend more one-on-one time with the children and serve as a safe, stable and consistent adult in the lives of children who experience abuse or neglect.
Typically about 10 hours/month, must be at least 24 years old, willing to commit for 2 years, and willing to travel to surrounding counties for child visits.
Apply by May 3 to join our upcoming training at casadekalb.org
Training: Wednesdays May 8 – June 12 form 5 – 8 PM at the CASA Office
Upcoming Events
Give DeKalb County on May 2!
If you haven’t heard about it yet, Give DeKalb County is a 24-hour giving day that raises money for organizations that serve DeKalb County
Over 150 organizations participating this year (including CASA!)
Your gift goes even further during Give DeKalb County thanks to the proportional match from the Bonus Pool
Thank you to the community partners for their incredible generosity to the Bonus Pool!
How to give:
Online on May 2 at givedekalbcounty.org
Choose CASA 😊
By Mail – visit givedekalbcounty.org to download your mail-in donation form. Simply fill our the form and pop in in the mail with your check!
In-Person on May 2 at the DeKalb County Community Foundation from 8 AM to 1 PM – just bring your completed donation form and check, and stick around for refreshments while we watch the numbers climb!
Learn more about Give DeKalb County and check out CASA’s profile at givedekalbcounty.org
CASA Color Run
Our 3rd Annual 5K Color Run is June 8 at 8 AM at the Sycamore Middle School!
Join us for this color-filled, family-friendly fun run! Walk, jog or sprint - anything is fine so long as you have fun! There will be a post-race celebration with music, snacks and water. Learn more and get registered at casadekalb.org/color-run. Register by May 24 to guarantee your T-Shirt 😊