LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The end of summer and the start of a new school year is an exciting time for most children. But for some, the beginning of school can reveal a dark secret when the signs of abuse and neglect these children have suffered over the summer are noticed by teachers, staff and other parents. As a result, “it’s not uncommon for reports of suspected abuse and neglect to spike at the start of the school year,” said Tonya Kennerly, CASA of Southern Maryland Program Manager.
Some of these children who are confirmed as victims of abuse and neglect are removed from their homes and placed into foster care—often far from their friends, families and schools. CASA of Southern Maryland, a program of the Center for Children screens and specially trains individuals to serve as CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for abused and neglected children who, through no fault of their own, end up in the foster care system.
CASAs play a vital role in the life of the child and the courts. Being uprooted from their homes and families and placed in unfamiliar surroundings is very scary for these children. Because CASAs are focused on one family of children, they are positioned to provide much needed individual support to the children and crucial information to the courts, in order to advocate for the best interest of the children. “It is for this reason that the goal of CASA of Southern MD is to provide every child in foster care in Southern MD with a CASA”, said Kennerly. But we need more people in our community to speak up and make sure these children’s voices are heard. We want to help ensure that their stay in foster care is as brief as possible and that they are placed in permanent, safe and loving homes quickly so they can begin to heal.”
The work of the CASA is very rewarding and appreciated. Sharron Brown has been a CASA volunteer for more than 5 years. She states that she has learned so much and been profoundly touched by the dedication, caring, and tenacity of both the advocates and the children. “I have been the only stability in my child’s life since we were paired several years ago, and I cannot overstate how much this relationship means to both of us!”
According to National CASA, children with a CASA advocate leave the foster care system 2.5 months earlier than those without. “CASA of Southern MD needs more dedicated CASA volunteers like Sharron, to provide advocacy and support to ensure that these children are placed into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.” Kennerly said.
Become a CASA volunteer to help the abused and neglected children in foster care to find safe, permanent homes. For more information about CASA of Southern MD, visit center-for-children.org/programs/court-appointed-special-advocate-casa, or contact Jodie Taylor at casa@center-for-children.org or 410-535-3047.