Summary

To help broaden awareness about the impacts of child abuse and neglect, King County joined in the national effort this week with a proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Story

To help broaden awareness about the impacts of child abuse and neglect, King County joined in the national effort this week with a proclamation of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The proclamation notes that child abuse and neglect not only harm children directly but also increase the likelihood of future criminal behavior, substance abuse, health problems, and risky behavior. It calls upon citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to support families, prevent child abuse and strengthen communities.

“We all can help recognize and prevent child abuse and neglect,” said King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert. She presented the proclamation at the April 19 annual meeting of the Washington State Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. The CASA program trains volunteers to represent the best interests of child victims of abuse and neglect who are involved in the legal process in Dependency Court. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn also participated in the program celebrating the work of CASA volunteers.

“I am proud of the fact that the national CASA program originated right here in King County 35 years ago,” said Councilmember Lambert. “I am grateful to the dedicated and compassionate people who serve as CASA volunteers and bring hope to many children in crisis.” She recently was selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the state CASA Association.

"We are pleased and honored by Councilmember Lambert's election to the state board,” said Dianne Schultheis, president of the Washington State CASA Association. “Her commitment to and passion for children, together with her seemingly boundless energy, give us great optimism for what we can accomplish together."

The CASA Association is committed to redoubling efforts to make a CASA volunteer available for every child throughout the country who is involved in dependency court.

More information about the preventing child abuse and volunteering with the CASA program is available at www.washingtonstatecasa.org.