Raising Awareness CASA recognizes Child Abuse Awareness Month
By Hans Lammeman
Light poles and storefronts in downtown Hallettsville proudly display royal blue ribbons and other decorations throughout April to bring attention to child abuse and neglect.
The Golden Crescent CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Hallettsville Office coordinated the demonstration of support around town to raise awareness during the month declared Child Abuse Awareness Month in Lavaca, DeWitt and Gonzales Counties.
“At last count, one in 10 Texas children will experience some form of abuse or neglect. That’s too many; one child is too many,” said Volunteer Darla Sanders of Golden Crescent Casa. “Raising awareness lets people know to watch out for it; there are resources for parents to access before it gets to the point that they are neglecting or abusing their children.”
Advocates with Golden Crescent CASA serve as court-appointed guardians ad litem for children who have been removed from their families for abuse or neglect and placed in foster care.
“Unfortunately, the trauma of abuse has a very bad effect on children,” said Sanders. “These are the children that one day will run our country and we want them to be able to run it and be productive, (not) sidelined by the trauma that comes from being abused or neglected.”
Sanders encouraged readers to wear blue and post their pictures on social media to spread awareness for child abuse and neglect on April 24, Blue Sunday.
For those interested in volunteering with Golden Crescent CASA or donating, more information is available at goldencrescentcasa.org.
The Texas Abuse Hotline is available toll-free 24 hours, seven days a week at (1-800) 252-5400. Report abuse online at txabusehotline.org and get a response within 24 hours.