In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, First Circut CASA is issuing a call to action for Mitchell-area residents to stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected.
During fiscal year 2016, there were 1,317 children in state custody in the state of South Dakota. These children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own. More children are coming into care because of opioids.
“The needs of children coming into care are more complicated than ever before, and life in foster care can be chaotic,” said Jackie Horton, executive director. “Every child deserves the support of caring, consistent adult with the training to help them heal and thrive.”
Throughout the month of April, First Circuit CASA is calling on members of the community to help our program serve more of the most vulnerable children in Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Davison, Douglas, Hanson, Hutchinson, and McCook counties. Throughout the month, make a donation to the First Circuit CASA program, sign to attend volunteer training being held in June, ask a CASA representative to speak to your church, civic organization or business.
First Circuit CASA is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA), a nationwide network of programs in nearly 1,000 communities. In the Mitchell area there are 34 volunteer advocates fighting for the best interests of 38 children but three more children need the care and support of a CASA volunteer.
ADVERTISEMENT
For more information about First Circuit CASA to become a supporter or to volunteer, visit www.mitchellcasa.org or call 605-996-1212.
