Childhood experiences, both positive and negative have a tremendous impact on a child’s future.
Montague County continues to suffer from a high rate of child abuse and neglect with a consistent average of 100 children in Child Protective Services’ care. Several factors contribute to this high number; drug use, poverty and the multi-generational cycle of abuse and neglect that exists in our county.
Resilience is the ability to adapt in the face of adversity, tragedy, threats or significant stress. Resilience refers to bouncing back from difficult experiences in life. In childhood, resiliency can come from having one consistent, caring adult in a child’s life.
By becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocated Volunteer, you can become that caring adult. CASA volunteers get to know their child and speak up for them in court. CASAs look out for the child’s best interest and can relay the child’s wishes to all the adults who are deciding their future.
By talking to their teacher, attorney, CPS caseworker, parent and judge to help them navigate this very complicated system they have been thrown into. Being “in the system” is very confusing and frightening for children. By having a CASA volunteer whom they can always count on to be with them through it all can be a tremendous comfort.
This is one cause where the actions of a single person can mean the world to another. By just giving approximately one hour each week, you will have the opportunity to make a difference that will last a lifetime.
Make plans to come to one of the CASA informational meetings on either Aug. 14 or Aug. 20 at noon in the Church of Christ at 308 Cooke Street in Nocona or at 6 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Child Welfare Board house, 506 Hulme in Bowie.
Light snacks will be served at both meetings. Questions can be directed to Lorra Lierly by calling 940-867-4483.