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Astoria proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month; CASA urges continued vigilance
Summary
Council proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Astoria. Nikisha Womble of CASA accepted the proclamation and urged sustained attention to child safety amid homelessness and substance-use crises.
The Astoria City Council issued a proclamation declaring April 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month and called on local agencies and residents to increase prevention and reporting efforts.
Nikisha Womble, representing the court-appointed special advocate program (CASA), thanked the council and said CASA volunteers provide one-on-one advocacy for children involved in the child-welfare system. "Prevention truly is our best defense," Womble said, urging the community to report concerns and to prioritize the safety of children exposed to homelessness or substance use.
Womble described CASA’s role in navigating court processes and advocated for supports that protect children while long-term systemic solutions are pursued. Councilors expressed appreciation for CASA’s work and recognized the need to sustain attention beyond the proclamation month.
