April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

SOMERS POINT — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children is kicking off National Child Abuse Prevention Month with a Go Blue for CASA Dress Down Day on April 1. Schools and businesses are encouraged to dress down or wear blue to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect in our communities. To register for Go Blue for CASA Dress Down Day contact Karen DeRosa at karen@AtlanticCapeCASA.org, call (609) 601-7800.
“I believe, as I am sure most people do, that all children deserve a childhood that provides a safe, loving, stable home with adults that support their hopes and dreams,” said CASA Board President David Hieb. “Sadly, for many children in Atlantic and Cape May Counties, that home does not exist as hundreds of children suffer abuse and neglect each year and are placed in the foster care system. Going Blue for CASA in April is a way for us to raise awareness of the hardships these children face and highlight the roles that CASA advocates, and all of us, play in helping these children succeed.”
CASA advocates help provide a better place for children by ensuring that their families have the resources they need to keep or get their families back together. Research shows that when parents have the knowledge, skills, and services they need to care for their children, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted.
“April is a time to celebrate the important role that CASA advocates and communities play in protecting children,” said CASA Executive Director Angie Waters. “It is a time when communities come together to raise awareness of child abuse prevention and show support for programs and activities that help our children succeed. Research tells us that childhood trauma has long-term negative impacts for the child and for society. The rising cost of health care and mental health services, substance abuse, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency and drop-out rates affect us all and have a negative impact on our community. Programs that support parents and give them the knowledge that helps them provide their children with positive, nurturing environments have been shown to reverse that negative impact. I encourage everyone to get involved with an organization in our community that helps children and families, become a CASA advocate, a mentor or financially support a group that makes sure children are safe and families have access to resources.”
For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities during the month of April, and throughout the year, contact CASA for Children at (609) 601-7800 or www.AtlanticCapeCASA.org.
About CASA of Atlantic and Cape May Counties:
CASA for Children recruits, trains and supports community volunteers to be court advocates for children living in foster care. Advocates are dedicated to ensuring these children are placed in safe permanent homes as quickly as possible. In Atlantic and Cape May Counties, over 1,000 children are placed in foster care annually. Last fiscal year, CASA served 475 abused and neglected children with nearly 200 CASA Volunteers and helped place 128 children in permanent homes. For more information about CASA visit www.AtlanticCapeCASA.org. CASA is a United Way Partner Agency.
About National Child Abuse Prevention Month:
In April 1983, President Ronal Reagan proclaimed April to be the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families. The Children’s Bureau National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect coordinates activities at the Federal level, including creation and dissemination of information at promotional materials. For more information about the Children’s Bureau visit https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/.