Christa Horn Program Director Bourbon County CASA 620-223-2407

Bourbon County CASA Urges Residents to Act Against Child Abuse

Fort Scott, KS– In preparation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Bourbon County CASA challenges residents of Southeast Kansas to stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected.

At any given time, there are over 7,000 children in foster care in the state of Kansas. These children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own.

“Children continue to come into care and we aim to meet that need,” said Christa Horn, Program Director, Bourbon County CASA. “Every child deserves the support of caring, consistent, trained adult to help them find a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive.”

Throughout the year Bourbon County CASA is calling on members of the community to help our program serve more of Bourbon County’s most vulnerable children.

Without intervention, the odds are stacked against children in foster care. A child with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, however, spends 20 percent less time in foster care, on average, compared to a child without a CASA volunteer. Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their wellbeing and are four times more likely to find a permanent home.

“CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” said Horn. “A child may have multiple social workers, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future.”

Bourbon County CASA is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA), a nationwide network of programs in nearly 1,000 communities. At the heart of the movement are nearly 87,000 highly trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of more than 280,000 of America’s children who have been abused or neglected. In Bourbon County, there are 22 volunteer advocates fighting for the best interests of 75 children (annually) but many more children need the care and support of a CASA volunteer.
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, contact Christa Horn at 620-2232407 or email [email protected]. New volunteer training begins April 1.