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Biloxi proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month; CASA cites local need for advocates
Summary
Mayor Andrew Fofo Gillich proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month as Cynthia Chauvin, director of CASA of South Mississippi, asked residents to report suspected abuse and to consider volunteering or fostering.
Mayor Andrew Fofo Gillich on the council dais read a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and welcomed Cynthia Chauvin, director of CASA of South Mississippi, to speak about local needs.
Chauvin told the council she represents an organization that recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for children in foster care. “If you suspect child abuse and neglect, you report it,” Chauvin said, noting that “all adults in the state of Mississippi are statutorily regarded as mandatory reporters.”
Chauvin described the scope of CASA’s local work. She said the program serves children in Harrison County, that a portion of those children attend local schools and receive services through child protective services, and that a significant share of the cases she described involve neglect related to substance abuse. Chauvin asked community members to consider becoming CASA advocates and to consider fostering; she also provided CASA’s website as a place to learn more.
Mayor Gillich read the proclamation and said, “All children deserve to have a safe, stable, nurturing homes and communities.” The proclamation and Chauvin’s remarks focused on raising public awareness and encouraging community reporting and volunteer recruitment as the organization aims to expand its advocate coverage in the county.
The presentation concluded with the mayor thanking CASA and noting the community’s role in protecting children.
