By LIBBY CLUETT | lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com
Because many area children are affected by abuse, neglect and domestic violence, one take-home message for October – dedicated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month – is that Court-Appointed Special Advocates volunteers can become part of the solution in improving a local child’s life.
No matter where in the state they operate, CASA programs are always looking for qualified volunteers.
“A CASA volunteer cannot change the past of an abused or neglected child, but a CASA volunteer can be a part of changing a child’s future,” said CASA of Parker County program director Lori Cope, citing a phrase she has often seen in CASA promotional material.
In March of this year, the Palo Pinto County CASA program exited the five-county CASA of the Cross Timbers and merged into CASA of Parker County, with guidance and encouragement from Texas CASA, Cope said.
CASA is about to swear in four new Palo Pinto County volunteers who have completed training, but she and Executive Director Barb Tucker said the need is great because of the caseload here of children in the court system because of reported abuse and neglect.
Read the full story in the Index's eEdition. Log in, subscribe or sign up for a one-week free trial here.
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
