Last year in Montgomery County:
- There were 503 confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect.
- Nearly 4 children each week entered foster care, victims of abuse or neglect.
- 44% of child abuse or neglect victims were under the age of 5.
During the last six months (since June), the rate of children coming into care has increased significantly.
**Currently, about 6 children are entering foster care in Montgomery County EACH week.**
While the numbers are shocking, at CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County, we believe that nothing is impossible and that we are all an essential part of the solution. Together, we can .
CASA volunteers speak up for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. In 2015, 233 volunteer Advocates served 560 abused and neglected children in Montgomery County (100% of new abuse/neglect cases). In June of 2015, we reached a milestone – our Advocates were able to serve every child in need in Montgomery County.
Although in 2015, CASA was able to provide an Advocate for every abused and neglected child in need, Executive Director, Ann McAlpin, is quick to remind the community that this could change in an instant, “Of course, we are grateful to have reached this achievement, but it does not diminish our need to recruit and train more Advocates. Right now, children are coming into the foster care system in Montgomery County at a rate of about 6 each week, a 50% increase over 2015, and we want to maintain our ability to accept every single case and speak up for every child.”
It costs $1,500 per year to provide an Advocate for one child. Supporters of #GivingTuesday will help support our local program and help ensure that no child slips through the cracks of an overburdened foster care system. Your gift DOES change lives.
Please join us and say, “I am for the child in Montgomery County…today.”
In 2014, CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County joined #GivingTuesday, a first of its kind effort that will harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners—charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.
Coinciding with the Thanksgiving Holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world. HELP NOW.
For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website, Facebook page or follow @GivingTuesday and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter.
