The Wisconsin CASA Association is holding its first ever “I am for the Child Day” on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.
Wisconsinites are encouraged to wear blue Wednesday to call attention to the issue of child abuse and the need for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to be a voice for children who find themselves in the court or child welfare system through no fault of their own. Wisconsin CASA works to protect children by giving them a voice and a hopeful future. “I am for the Child Day” is being held in conjunction with April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month activities.
“We find that many people are generally aware of the issue of child abuse and neglect, but often don’t think about what happens to these children when they become a part of the court or child welfare system,” says Sue Schwartz, Executive Director of Wisconsin CASA Association. “That’s where CASA becomes involved, by providing specially-trained volunteers who get to know these children and advocate on their behalf. We need to do more for these children, and it is our hope that by wearing blue on April 18, it will not only show support for children in crisis, but will also raise awareness about the need to have CASAs in every Wisconsin county.”
National research shows that a child with a CASA spends an average of eight months less in Foster Care and does better in school.
Wisconsin CASA currently serves 11 Wisconsin counties. In 2017, roughly 6,400 Wisconsin children were in need of a CASA volunteer; however only 755 children could be helped due to a lack of volunteers and a need for additional programs throughout the state.
For those participating in “I am for the Child Day,” you are encouraged to post a picture of yourself or others wearing blue on social media, and include the hashtag: #CASAwearsBlueDayWI. To find out more about Wisconsin CASA, locate the program nearest you, or learn how to become a volunteer, please visit wisconsin-casa.org
