How can people get involved in child abuse?

Answer 1

There are MANY ways to get involved in helping victims of child abuse (which I think is what you are asking). You can volunteer at local shelters or short term living facilities for abused children. You can volunteer at schools that hold child abuse workshops or group sessions for abused children. You can volunteer as a CASA if you SERIOUSLY want to be involved with the nitty gritty and sometimes nasty. A CASA is a court appointed special advocate. You are assigned to work for children as their voice. You investigate the abuse allegations, help formulate family care plans or reunification plans, you speak to the alleged abusers, the surrounding close friends and family, the schools, the church, the child. Your job is to get as much information as possible to help you make a decision in the future placement of that child and what needs to be done to get the child back or terminate the parents rights. Essentially you become the Judge's right hand and you become the person the child can connect with (because most social workers have such high caseloads they don't have time to develop a personal bond with the children) but be forewarned there is often a lot of paperwork and mundane tasks that must be completed as a CASA as well it's not just all about having fun with the kids. There will also be cases that will break your heart and keep you up at night or crying yourself to sleep. Then again their are cases where you will be invited to attend that childs graduation, dance with them at their wedding, hold their first child, advise them throughout their lives... and THAT is what makes it worthwhile!