Wednesday, May 1, 2024
The Exchange Club of Gatesville is recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout April.
For their first meeting of the month on April 4, the Exchange Club invited a representative from CASA of Bell & Coryell Counties, a nonprofit that provides a court appointed volunteer to become the voice for a child who has entered the foster care system after experiencing abuse and neglect.
CASA Outreach Coordinator Fiona Williams shared what it means to become a volunteer and how they advocate for children going through the process of finding a safe, permanent home.
“We’re going in and looking for what’s in the best interest for the child,” Williams said.
According to CASA’s website, a volunteer advocate helps the court make better-informed decisions about a child’s case. Volunteer responsibilities include researching case records and speaking to individuals involved in a child’s life, such as family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and social workers. They also monitor the child’s progress throughout the case and advocate for the child’s needs in court, school, appointments, and more.
To learn more about CASA of Bell & Coryell counties or how to become a volunteer, visit casabellcoryell.org/volunteer
Speakers for the remainder of April include AWARE Central Texas who spoke on April 11, Coryell County Rainbow Room on April 18, and the Coryell County Child Welfare Board on April 25.
The Exchange Club meets at 7 a.m. on Thursdays at Junction 36.
