11/20/2008

Child Abuse Statistics

 Georgia Child Abuse and Neglect:

• Every hour, 3 children are the victims of confirmed abuse or neglect.
• Over 250 incidents of child abuse and neglect are reported daily.
• 64 children died from abuse and neglect in 2006.
• More than 13,000 children are in the legal custody of the state at any one time.

Georgia CASA:

• 9,118 children were served in 2007 by 1,818 CASA volunteers.
• Currently, 47 CASA programs serve 118 counties and 44 of the 49 judicial circuits.

National Child Abuse and Neglect:

• Over 870,000 confirmed reports each year; on average, 83% of the time the biological parents are responsible.
• 4 children die every day from child abuse and neglect.
• Over 500,000 children are in foster care.
• Children who suffer abuse or neglect are 53% more likely to become juvenile delinquents, 38% more likely to be arrested as adults and 38% more likely to become violent criminals.
• The economic cost of child abuse is estimated to be $94 billion per year.

6/25/2008
With Thanks to IBM...

CASA of Forsyth County has received the IBM Community Equipment Grant given on behalf of Leslie Amerson, CASA Volunteer, for her continuing volunteer service.  Leslie will complete 8 years of CASA volunteer service in August 2008.  The grant award provides our organization with a valuable tool for continuing this important advocacy on behalf of neglected and abused children.  We extend our sincere thanks to IBM and Leslie for this gift.

5/8/2008
On April 24th, in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, CASA of Forsyth County hosted its’ annual Light of Hope Event at Mountain Lake Church in Cumming.    The event included a Children’s Art Show and a moving musical performance by the Advanced Women’s Chorus of North Forsyth High School led by Ms. McKenzi Fenn.    About 250 local dignitaries and community members heard First Lady Mary Perdue’s keynote address which focused on increasing the number of volunteers, such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and foster parents who encourage and support our neglected and abused children.    The Light of Hope Event included a presentation of awards to several deserving individuals in Forsyth County who provide a “Light of Hope” to help children.  Awards were presented to:  Alice Chancellor, Dr. Amy Davis, Rochelle Doyle Esq., John Goode, The Hon. J. Russell Jackson, Gina Kessler, Elizabeth Ranado, Tammy Shirley, Mary Ann Thomas, Kristy Thompson, Gail Waldron, Carol Walters and Maggie Weed.  Award winners were nominated by members of the community and represented various organizations including Forsyth County Schools, The Department of Family and Children’s Services, Angels Over Forsyth, Girl Scouts, CASA of Forsyth County and other youth organizations.   CASA provides highly trained, community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who are victims of abuse and neglect. If you are interested in learning more about CASA, you can call them at 770-886-4082 or visit their website, www.forsythcountycasa.org.