Abused children from broken homes often face mental, behavioral and physical health challenges into adolescence and adulthood. But even if they’ve been exposed to serious trauma, children are remarkably resilient.
“They’re just amazing,” said Julia Westlund. “A lot of them are really grown up for their age, because they’ve had to deal with a lot of things the average 10-year-old maybe doesn’t deal with. I’m impressed by them.”
Through CASA of Butte and Glenn Counties, Westlund has volunteered to work with three local children who’ve been abused or neglected. People who serve as CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) help these children navigate the social service and legal systems and offer a steady, caring adult presence in their lives.
“It gives a voice to the child throughout their journey,” said Lisa Michels, supervisor of the local program. “They are detained by the state and due to abuse and neglect—through no fault of their own. They have not done anything wrong; it’s been done to them. To have one person in their corner helping them through that journey really makes a difference.”
To continue reading this article by Howard Hardee, go to: https://www.newsreview.com/chi...content?oid=19739260
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