Montgomery County had 985 confirmed victims of child abuse and four fatalities due to abuse and neglect in 2010, according to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children Operations Manager Jill Cantarella.

 Montgomery County is ranked 14th in the state for its number of victims, Cantarella reported.

In 2010 CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County helped 600 children who have been placed within the legal system.

There are many types of child abuse that CASA addresses, which include physical, emotional, sexual, neglect and medical neglect.

Cantarella said the most common reason for a child’s removal from a home is neglect. A high percentage of cases of child removal involve drug-related issues such as addiction, manufacturing or sale of illegal drugs. Age instability, lack of support and parents refusing parental responsibility are other factors, she explained.

“Being a child should never hurt,” she said.

According to CASA, its goal is to recruit, train and support community volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children removed from their parent’s care and placed within the court’s legal jurisdiction.

CASA works with families, schools, therapists, Child Protective Services (CPS) and the legal system to ensure each child victimized by neglect or abuse receives the services they need in finding a safe, permanent home.

“Our role as CASA is to ensure that the children we serve receive the best services available during their journey through the court system,” Cantarella wrote in an e-mail. “It is our belief that every child should live without fear. Through compassion and commitment CASA serves as a powerful voice in court.”

She explained that a judge makes the determination to place a child in a new home based on information gathered from CASA, CPS, attorneys and counselors.

Although, the steps seem basic Cantarella says CASA has a continued need for volunteers in order to keep up with the growing number of children being removed from their homes.

In order to make the community more aware of the situations children may face, CASA will hold its Second Annual Light of Hope ceremony on April 13 at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Montgomery County Courthouse.

“Light of Hope is a ceremony held to honor the promise of hope that one day every child will have a safe and loving home,” Cantarella said. “Children represent our greatest hope for the future. Their health, protection and safety must be our priority.”

Residents are invited to hear information about how to recognize the signs of child abuse and where to report it. Children that have been adopted will also speak about their experiences.

The ceremony will end with a moment of silence and candles will be lit to honor the children who have been affected by child abuse.

“Candles are lit as a symbol of our promise as a community to join in partnership in the fight against child abuse,” Cantarella said.

For more information, visit casaspeaks4kids.com.

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