In our community right now, there are a number of abused and neglected children. They may be children in your son's or daughter's classroom who have had to move homes and schools several times in the past year. They may be the child who does not join in the games during recess or P.E., and who sits by themselves at lunch, or who may very well be a new face in your neighborhood.

Our Child welfare and foster care system is full of compassionate social service workers, lawyers, judges, and foster families. But in Tennessee alone, there are over 8,000 children/youth in our foster care system.  Due to the high number of children entering the foster care system each year, our system is strained to the point that they are unable to protect the rights of each child in our system.

This just isn’t a problem; it is a violation of their human rights. A child is unable to defend their own rights; however, a CASA advocate can step in and be their voice!

CASA of Henderson and Carroll Counties is part of a national network of nonprofit organizations that train and support volunteer advocates —these are people like you and me — we speak and act as advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within our court system right here in Henderson and Carroll Counties. We are appointed by the judge to each case, and work closely with the caseworkers and lawyers to ensure each child has a voice in all proceedings with their case. With the help of a CASA advocate, a child is half as likely to remain in the foster care system and is that much more likely to find a safe and permanent home. We all know that children are best raised with their families if possible, and our job as advocates is to assist these families with the tools needed to be successful in raising their children.

Every child has a right to thrive and be successful, to be treated with dignity, and to live in a safe, loving home. Every child deserves a fighting chance.

Once grown, these children can and will become our future lawyers, doctors, teachers, and leaders. By going through a period of fear and vulnerability, these children learn, with the help of an advocate, that they have rights and a voice. Each child learns to believe in him or herself again. As an advocate, we are faced with many challenges; however, standing up for a child is our main focus and goal. These children need to know someone cares and believes in them and is willing to stand up for what is in their best interest.

Join me and CASA of Henderson and Carroll Counties by standing up and supporting the children in our community. Please consider becoming an Advocate or donating today!!

On behalf of the children we serve in Henderson and Carroll Counties, thank you for your support!!!