Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and there’s a big awareness campaign kicking off on Saturday, April 1, hosted by Take a Stand for Children. Read on below to learn about the events that will be taking place, as well as get more info on the two organizations that work to end child abuse in Denton County: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Children’s Advocacy Center (CACDC).
About CASA
CASA’s mission is to “provide trained community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children and to promote community awareness about child abuse issues.” They are volunteer-based, have officially been in Denton County since 1992, and serve approximately 500 children each year. Once a child is taken out of their home and placed into the foster care system, they can be assigned a CASA. This CASA volunteer will investigate, monitor, and make recommendations to the court on the child’s behalf and serve as a guardian ad litem. CASA is the only organization that is appointed by the court to provide advocacy services for children.
About CACDC
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County opened in 1997 and aims to “empower child abuse victims, their families, and our community through education, healing, and justice.” They act as front-line respondents to reports of child sexual abuse in Denton County and support the child and their family through the forensic interview and the entire process as the case goes through the court system. CACDC also has a team of licensed professionals to provide counseling and therapy to the child and his or her family.
According to Take a Stand for Children, there were 4,984 cases of neglect and abuse last year in Denton County. Both of these organizations provide an unfortunate (but necessary) service to abused children right here in our community. Help raise awareness and funds for what they do by talking to your friends, posting on social media, and attending events throughout the month.
Take a Stand Events
Saturday, April 1
Artist Stand - Arts & Advocacy Family Day
Patterson-Appleton Arts Center @ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Taco Stand Off - Taco Fest
Lucky Lou’s @ 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Take a Stand Kickoff Celebration
Denton Square @ 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4
Standing Reservations - Dining for a Cause
Greenhouse Restaurant @ 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 6
Band Stand - Denton Classics
Dan’s Silverleaf @ 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 11
Standing Reservations - Dining for a Cause
Hannah’s Off the Square @ 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 18
Standing Reservations - Dining for a Cause
Barley & Board @ 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 20
Stand-Up Straight - After-Work Mixer
Mable Peabody’s Beauty Parlor & Chainsaw Repair @ 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 23
Stand in Line - Documentary Film “It’s Not Just Jenna”
Thin Line Film Festival @ 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 25
Standing Reservations - Dining for a Cause
Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub @ 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 27
Last Stand - Pre-Concert Happy Hour
Mulberry Street Cantina @ 5:30 p.m.
Music Stand - Sponsored Twilight Tunes
Denton County Courthouse Lawn @ 6:30 p.m.
Header image design by Christopher Rodgers