For the Children

Some 50 people, most wearing sky-blue T-shirts, gathered around the fountain at the northwest corner of the Court House Square. The noise of the traffic went unnoticed as a young man in a red shirt stepped up on the ledge of the fountain and read:

“WHEREAS, all citizens have a legal responsibility as individuals and a moral obligation as members of a community to ensure the well being of children …”

The young man was the Honorable Judge Travis Bauman-Crane of Hendricks County Superior Court III. The spectators in the blue shirts were members of CASA —Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Recognizing the need for a volunteer based system to advocate for our community’s children, the Hendricks County Courts established a CASA program, which launched in January, 2016. The Hendricks County CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to serve as advocates for children impacted by abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers get to know the child, determine their wants and needs and recommend what is in the child’s best interest throughout the life of the court case.

WHEREAS, it is imperative that we acquire a working knowledge of the phenomenon of child abuse and neglect and that we demonstrate support for work of both professionals and volunteers involved in providing child protection, rehabilitation, and prevention services.

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of the County commissioners of Hendricks County, Indiana do hereby proclaim April 2026 as CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH In Hendricks County, Indiana and call upon all citizens, community agencies, religious organizations, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening the communities in which we live.

After the reading, the CASA volunteers place blue and purple pinwheels in the planters on the fountain plaza, representing the carefree childhood that all children should experience. Cellophane-wrapped pinwheel cookies were passed out.

Leaving the ceremony, one person remarked, “It’s a shame we have to have things like this.”

The fact that it’s necessary makes it important for all citizens be aware of the problem of child abuse and work to prevent it in the future. For more information on how you can help, visit hendrickscountycasa.com.