WILMINGTON — During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Clinton County CASA challenges residents of Clinton County to stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected.

At any given time, there are more than 70 children in foster care in Clinton County. These children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own. Unfortunately, more children in Clinton County are coming into care due to substance abuse than ever before.

“The number of children coming into care continues to grow and we aim to meet that need, ” said Kim Vandervort, director of Clinton County CASA. “Every child deserves the support of a caring, consistent, trained adult to help them find a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive.”

Throughout April, Clinton County CASA is calling on members of the community to help its program serve more of Clinton County’s most vulnerable children.

Clinton County CASA is now screening applicants for its Fall 2018 Pre-service training class.

Without intervention, the odds are stacked against children in foster care, states a CASA release to the media. A child with a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, however, spends 20 percent less time in foster care, on average, compared to a child without a CASA volunteer.

Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their well-being and are four times more likely to find a permanent home, adds the release.

“CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” said Vandervort.

“A child may have multiple social workers, attorneys, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case, but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future,” Vandervort said.

Clinton County CASA is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA ), a nationwide network of programs in nearly 1,000 communities.

At the heart of the movement are nearly 87,000 highly trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of more than 280,000 of America’s children who have been abused or neglected. In Clinton County, there are 16 volunteer advocates fighting for the best interests of 41 children, but many more children need the care and support of a CASA volunteer, said Vandervort.

An additional 29 children received permanence, through reunification or placement with a relative, and their case was closed.

For more information about Clinton County CASA, to become a supporter or to volunteer, please visit www.clintoncountycourts.org or call 937-383-1137.