Advocates for Children, an agency that works on behalf of victims of child abuse and neglect in Bartholomew, Jennings and Decatur counties, recently received a $20,241 check from Columbus-based Family Chiropractic Health and Wellness to support its work.
Advocates for Children specializes in training and supporting Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers so that children who find themselves in the child protection system have a qualified adult looking out for their best interests in the court system. These volunteers help to guarantee that such children receive all the services they may need.
The financial gift represents a year-long partnership between Family Chiropractic Health and Wellness and Advocates for Children.
Rick Scalf, community outreach coordinator for Advocates for Children, described the partnership as successful.
“In addition to the financial contribution, Family Chiropractic and Wellness has been a major participant in our annual events Crooners for CASA and Night of a Thousand Jacks. They’ve also provided us opportunities to introduce their clients to the vital work our agency does on behalf of this community’s most vulnerable children,” Scalf said.
“Without the CASA program, many children would never get the chance to thrive in a safe and stable household,” Dr. Mandy Wyant, of Family Chiropractic and Wellness, said.
Advocates for Children is trying to keep pace with a growing number of children entering the child protection system because more parents are coping with addictions.
“Our children are the silent victims of the opioid epidemic,” Therese Miller, executive director of Advocates for Children, said. “Last year, our agency provided advocates for 841 children who entered the courts through no fault of their own. This year, we’ve already served 850.”
Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or donating to the program, should contact Advocates for Children by calling 812-372-2808 or going online at apowerfulvoice.org.
