Out of sight, but not out of mind

Support needed during Child Abuse Prevention Month and COVID-19 pandemic

ROCKWALL TX – April 21, 2020 – This weekend, Lone Star CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children), a local non-profit dedicated to helping abused and neglected children in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties, will host a Virtual Happy Hour event to raise awareness and funds during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

As our community rallies to #GoBlueForKids in April, COVID-19 has had a catastrophic effect on child welfare in Rockwall and Kaufman counties. An unforeseen side-effect of shelter-in-place orders is that children have become trapped in homes with abusive and neglectful parents and family members, at precisely the moment when Lone Star CASA is facing a budget shortfall due to canceled fundraising events.

To help make up this shortfall, Lone Star CASA’s Board of Directors is asking for contributions from the community. “Stuck at home, nobody is there to hear their cries or see there to see their bruises,” said Jennifer Ashmore, president of Lone Star CASA’s Board of Directors. “We’re asking that people post a selfie on Facebook holding their favorite beverage, to ‘tip’ their waiter by making a donation on our website, and challenge friends to help as well.”

Lone Star CASA acts as “the eyes and ears of the court,” by working alongside children, social workers, family, and foster families to keep County judges fully informed and empowered to make the best decisions possible for each child to have a safe and permanent home.

“In 2019, we saw a 16% increase in abuse and neglect cases,” said Lauren Rowe, Executive Director, “and we’re seeing that trend continue into 2020 – especially with COVID19 trapping kids at home with abusive and neglectful caretakers.”

Proceeds from the Virtual Happy Hour will help support Lone Star CASA operations. The cost to support one child for one day is $7.

“Now, more than ever, these children need us. And we need the community’s support,” said Ashmore. “They may be out of sight, but should never be out of mind.”

Participants in the Virtual Happy Hour can donate their “tips” at lonestarcasa.org/help.

About Lone Star CASA

Founded in 1992, Lone Star CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children — serves Rockwall and Kaufman Counties in Texas. Lone Star CASA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports volunteers who gather important information about abused and neglected children and offer recommendations to judges that help them decide what’s in the best interests of each child.

Learn more at https://www.lonestarcasa.org

Blue Ribbon News staff report, in collaboration with Lone Star CASA press release.

Our print edition is delivered free to ~15,500 homes in Rockwall and Heath, TX.