MAYVILLE — During National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, CASA of Chautauqua is holding its annual Pinwheels for Prevention campaign.

At any given time, there are nearly 90 children in foster care in Chautauqua County. Children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own. Substance abuse and the socioeconomic environment is changing the demographic of children coming into care and placing a burden across the United States including Chautauqua County. Trends have shown that more foster youth are aging out of the foster care system without finding safe and permanent homes and the skills needed to succeed.

CASA of Chautauqua County recruits, trains and supports volunteers who get to know children and the adults around them, and who advocate for the needs of those children in court and in the community. Our

Throughout April, CASA of Chautauqua is calling on members of the community to help the CASA program serve more of Chautauqua County’s most vulnerable children by joining the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national awareness campaign created by Prevent Child Abuse America urging people to act to prevent childhood abuse and neglect by transforming awareness into action.

Look for the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign at area financial institutions, convenience stores, markets, restaurants, gas stations, liquor stores, libraries and more. Visit any participating business to purchase a pinwheel for $2 or a pinwheel card for $1. For a list of business participants visit ChautauquaCASA.com.

A child with a CASA volunteer spends 20% less time in foster care, on average, compared to a child without a CASA volunteer. Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their well-being and are four times more likely to find a permanent home.

“CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” said Kathy Park, executive director of CASA of Chautauqua County. “A child may have multiple social workers, attorneys, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future.”

All monies raised from CASA’s Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign are used to fulfill CASA’s mission of supporting volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in Chautauqua County. If you would like to support the mission of CASA, a tax-deductible donation can be made by sending a check to CASA of Chautauqua Co., Inc. at 2 Academy St., Suite 5, Mayville, NY 14757.