Maryland CASA Awareness Event Coming to Towson Town Center

Members of Mayland CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children) are spreading awareness about child abuse and neglect at a Towson Town Center event on Saturday.

"It's really an unspoken issue," said Ed Kilcullen, state director of CASA and Towson resident.

Kilcullen said in Maryland alone, about 10,000 children, including approximately 800 in Baltimore County, are under court protection as a result of abuse and neglect.

From noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Grand Court on the first level of the Towson Town Center, CASA members will provide literature educating mall patrons on the topic and how they can help. There will also be interactive games and prizes.

"Our hope is to spread awareness about the risk factors contributing to child maltreatment and to educate the public about what they can do to prevent abuse and help victims," Kilcullen said.

Those interested in becoming a CASA volunteer are encouraged to attend for more information. Volunteers serve as advocates for children with difficult home situations who are embroiled in the foster care and court systems, consulting with familes, judges and other interested parties.

"We rely heavily on our volunteers," Kilcullen said.

The event is one of several Maryland CASA is hosting around the state to observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month. There are currently more than 900 volunteers participating in 15 programs in Maryland.