Nonprofit needs more volunteers to speak for abused and neglected children
Online: casaoflexington.org/covid19
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (April 22, 2020) — Life has shut down in many ways during the COVID-19 pandemic, but CASA of Lexington is gearing up for a possible spike in reported cases of child abuse and neglect after restrictions are lifted.
“I do have concerns that there are children out there and probably many cases that have not been reported and so maybe the children are not receiving services that they should,” said Melynda Jamison, executive director. "I expect that when children are back in schools, hopefully come August, that we will see a significant increase."
With school out for the rest of the year, some children who already lived in homes where they were at risk of abuse or neglect are now spending all their time in those homes. In other homes, job losses, tight living spaces and the stress of living through a pandemic increases the risk for abusive or neglectful behavior by caretakers.
People in the homes where abused or neglected children live often are not the ones to report neglect or abuse; it’s not until more eyes are on a child at school that suspected abuse or neglect can be identified.
"Here at CASA of Lexington, we’re working to be prepared for that and ready to tackle that challenge,” Jamison said. "It’s going to be more important than ever that we have CASA volunteers ready to step into those cases and take them.”
CASA of Lexington has launched a COVID-19 response page on its website at casaoflexington.org/covid19, which helps anyone find a way they can help. New CASA volunteers can now sign up to take their initial 30-hour training online, and an application to begin the process is available on the website.
Supporters who cannot commit to being a CASA volunteer right now can still donate to CASA of Lexington, which has seen its recent fundraising efforts impacted by the cancellation or rescheduling of several major events. Anyone can also sign up to be a Friend of CASA and give of their time and skills in other ways than being a CASA volunteer.
About CASA of Lexington
CASA of Lexington’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court system to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are safe and thrive in a permanent home. Changes such as where the child lives or goes to school, changes in social workers, teachers and friends, as well as the uncertainty of what life holds, can be very overwhelming for these children. The CASA volunteer is there to help recognize what the child needs, work to minimize these detrimental changes, and advocate for positive changes for the child’s future.
For more information, contact Ben Kleppinger, community engagement coordinator, at bkleppinger@casaoflexington.org or (859) 200-7266.