Henderson – April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and CASA OF MIDWEST KENTUCKY is raising awareness of the need for more dedicated members of the community to step up and become CASA volunteers, and help end child abuse and neglect, through supporting children and their families.
Events in April include:
- CASA Coffee Sleeves in area coffee shops (decorated by the students at Holy Name of Jesus Christ Catholic School and First Baptist Preschool)
- Proclamations and pinwheel planting: Henderson County Fiscal Court – April 14 at 9:30 a.m.
- Wear Blue Day -April 17 – join in, snap a picture and post to CASA’s Facebook or Instagram page.
- CASA Champions for Children No Show Breakfast Can’t attend the breakfast? You can still be a Champion for Children. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/casa-champions-for-children-no-show[1]breakfast
- Blue Sunday – April 26 -Faith-Based Observance of Child Abuse Prevention. Churches can request information packets to share with their congregations.
CASA volunteers, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are everyday people from all walks of life who are recruited and specially trained to advocate for children in foster care and provide a consistent, reliable adult presence for them during a difficult time in their life.
“CASA volunteers ensure the abused and neglected children they serve have their needs met,” said Daphyne Maddox, Executive Director of CASA OF MIDWEST KENTUCKY. “Foster care is only a temporary solution to the problems at hand. We need to create long-term support networks that work to care for families, make reunification a possibility, and help break the cycle for the next generation. Children’s safety is paramount!”
CASA volunteers are assigned to one child or sibling group to advocate for their best interest in court, in school and in other settings. They get to know the child and everyone involved in their life, such as their parents and other family members, foster parents, therapists, caseworkers and teachers, in order to develop a realistic picture of the child’s unique situation. They engage those important to the child and family to build a network of support around them, so that the family has access to support and resources after the case ends.
They make recommendations to the judge overseeing the child’s case, with the goal of ensuring that the child is safe and the family has the resources, support and healthy relationships needed to heal. Locally, 36 children were served in Henderson County in 2025, which means there are still over 265 children who need someone to advocate for them.
This April, consider stepping up to make a difference by partnering with CASA by becoming a CASA Volunteer, a monthly donor or a Friend of CASA. Visit the www.midwestcasa.org/volunteer website for more information.
If you want Pinwheels for your office call 270-245-5112 – CASA has a limited supply to offer.
To register for the Champion for Children’s breakfast, visit:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/casa-champions-for-children-breakfast]
“We are excited about this new opportunity for individuals and businesses to partner with CASA to help us serve more children. There is always a need for more CASA volunteers,” said Maddox. “By becoming a volunteer, you can take your efforts beyond just awareness, and do your part to help support children and families in crisis right here in our community.”
“We at CASA of Midwest Kentucky always hope for the day when CASA, foster care and a national month dedicated to child abuse prevention are no longer needed because all children are growing up safe, secure and supported with their families,” said Maddox. “Until then, we will continue to seek more members of the community to join our growing movement so that we can provide a CASA volunteer for every child who needs one.”
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. If you see abuse, report it to 1 (800) 252-5400 if a child’s life is in danger, call 911. For more information on CASA, visit midwestcasa.org or call 270-245-5112.
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