Annual Kane County CASA event highlights child abuse prevention

GENEVA – About 50 people gathered on the courthouse lawn in Geneva Thursday for the annual CASA Kane County Hands Around the Courthouse event that brings attention and awareness to child abuse and neglect.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held outside instead of inside the old courthouse. Participants, including CASA volunteers – court-appointed special advocates – wore masks and socially distanced themselves. They stood in a cool April breeze as officials spoke and drew attention to the annual observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month and its continued focus on prevention.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns praised the work CASA does on behalf of abused and neglected children.

“In the final analysis, we are measured by how we treat those in the dust of life, the old; those in the shadows of life, the infirm; and those at the dawn of life, the young,” Burns said.

Kane County Undersheriff Patrick Gengler, speaking on behalf of Sheriff Ron Hain, praised CASA for its work on behalf of “kids in the most need.”

CASA Executive Director Gloria Kelley said the agency handled 331 cases of child abuse and neglect in 2019, 428 in 2020, “a hundred more children in just one year.”

“During the month of April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the importance of our communities working together to help families thrive and prevent child maltreatment,” Kelley said.

By increasing awareness of preventing child abuse, the agency also works to increase families’ wellbeing, Kelley said.

Statistics show that in 2020 the child abuse hotline received nearly 250,000 calls and so far in 2021, 150,000 calls have been received in the first quarter of the year, Kelley said.

She attributed it to the awareness campaign, of asking people if they see something, to say something.

And with cooperation between the Sheriff’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s Office and police officers who are first responders, Kane County is continuing to make a difference in the lives of children at risk, she said.

“We focus on awareness … and I am reminded that our kids deserve better,” Kelley said. “Together, we are making a difference. … We are. We see it. We hear it.”

Kelley said it does not matter how much money parents make or their place in society. Instead, it’s about how they have raised their children, mentored, coached and advocated for them that matters.

“This is about ensuring that every child has a right to be treated with dignity and respect,” Kelley said. “We owe that to them.”

Kelley said in 1989 a Virginia grandmother tied a blue ribbon on the antenna of her car for her grandson, who died of abuse.

That color, now coupled with silver, are a symbol CASA uses in pinwheels to draw attention to their message, she said.

As there were not enough attendees to hold hands around the courthouse, they held pinwheels and bowed their heads for a moment of silence.

“If you see something, say something,” Kelley said.

Yvonne Irving, a Cary resident who works in Elgin said she is new to CASA and is one of 40 volunteers who serve on the Children’s Ambassador Panel.

Irving said through her job at the Kane County Credit Union, she has developed relationships with the Kane County Regional Office of Education and CASA.

“It’s providing a message to the community, the program and how it supports the children and how we can create awareness,” Irving said.

She promotes CASA to other organizations, promoting awareness, seeking volunteers and financial support, Irving said.

Angela Smith, a youth outreach and truancy officer for the regional school office, also attended the event because of “where we are with this pandemic.”

“And our children being at home – we never know what they’re going through – and they’re going through so much,” Smith said. “And I can be a voice for parents to learn how to advocate for their children – it makes me feel good when I speak to a parent and give them some resources that they may not have known about to help them. I just feel good just serving other people.”

More information about CASA is available by visiting casakanecounty.org.