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Child Advocates of Navarro County celebrates National Adoption Month

Corsicana Daily Sun - 11/13/2018

Nov. 13--November is National Adoption Month, and Child Advocates of Navarro County is working to inform the public of the urgent need for families to support vulnerable children in the foster care system.

In 2017 in Texas, there were 7,236 children in the care of Child Protective Services waiting for adoption. Child Advocates of Navarro County's CASA program is spreading awareness this month, and challenging more members of the community to step up and be a part of the solution by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer.

"There are so many children in foster care right here in our local and neighboring communities that need a permanent home," said Jenny Bratton, executive director. "Our hope is to inform our community that there are a variety of ways that you can support children during National Adoption Month. If you have ever considered becoming a foster parent, or adoptive home, please start the process. If fostering or adopting is too much of a commitment for your life right now, we want people to know that they can still help children in care by becoming a CASA volunteer."

Children come into the foster care system through no fault of their own due to abuse and/or neglect, leaving behind the only life they have ever known. For many children, the harsh reality is that they will wait too long for a safe, permanent home, and will continue bouncing between foster homes or residential treatment centers until they are finally reunited with their biological family or adopted. Without the proper guidance and direction that a family provides, many youth often face negative outcomes like homelessness, drug addiction and incarceration.

"Every child deserves a safe, loving home where they can be a kid," Bratton said. "Here in Navarro County every child is served by a CASA volunteer."

CASA volunteers are everyday citizens from the community that are screened and trained, and appointed by a judge to advocate for a child's best interest in court. Volunteers are designated to serve a child or sibling group to evaluate their well-being by getting to know them and speaking with any and all relevant contacts in their lives.

CASA volunteers work hard to develop a trusting relationship with these children, while collecting important information about their unique physical, emotional and educational needs. They communicate their recommendations to the court in an effort to ensure children are able to thrive during their time in care.

"In addition to the abuse or neglect they've endured, these children lack the stability in life needed to grow and often miss out on key parts of childhood while in foster care," she said.

"Our dedicated volunteers at Child Advocates of Navarro County's CASA Program work hard to build a positive relationship with these children, and make certain they provide a voice for them and protect their best interests."

November also marks the beginning of the holiday season.

"Without a permanent family, children often aren't able to experience the types of precious memories and childhood moments that can make the holiday season so warm and special for many of us," Bratton said. "Child Advocates of Navarro County needs more advocates that can make a difference in the lives of these children."

As we observe National Adoption Month and enter the holiday season, consider becoming a CASA volunteer to ensure that all children get the support they need and deserve by giving them a chance at a brighter future.

For more information, visit www.casanav.org or www.BecomeACASA.org.

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(c)2018 the Corsicana Daily Sun (Corsicana, Texas)

Visit the Corsicana Daily Sun (Corsicana, Texas) at corsicanadailysun.com

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