Court Appointed Special Advocates: Beginning of School Year Often Reveals Child Abuse, Neglect

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 could reveal a dark secret when signs of abuse and neglect these children have suffered over the summer are noticed by teachers, staff and other parents.

“Because children are subject to less adult supervision outside the home over the summer, it’s not uncommon for reports of suspected abuse and neglect to spike at the start of the school year,” said Ann Marie Binsner, Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County.

Many of the children who are confirmed as victims are removed from their homes and placed into foster care—often far from their friends, families and schools. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers from CASA/Prince George’s County are specially screened and trained to speak up for abused and neglected children who, through no fault of their own, end up in the foster care system.

“Being uprooted from their homes and families is scary for these children. We at CASA/Prince George’s County want to make sure that they do not get lost in the overburdened foster care system,” Binsner said. “For that reason, 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 short as possible and that they are placed in safe, loving homes quickly so they can begin to heal.”

There are nearly 500 children in the child welfare and foster care system in Prince George’s County, and only 150 CASA volunteers to advocate for their best interests.

“Too many children are forced to go through the chaos of moving through the foster care system alone,” Binsner said. “CASA/Prince George’s County needs more volunteers to step up and be a voice for children who desperately need them.”

Michelle Martin has been a CASA volunteer for over three years. Michelle recently closed another case with a successful adoption. As a CASA volunteer she advocates for children’s needs in court and in the child welfare system. She helps them through their struggles in foster care. Michelle’s top priority is always doing what is best for the children she is working with. Her favorite quote to describe her work is, “It’s always ALL about the children.” She goes on to call for more people like her to step up and volunteer, “if everyone was committed to advocating for a child in Foster Care, we ALL could truly make a positive impact in their lives.”

CASA’s Executive Director couldn’t agree more. “We need more dedicated CASA volunteers like Michelle to walk with children every step of the way and ensure that they are placed into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible,” Binsner said.

This school year, become a CASA volunteer and help children in need find safe, permanent homes. For more information, visit www.pgcasa.org or call 301-209-0491. The next Open House and information session is September 1 from 6-7:30 in CASA’s offices.

About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/Prince George’s County, Inc.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/ Prince George's County, Inc. is a volunteer-based organization that partners with the juvenile court to improve the lives of abused and neglected children living in foster care. With a strong commitment to diversity, CASA trains and supervises volunteers from the community who advocate for the best interest of children, recognizing and respecting each child's individual needs. By providing a voice to children in the foster care system, it is our goal to promote the timely placement of the children we serve in safe, permanent homes.