The Jackson County Board of Supervisors proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month during their meeting today. More than 2,200 children in the Jackson County area suffer from some form of abuse or neglect each year. The Jackson County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers provide a voice for these children as they journey through the Youth Court System. They are trained and empowered with the legal right to advocate for the best interest of a child in custody and to ensure the child's basic rights and essential needs don't get overlooked or ignored by the system. Unfortunately, due to demand, CASA is always in need of more volunteers and donations.
The Proclamation reads...
Whereas, Jackson County prides itself on giving back to the community, contributing to the quality of life among our citizens; and
Whereas, Jackson County CASA, in association with the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, speaks for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the juvenile courts; and
Whereas, More than 37,200 children throughout the State of Mississippi are reported to suffer from some form of abuse or neglect each year; and
Whereas, Of those, more than 2,238 children are from Jackson County, Mississippi; and
Whereas, Through a national effort, Jackson County community members are encouraged to join together to raise awareness for those children fallen victim to abuse and neglect throughout the month of April; and
Whereas, This effort will give abused and neglected children in our community, and around the county, a chance for a safe and positive future.
Now, Therefore, the Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Jackson County, and in doing so, urges all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness and help prevent child abuse and neglect.
In the photograph are District 4 Supervisor Troy Ross, JC CASA Executive Director Frances Allsup, District 5 Supervisor Randy Bosarge, District 3 Supervisor Ken Taylor, JC Youth Court Judge Sharon Sigalas, District 2 Supervisor Melton Harris, Guardian ad-Litem for JC Youth Court Denise Lee, Permanency Coordinator for JC Youth Court Katy Frazier, District 1 Supervisor Barry Cumbest and JC CASA Board President Ken Rice.