If you read the paper or watch the news, you already know the magnitude of the opioid epidemic in this country.
While lawmakers, public officials, and the media focus on the public health crisis, we focus on the silent victims – the children.
Of course, parental substance abuse isn’t new, and we have always advocated for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect as a result of a parent’s addiction.
But over the last five years, the number of children in foster care across the country has risen 8 percent, which public officials increasingly attribute to the growing use of opioids. Sadly, we expect this number to continue to climb. Which means our role—and yours—has never been more important.
We have more than 20 volunteers fighting every day to help more than 55 children get the support and services they need. And that’s just the start. We are raising awareness about this issue and actively working to grow our volunteer base to be there for these children.
It takes a movement of committed individuals to speak up for these children. You are an important part of the CASA movement. Please inquire how you can become a Voice for a Child. In doing so, you will help give a child the support of a dedicated, highly-trained volunteer who will make sure they don’t get lost in the system and have what they need to heal and thrive.
Having a CASA volunteer to put a child’s best interests before all others can make all the difference.
Together, we can help child victims of the opioid crisis.
Thank you.
Kiersta Sullivan, Executive Director