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The wooden chidlren scattered around Watonga represent the child abuse and neglect cases investigated in Blaine County this year. But they also respresent the hope that CASA offers to the youngest victims.
Like the abused or neglected children they represent, the wooden children are seemingly everywhere. There are some scattered on the courthouse lawn, a few at the Watonga Police Department and even a bunch over at City Hall.
Sadly, there are more this year than last, about 20 more all told. They represent the 65 cases investigated this year by authorities in the county.
The children will be in place throughout the rest of the month, raising awareness of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. They are placed by the Fourth Judicial District CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocates – program. CASA is a non-profit organization which receives funding from grants, donations, and fundraisers. The Fourth Judicial District is comprised of Woodward, Kingfisher, Major, Blaine, Grant and Garfield counties. Volunteers serve the children of these communities by being a voice for them in court. Volunteers visit children in the foster care system monthly, visit with parents and foster parents, talk with caseworker, teachers, counselors, doctors, psychologists, and other people involved in the child’s case to make informed decisions about what is in the best interest of the child on the case.
Although the wooden children have been in place for almost a month, there is always a need for support of CASA. Residents can sponsor a wooden child, as can businesses, or they can make a donation to the program. Perhaps the biggest need is for volunteers to work as child advocates.
To gain more information about the wooden children, to make a donation or to volunteer, contact the office at (580) 242-1153 or by email at 4jdcasa@thecarecampus. com The district is also on social media at https://www.facebook.co m/4JDCASA/about/?ref= page_internal