Judge seeks help for abused children

April is Child Abuse Prevention and Neglect Month, and Judge Jim Kramer is asking for the community’s help now. “We shouldn’t wait for April to work on preventing child abuse and neglect,” Kramer said. “It is something we have to work on every single day.” 

Kramer works with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to assist him with his court cases. “CASA Volunteers are the ‘eyes and ears’ of my courtroom,” Kramer said. “They go into the homes and on parent visitations with these children where I cannot go, and they report back to me on their findings.” 

CASA volunteers complete a specified training program, which qualifies them to assist Kramer. Once they complete training, volunteers are sworn in by Kramer and become official officers of the court. They advocate for the best interests of the children they serve including monitoring their interaction at school and at home.

CASA training will begin April 5. For more information, download an application at casaofshelbycounty.org or call 243-8753.

CASA is funded in part by the Department of Child Abuse Prevention and Neglect — also known as The Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama — and by a Shelby County Community Grant.

 – Submitted by Beth Chapman.