Help for those at higher risk for bullying: kids in foster care

Bullying is a common experience children can have happen at school, at home, or even online.  During National Bullying Prevention Month, CASA of Lancaster County asks us to remember that children in foster care are already treated differently.  They are often bullied even more, ostracized, and left out of social events.  According to surveys conducted by fosterfocusmag.com, school teachers can unknowingly release sensitive or personal information of a foster child to other students.  Attitudes change and bullying begins.

Children in foster care often lack the support to stand up to bullies, and this is where a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) can help.  CASA volunteers meet with the children they serve on a regular basis, get to know the child, and offer both consistency and compassion.  CASAs can identify the signs of neglect and bullying and will speak with the teachers, foster parents-all parties involved-to help the child thrive.  CASA volunteers are highly trained citizen volunteers that are aware of the warning signs of bullying.

For information about becoming involved with CASA of Lancaster, call 717-208-3280, email [email protected], or visit casalancaster.org.

This afternoon, the newly formed Dauphin County CASA will welcome its first Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care. Common Pleas Court Judge John Cherry will swear in 11 volunteers who have committed to helping kids find permanent, save and loving ‘forever’ homes. To become involved with Dauphin County CASA, visit dauphincountycasa.org.

For other CASA programs throughout Central Pennsylvania, you can visit pacasa.org, the website for PA CASA, the statewide nonprofit organization that develops new programs, advocates for local programs, provides training, and supports the network of local CASA programs and volunteers.