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CASA director thanks Diamond Head for long‑term support, reports foster‑care caseload decline
Summary
CASA of South Mississippi received a proclamation from the Diamond Head City Council recognizing April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Director Cynthia Chauvin told the council that 59 children are currently in foster care in Hancock County, down from about 380 12 years ago, and urged volunteer recruitment.
The Diamond Head City Council on April 7 proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and heard a presentation from Cynthia Chauvin, director of CASA of South Mississippi.
Chauvin told the council that CASA has grown its volunteer base and now serves almost every child assigned in Hancock County. “Today, there are 59 kids in foster care in Hancock County,” she said, adding that “when I stood at this podium 12 years ago, there were 380 kids in foster care in Hancock County.” Chauvin credited the city’s long‑term support for helping the nonprofit expand local coverage and said most children assigned to CASA in the county currently have an advocate.
The presentation emphasized volunteer recruitment and local placement. Chauvin said CASA is recruiting year‑round and asked residents to consider volunteering; she also reminded the public that adults are mandatory reporters under Mississippi law and to use the statewide reporting number if they suspect abuse. She read the hotline number the organization provides: 1802228000.
Mayor Lizzie and council members joined Chauvin in presenting a formal proclamation recognizing the month and the city’s partnership with CASA. The proclamation text recited the organization’s mission and noted past volunteer service figures used by CASA in its outreach.
The council did not take further action on the presentation; staff and council members thanked CASA for its work and invited representatives to remain for a photo following the proclamation.
