Tippecanoe County CASA says it has seen an increase in children being taken out of homes due to child abuse since the Stay at Home Order has been in effect.
However, they are still advocating for children virtually, but are in need of volunteers.
Children being taken out of homes due to child abuse - since the stay at home order has been in effect.
News 18's meredith hackler spoke with both a staff member and volunteer about the challenges they are facing as they advocate for children virtually.
Casa is a service that is needed now more then ever.
"we did notice around the time that hoosiers were going home and staying at home due to the stay at home order was enacted there was a spike of detentions and removal right after that time."- steven flowers the spike is something that doesn't surprise volunteers.
"stress levels go up..
Temper flare..
And typically kids are the ones who are on the receiving end of that."-kevin koors and while the spike has tapered off in recent weeks..
There is still a need for court appointed special advocate volunteers... especially since court cases aren't being held as often due to the virus.
"only essential hearings are occurring and we are still present in the court room either telephonically or our attorney is attending hearings on our behalf."-steven flowers kevin koors has been a casa volunteer for 11 years.
He says..
Making a connection with children is more difficult to do virtually.
"part of the casa's job is to get eyes on the kid and see how they are doing.
You just talk to them play with them read their body language and that's really hard to do remotely.
"-kevin koors especially since some of the kids he is advocating for don't have access to the internet.
"in some cases the foster parents don't have internet so i really can't do it over zoom so i have to rely on what the foster parents tell me."-kevin koors that's why casa staff say... it's important to report abuse if you suspect it.
"be a good neighbor check on your friends look out for others and see what they need.
If you do see abuse and neglect occurring or suspected report it.
Interventions help everyone involved and those families need you too."- steven flowers meredith hackler news 18.
Casa plans to hold another training class for people interested in volunteering in july.
But organizers aren't sure yet whether that will be in person or virtual.
For more information on how you can volunteer head to our website wlfi dot com.
Police in
Crimes against children are down significantly since schools closed for the coronavirus pandemic. But that is not necessarily such..
A North Texas pediatric hospital has reported its third death from "severe abuse" in less than a month as it has seen a spike in..
