Child abuse and neglect often goes unnoticed and unreported. One group of volunteers that works hard hard to ensure children are safe are Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). They are community members who volunteer with CASA of Northeast Louisiana and work with children in the child welfare system who have already experienced abuse or neglect. A CASA volunteer will meet with children in person on at least a monthly bases and provide information to judges that helps them make the most informed decisions about each child. Now more than ever CASA volunteers are needed
“Teachers and daycare workers are mandated child abuse reporters. If children are not in school, they are not able to report. That is why it is important during the summer months for people to be on the lookout for signs of abuse or neglect.,” said Leslie Bryan, Community Development Coordinator for CASA of NELA. “We need volunteers now more than ever and are encouraging all community members to join us by either volunteering their time or by keeping an eye on children in their communities to ensure that they are safe.”
CASA of NELA will offer a Volunteer Training beginning July 14, 2022, in all the areas we serve. For more information, contact CASA at volunteer@standforhope.org or http://www.casaofnela.org
If someone suspects that a child is in immediate danger, they should contact their local law enforcement for call 9-1-1. They can also call, toll-free, 24 hours a day, to the DCFS Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline at 855-452-5437, to report abuse or neglect.
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