There are several way you can help, including becoming a foster parent. Of course, many people can't become foster parents for several different reasons. However, you CAN become involved in a great program and "BE A VOICE FOR THE CHILDREN."
The information below is not "official" information from either GAL (Guardian Ad Litem) or CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), but it is my response to people who are interested in helping children. I will also furnish official information either here, or in another link.
What YOU Can Do To Help A Child:
You can become a "child advocate" for one or more abused/neglected child(ren). These advocates are volunteers who are screened, trained and whatever else is necessary to represent the BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD!
The CHILD is the ONLY thing that matters to the advocate!
Most child advocates are very dedicated to "their" children, and fight with everything they have for the child. These advocates are called either "Guardian Ad Litems" (GAL) or "CASA" volunteers - depending on what state they are in.
As far as I am concerned, these child advocates are the best thing that ever happened for the children. The advocate is a sworn member of the court, and they have access to ALL INFORMATION that the Dept. of Children & Families (DCF) has on the child. The advocate visits the child; the parents; neighbors; teachers; doctors; etc., to come to what they consider to be "in the best interest of the child."
The child advocate appears at each court hearing for or with the child - depending on the child's age whether they are in court or not. These hearings are usually about 6 months apart. The advocate tells the judge what they think is best for the child - which is often VERY DIFFERENT than what DCF is saying. DCF; the child's advocate; parents; attorney for the parents and DCF; and others involved in the case are at these hearings. The juvenile judges give "great weight" to the advocates recommendation, as they know that the advocate is for the child ONLY!
Every child that is in the "system" is supposed to have an advocate of their own. However, due to the large number of children in the system, and the few volunteers available to represent the children, only the most severe cases of child abuse are able to have their own advocate. Volunteers are always desperately needed!
Another thing that we can ALL do, and should do, is keep our eyes and ears open and if we see or hear anything that appears to be abuse...REPORT IT!!
This is MY recommendation ONLY, but If it the abuse is happening at the moment or very recently, I would call 911 first as they will be able to get there MUCH faster than DCF; then either you or the police can call DCF.
ALWAYS REMEMBER - "There Is No Sound, No Cry In All The World, That Can Be Heard Unless Someone Is Listening."
If I can be of help to anybody regarding child abuse issues, please feel free to Contact Me Here!
Thanks, Kip Liles
(Former Foster Mommy).
Be A Voice For Children!
Read Two GAL/CASA Case Stories Here