IN THE NEWS

of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. These awareness months highlight critical societal issues that affect many families. Every year tens of thousands of children and

youth enter the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect that is often related to substance use disorder or domestic violence in the home. Sometimes it’s both, because they are often interrelated.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. It is estimated that 30-60% of all children in foster care have witnessed domestic violence. Due to their high rates of maltreatment and trauma, children in foster care are at a greater risk of experiencing domestic violence as young adults.

Substance abuse, also called substance use disorder, is another issue that affects children in foster care. Substance abuse can lead to neglect and abuse of children, as parents who experience addiction to drugs or alcohol may be unable to provide adequate care for their children.

Drug and alcohol abuse greatly influence incidences of domestic violence. According to the Domestic Violence book, domestic violence perpetrators “have a higher consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs.” Children who witness domestic violence may experience a range of negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and behavioral problems. Children who are exposed to substance use disorder may be at higher risk of developing addiction themselves.

Learning about domestic violence and substance use disorder is an important element of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer training. CASA volunteers are trained to advocate for services that promote healing and that help children develop resilience without causing additional trauma. This includes providing access to mental health services, educational support, and stable housing. Having a stable relationship with a supportive adult like a CASA volunteer supports resilience, even for a child who has faced significant hardships.

For more information, how to get involved or ways to support our mission, please visit www.lincolncasa.org.

National Reunification Month is celebrated each year to recognize the people and efforts around the country who help families stay together. It’s also an occasion to honor families who have surmounted challenges to create a secure and affectionate home for their children, even after their child has been placed in the child welfare system. National CASA continues to celebrate 41 years of impact, there is a focus on supporting families with community resources to reduce the number of interactions with the child welfare system. 

One of National CASA’s guiding principles for its member network of 950 state organizations and local programs focuses on and recognizes the importance of family preservation and/or reunification. 

The 2020 National CASA Standards for Local Programs states: 

- It is in a child’s best interests to remain with their family of origin when safely possible;

- The program acknowledges children experience trauma when separated from their family of origin; and 

- If a child is removed from their family of origin, it is in the child’s best interests to be reunified with their family of origin as soon as safely possible.

In honor of National Reunification Month, CASA of Lincoln County celebrates volunteers and service providers who work hard to identify family strengths to reunite separated families. For more information, how to get involved or ways to support our mission, please visit www.lincolncasa.org.

 May is National Foster Care Month and is celebrated each year to recognize CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers who advocate for the needs of children and youth in foster care.

Nationwide, there are more than 390,000 children and youth in foster care and up to 80 percent of them need significant mental health support. 

Mental and behavioral health support is the largest unmet health need for children and teens in foster care. Up to 80% of children experiencing significant mental health needs are due to the complex traumas of separation from family and culture of origin. CASA volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure 19th Judicial District Court Judge Matthew J. Cuffe has all the information he needs to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. 

Positive mental and behavioral health for children and youth requires the presence of at least one nurturing, responsive caregiver who is stable in the child’s or youth’s life over time. CASA volunteers provide a consistent advocate, and reliable resource for children and youth during times of great uncertainty and transition. 

Having a CASA volunteer:

- Ensures the child or youth has a stable, caring adult on their side, which research shows improves mental health outcomes, regardless of the circumstances of their case. 

- Results in family reunification, legal guardianship, adoption, placement with relatives or continued care at home by parents.

- Provides children and youth with timely resources and support services tailored to each case. 

- Gives children and youth greater hope and optimism for a brighter future, which are strong protective factors supporting positive mental health. 

CASA volunteers not only advocate for children and youth within the court, child welfare and school systems, but also form connections with them which can last for years. For more information or ways you can help, visit www.lincolncasa.org.

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Thank you, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers, for your dedication and tireless efforts transforming the lives of vulnerable children in our communities.

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Celebrating National Volunteer week (April 21-27) provides an opportunity for CASA of Lincoln County to honor and thank our volunteers who work hard to ensure Lincoln County children and youth have their voices heard.

CASA of Lincoln County supports highly trained CASA volunteers in their service to children, youth and their families in Lincoln County. CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children before the court due to allegations of abuse or neglect. 

A CASA volunteer is appointed by Judge Matthew J. Cuffe and provides the court with the comprehensive and objective information the court needs to make the most well-informed decisions and help ensure positive outcomes for children and youth. These individuals not only advocate for children within the court, but also form relationships with them that last for years. 

CASA volunteers take the time to get to know the child at the heart of each case. They also work in partnership with legal and child welfare professionals, educators, and service providers to ensure the child has what he or she needs to thrive. 

Our volunteers are people from all walks of life who have been rigorously screened and trained extensively by our local program. Each volunteer receives more than 30 hours of training before they work with a child, with an additional 12 hours of continued education required annually. Volunteers receive ongoing support to help them advocate effectively on a child’s behalf.

This week gives the residents of Lincoln County the chance to better understand the critical role a CASA volunteer plays in the lives of young people and inspire others to contribute their time to support children who may be in/or at-risk of child welfare involvement. For more information or ways to get involved, visit www.lincolncasa.org.