Letter to | the Editor

 To the Editor:

We often look forward to the beginning of a new year. We celebrate “out with the old and in with the new.” It represents a clean slate – new hopes, big plans, and important commitments, all placed on a brand new calendar.

Unfortunately, the life of an abused and neglected child does not often change unless the child welfare system steps in and brings the family under the protection of the Juvenile Court. 

It is during a child’s removal from home and during the time his/her parents are working toward reunification that a child’s life comes to a standstill. His/her sense of time becomes skewed. The days and nights away from home wear away the possibilities that other children may get to experience. These children need someone to put them on their new calendars.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a committed trained citizen of the community who is willing to stand up for and speak on behalf of these children. CASA volunteers are asked to make an independent assessment of the child’s situation and provide information to the court and others who will be making life-changing decisions about their lives. 

Please become a CASA volunteer and make a child in need a priority on your calendar in 2017. Applications are being accepted for the pre-service training that begins in February. Contact Iamforthechild.com or call 712-328-4811 for more information.

Anne Christensen,

Council Bluffs