In a show of support, commissioners Tuesday proclaimed April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. Donita Garner, Child Advocacy Center Coordinator for Hope Unlimited, led a group of representatives from several agencies in making a presentation to the commission.
“We’ve all joined forces to come here and plant pinwheels today,” said Garner.
In the coming weeks, community members may begin to see blue pinwheels sprout across the region. Area organizations will “plant” the pinwheels as a reminder to protect children. Following Tuesday’s commission meeting, there is now a sea of blue pinwheels spinning on the Allen County courthouse lawn.
“I run the child advocacy center where we interview children who have been sexually or physically abused,” Garner explained. “We help them through the court process, as well as through the therapeutic process to help them heal.”
JOINING GARNER were representatives with the Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) and Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Garner pointed out that Hope Unlimited’s partners at KCSL and CASA also assist with helping children in crisis.
Alisha Turner with KCSL noted that her organization works with children in the home, who have not been removed.
Aimee Daniels, director of CASA, explained its volunteers work with children who have been removed from their homes.
“CASA is actually able to have an advocate for every child who is assigned in the 31st Judicial District,” noted Garner.
CASA has been providing services to victims of child abuse since its inception in mid-2003. The organization works in the court system with children who have been removed from their biological homes because they’ve been abused or neglected to the extent that it’s not safe for them to remain in the home.
The 31st Judicial District covers a four-county area that includes Allen, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties.
CASA advocates’ primary focus is the child. A monthly one-hour meeting with the child is performed to ensure their ongoing safety and to get an update on their current situation. They also meet with the child’s parents and biological relatives, as well as teachers and counselors.
Volunteers determine whether the child is getting regular medical care, immunizations, dental and vision checks. The volunteers also note if the child is exhibiting any unusual behaviors or showing signs of trauma or mental health problems.
Daniels noted that CASA will see kids until they are legally an adult, at the age of 18.
“Occasionally, we will have someone who has turned 18 but hasn’t graduated high school or obtained their GED,” she said. “They will remain in the system to complete their education.” She added that if they ask to be released from the system at age 18, though, the judge has to release them.
“At the child advocacy center, we interview anybody until they are 18, and also if there’s a special situation,” said Garner. “If they have a disability or a softer setting is better for them, we will help them through that because we know they need that different approach.
DANIELS highlighted the importance of the month by sharing some regional statistics with the commissioners.
