Volunteers fill vital role in abused children's lives

One of the serious problems in communities across the U.S. today is the increasing number of at-risk children who are under the jurisdiction of local court sys- tems-these are the abused, ne- glected or abandoned children.

This is not a problem in just less-affluent urban areas. Each year in Ventura County alone, there are about 8,600 reports of child abuse or neglect. Currently,

there are nearly 900 children- from mistreated or drug-addicted babies to frightened, abandoned teens-who have been removed from the family and placed in a safe haven, most often a foster home. Their world now becomes one of multiple foster homes, dif- ferent schools, frightening court appearances and inadequate sup- port and advocacy. This is where a unique orga-

nization comes in to help such children in crises, the Court Ap- pointed Special Advocates (CASA). It's the only organization of its kind in Ventura County- specially-trained volunteers who help an individual child through this time of turmoil.

Volunteers work in many ways: writing reports to the court on the child's needs and progress, speaking out for the

best interest of the child in court, becoming a mentor and good friend to the child and even helping the child receive spe- cial help, such as educational resources and tutoring. CASA provides continuity of support throughout the time when the child often has no family and few resources.

This year 93 trained volun- teers will devote more than 26,000 hours to help more than 120 children. CASA is a non- profit organization which fi- nances the training and coordi- nation of volunteers primarily through corporate and individual donations and fundraisers.

The next fundraising event is the CASA 5K Walk/Run on Sat., Oct. 14 at College Park in Oxnard

For more information on CASA or the 5K Walk/Run, call Sandi White, acting pro- gram manager, at (805) 485- 6114, ext. 609.