Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) will be joined by fellow child welfare agencies and organizations, law enforcement, advocates, and key community leaders to honor the victims of child abuse and neglect.

This event highlights the ongoing problem of child abuse in our community, as Bexar County frequently has the highest number of child abuse and neglect removals in the entire state.

“It is critical that our community come together to ACT whenever one of us sees something suspicious. If you suspect a child is being abused or hungry, you have the power to file a report and perhaps save a life," said Dr. Angie White, president and CEO of CASA.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) reported that 4,800 children in Bexar County were victims of abuse and neglect.

Since 1984, Child Advocates San Antonio has successfully provided a unique service to children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Bexar County. CASA supports more than 450 community volunteers who will advocate for more than 1,000 children in Bexar County's foster care system this year. Unfortunately, approximately 2,000 children in state custody do not have advocates to speak for them in court.

"At Child Advocates San Antonio, we always look forward to the day when CASA, foster care, and National Child Abuse Prevention Month are no longer necessary because all children are growing up safe and supported with their families," White said. "Until then, we will continue to seek more community members to join our growing movement to provide a CASA volunteer for every child in need.

Child Advocates San Antonio is Bexar County's only non-profit agency whose highly impactful volunteer advocates are court-appointed to provide constancy and support for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. We support, on average, over 1,400 children in foster care each year through advocacy for services, supportive connections, and permanency, while emphasizing family reunification when possible. Child Advocates San Antonio ensures that children in foster care have a trusted adult by their side who will ensure the child’s best interests are at the forefront throughout their time in the child welfare system. To learn more or to sign up to become an advocate, visit www.casa-satx.org.

Ceremony to include Wreath Laying to Memorialize 5 Bexar County Children Known to Have Died in the Last Year due to Child Abuse or Neglect.

While abuse-related deaths have decreased by 64% since the previous year, Bexar County now ranks 3rd highest in Texas for confirmed abuse and neglect cases, with 4,800 victims identified—an increase from the previous year. Children under age 5 are the most vulnerable, making up nearly half (48%) of confirmed victims.