Fundraiser for AVA-CASA- Be a Voice for a Child- End Child Abuse!

Each year in the United States there are more than 500,000 children placed in foster care and plunged into the court system. These children have not committed any crimes; these children are victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Once these children are in the court system, it is up to a judge to decide where their future lies. Due to reports of neglect and abuse increasing at a steady rate, overburdened child welfare workers and appointed attorneys are often faced with limited time and resources. Both time and resources are needed to thoroughly investigate what is truly best for the welfare of each individual child. This is where a CASA volunteer can step in to assist in the cases to gather information and spend time with the child in order to ensure their rights are protected and their voice is heard. Unfortunately, child abuse still occurs hourly across the country. It is estimated that between 2,000 and 5,000 children die each year due to physical abuse or neglect: that is one child every four hours. According to the Office on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency, Nevada ranks number 1 for child deaths by abuse. Nevada has the fourth highest rate of children who are removed from the home for abuse among the states analyzed in the 2009 Child Maltreatment Report. Over 30% of the reported victims of child abuse in Nevada were repeat victims. An abused child returned to parents without intervention has a 35% chance of being seriously re-injured. The statistics itself can be heartbreaking, having it happen to a child you care about can be devastating. It’s not always obvious when a child is being abused, but here are some signs to watch for: Bruises or broken bones on children not yet old enough to walk Unexplained bruises, burns or cuts Bald spots Fear of adults, especially parents Fear of physical contact Risk-taking Destructiveness toward self or others Acting like a much younger child Poor social skills Aggression Defiance Clothing that may be inappropriate for warmer months to cover marks Signs of sexual abuse may include: Secretiveness or refusal to undress in front of others Unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual things Inappropriate displays of affection Fear of a particular person or family member Depression or withdrawal Over-compliance Aggression Poor social skills Poor school performance Pain during urination Difficulty in walking or sitting Frequent vomiting Genital or anal itching, rashes, bruising, bleeding or pain Frequent yeast or urinary tract infections Wetting pants or bed Signs of emotional abuse may include: Delay in physical or social development Speech, sleep or eating disorders Repetitive actions, such as rocking, sucking or biting Lack of concentration Lack of emotion Lack of interest in things that child used to enjoy Increased emotional needs Depression or withdrawal Aggression Wetting pants or bed Signs of neglect may include: Clothing that is dirty, torn, poorly fitting or inappropriate for the weather Sleepiness Poor hygiene Untreated medical or dental problems Hoarding or stealing food Inappropriate responsibility for younger siblings Apparent lack of supervision Frequent lateness or absences from school or other activities Destructive behavior, I.e. Hurting him or herself or others Low self-esteem Poor social skills Learning disabilities or lower mental ability than normal for age If a child tells you about abuse, know what to do. Do not act shocked – instead remain calm and accepting. Reassure the child that you believe him or her. Say that he or she did the right thing by telling you. Tell the child that the abuse is not his or her fault, but do not speak negatively about the abusive adult. Do not promise to keep the child’s disclosure a secret – let the child know that to provide help, you will have to tell another trusted adult. Tell the child what you will try to do to help, and what he or she may expect. Assure the child that things may be difficult at first, but will get better – don’t promise that the abuse will stop. If a child tells you about sexual abuse right after it happens, do not bathe the child or change his or her clothes. If you are worried about a child’s immediate safety or if the child is afraid to go home, call 911. Do not take the child home with you. Some signs that a child is experiencing violence or abuse are more obvious than others. If you feel something is wrong, report it. Reporting suspected child abuse and being wrong about it is better than not reporting it and the child continued to be abused. It can be a hopeless feeling to know such horrible things may be happening right in your own community. Abuse is not an easy or pleasant topic, but it’s one that needs to be addressed. The effects of child abuse can impact the victim, physically and emotionally, throughout their entire lives in harmful ways. To help show your support to put an end to child abuse, Advocates for Victims of Abuse - Court Appointed Special Advocates (AVA-CASA) will be selling car magnets for only $4 each. These magnets are actually 2 magnet! The part inside the blue ribbon can actually come out to be a separate magnet! Smaller magnet has the National CASA logo with slogan "I am for the Child" and "Thank you". Outside magnet has National CASA website, along with logo and slogan "Life up a child's voice. A child's life . With END CHILD ABUSE along edge. Magnets are $4 each. Entire magnet is approximate 8 x 4 inches. Smaller magnet included is 2.5 x 2 inches. We are also happy to introduce a new product! We had a lot of requests from people who want to show their support for CASA in their businesses, cars, homes, etc., but may not have any place for a magnets.We now have window clings! Easily will stay on any window or flat surface. They aren't the sticky kind, so they can be removed and replaced without any trouble at all. Size is 4 x 4.5 inches. Clings are only $1 each. There's a limited supply, so please place your order now. We are happy to mail them anywhere in the United States. Standard shipping and handling rates apply. To place an order, we accept Paypal and payments can be made via your paypal account or through the link on our website at www.humboldtava.com or mail to Humboldt AVA-CASA, P.O. Box 1338, Winnemucca, NV 89446. We will also deliver your oder to you! You may call or text 775-200-2701 or 775-722-4564 or email humboldtava@sbcglobal.net to place your order. Local orders will be delivered within 24 hours of payment. Show your support for child advocacy in our community! There's never a reason to harm a child- it's time to stop child abuse and neglect- Life Up a Child's Voice- A Child's Life: END CHILD ABUSE!!! AVA-CASA is a 501(c)(3) charity. All donations are tax-deductible and a receipt will be provided.  All proceeds from these fundraisers will go to provide direct services for child and victim advocacy. National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD For more information on child abuse prevention, please visit: National Court Appointed Special Advocates www.casaforchildren.org Child Welfare Information Gateway www.childwelfare.gov Prevent Child Abuse America www.preventchildabuse.org Childhelp www.childhelp.org