All over the country, reports continue to show increases in child abuse and neglect as the pandemic continues. According to one alarming study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, researchers found that the number of child abuse victims 5 and older tripled during the pandemic. In addition to increases in child abuse and neglect, the same study also shows increases in domestic violence, especially as children get older.

“Economic and emotional stress, in addition to the absence of other adults in the child’s life that would typically recognize and report abuse, may have contributed to increased rates of child abuse,” Dr. Collings said. “While school-aged children were sheltered at home, teachers, health care workers, coaches, and other adults outside the family were not there to notice signs of physical abuse.”

October is both Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Substance Abuse Prevention Month. Now more than ever, we hope that you will join us in recognizing these issues and how they intersect with child abuse and the foster care system. Many of our children supported by CASA have histories of trauma, and it is incumbent upon us as advocates to do everything in our power to best serve the children in our cases, based on their own unique needs.

The Schreiber Foundation increased their grant support in addition to expanding it to a three year grant commitment.

We are grateful for the North Shore Exchange for increasing their yearly grant award.

Kendra Scott is partnering with CASA Lake County on October 21st and 22nd. CASA will host a Zoom jewelry party today, Thursday the 21st, and for any purchases made there, each purchase made online, and at Kendra Scott in Old Orchard mall, 20% will be donated back to CASA. Here's your chance to shop and feel great about it!

*Please RSVP to Lori Petersen at lpetersen@casalakecounty.com for the Zoom party*

#GivingTuesday is on November 30th and we are getting ready! Keep an eye out for more information to come about getting involved to help us fundraise.

To CASA David whose first case closed with reunification with biological mother after two years. David was instrumental in the coordination of IEP services between his CASA child’s school and the foster grandparents. The grandparents relied on David for support and assistance in finding community resources. David was also a source of support for the biological mother after the child was returned to her.  

To CASA Ryan for his excellent medical advocacy for his CASA teen. He worked diligently to find a solution for his youth who lives out of state to get health insurance coverage as the different state won’t take the youth’s medical card. Ryan also expertly negotiated with a medical provider to get them to erase a large outstanding medical bill.