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When a child enters foster care, their entire world changes overnight.
They may leave their home, their school and sometimes even their siblings. The bed they slept in, the stuffed animal they held at night and the routines that once felt normal are suddenly gone.
For a child who has already experienced abuse or neglect, that loss of stability can be overwhelming.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and it is a reminder that protecting children is not just the work of child welfare agencies. It is the responsibility of an entire community.
Here in Bexar County, thousands of children experience abuse or neglect each year. The youngest children are the most vulnerable. Nearly half of confirmed victims are age 5 and younger, children who rely entirely on the adults around them to keep them safe.
At Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA), we believe even one child experiencing abuse or neglect is too many. You can make a difference by learning about the warning signs, what you can do to help prevent child abuse, and how to report abuse.
Recognizing the signs
Child abuse is not always obvious. While unexplained injuries may raise concern, abuse and neglect often show up through changes in behavior and emotional well-being.
Warning signs can include depression, anxiety, difficulty trusting others, frequent anger, poor hygiene or age-inappropriate sexual behaviors. Children experiencing ongoing abuse may also struggle in school or have developmental delays caused by chronic toxic stress.
Families facing overwhelming stress can also be more vulnerable. Job loss, housing instability, financial hardship and other crises can place enormous pressure on caregivers. Supporting families before situations escalate can help prevent harm and keep children safe.
When children enter foster care
When abuse or neglect cannot be resolved safely at home, children may enter foster care.
In that moment, they are navigating a system filled with unfamiliar adults, caseworkers, attorneys, therapists, and judges, all making decisions that will shape their future.
What many children in foster care lack most is a consistent adult focused solely on their best interests.
That is where CASA volunteers step in.
Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained volunteers appointed by a judge to advocate for children experiencing foster care. They spend time getting to know the child and gathering information from the people involved in the child’s life, such as teachers, doctors, caregivers and family members.
Their role is simple but powerful: make sure the court fully understands what is best for that child.
For many children, their CASA volunteer becomes the one constant adult who shows up, listens and makes sure their needs are not overlooked.
A community solution
Preventing child abuse and supporting children in foster care takes all of us.
Sometimes that means checking in on a family who may be struggling and offering support during a difficult time. Small acts of kindness and connection can help reduce stress and strengthen families.
If you suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, speaking up can protect them. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. Ongoing concerns can be reported to the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400.
And for those looking for a deeper way to help, volunteering with CASA can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Every new volunteer means another child can be served.
CASA volunteers commit an average of 15-20 hours each month to visiting with the child, gathering information about their case, and advocating in court for their well-being. Volunteers receive extensive training and are supported by professional CASA staff throughout the process.
Last year, CASA volunteers served 1,022 children in foster care in Bexar County. But many more children are still waiting for someone to stand beside them.
How you can make a difference
Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us that protecting children starts with awareness, but it does not end there.
Every child deserves stability, safety and at least one adult who will show up for them, especially during the most difficult moments of their life.
For children in foster care, a CASA volunteer can be that person.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer advocate or attending an upcoming information session, visit CASA-SATX.org.
Together, our community can ensure that every child in Bexar County has someone standing up for their future.
