Mayor Proclaims April As Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month
Mayor Proclaims April As Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
Mayor Proclaims April As Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness MonthThe city of Warsaw has a large share of the abused and neglected children that Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kosciusko County volunteers advocate for.
At the Warsaw Common Council meeting Monday night, Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.
April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month by presidential proclamation in 1883, Thallemer read from the proclamation.
He said CASA of Kosciusko County, a nonprofit organization, is committed to speaking in the best interest of children who are at risk for abuse and neglect. CASA recruits, trains and supports volunteers to serve at-risk children in the family court system.
In 2022, the Kosciusko County Department of Child Services assessed 1,100 reports of abuse and neglect and 40% of children currently removed from a home due to abuse and neglect are in Warsaw. That same year, CASA of Kosciusko County volunteers donated over 3,900 hours of their time advocating for 143 abused and neglected children, Thallemer read.
“Whereas child abuse and neglect can have long-term psychological, emotional and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and whereas it is imperative that we acquire a working knowledge of the phenomenon of child abuse and neglect and that we demonstrate support for work of both professionals and volunteers involved in providing child protection, rehabilitation and prevention services, now therefore be it resolved,” Thallemer said, “I ... do hereby proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.”
He said city officials urge all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating themselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families of Kosciusko County.
CASA Board of Directors President Jason Brandyberry said CASA volunteers are appointed in cases in the county where children have been victims of abuse and neglect.
“And our job is to see a child a minimum of every 30 days and advocate for their needs, such as medical, mental health and educational needs to ensure that they have a safe placement,” he said.
CASA of Kosciusko County currently has 55 active volunteers, up from 50 in 2022.
“Out of the children that we have right now, 40% of those are from those in Warsaw specifically,” Brandyberry said.
April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, he said CASA has some upcoming events to make people aware of it.
At noon April 12 on the courthouse lawn, there will be a march around the courthouse and pinwheels will be planted for a pinwheel garden.
“You may seen these before. It’s a blue pinwheel that is a symbol of child abuse prevention as it represents the happiness and whimsy of a childhood that we all hope a child could have,” he said.
From 5 to 8 p.m. April 17, the Culver’s on U.S. 30 in Warsaw is a give-back night where a portion of the sales will be donated to CASA. A representative will be there to answer any questions anyone may have on CASA.
On April 25 at Hacienda in Warsaw is a give-back day all day long where a percentage of the sales will be donated to CASA.
Journey Nutrition and Courthouse Coffee on the Square are offering special drinks in April.
“And finally, we always need more volunteers so if anyone is interested in learning more about how to become a CASA?volunteer, how to donate, you can call anytime or visit our website at casachildren.com,” Brandyberry concluded.
