Kingfisher County had 57 cases of child neglect and abuse recorded in 2022, with approximately 85% of those stemming from parental substance abuse and mental health issues, Kingfisher Rotary members were told last week.

Alyson Burrow, coordinator for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers for Blaine, Garfi eld, Grant, Kingfisher, Major and Woodward counties, said she has a goal for this county.

That goal, she said, is to recruit 15 area volunteers to spend from eight to 15 hours per month visiting with children taken from abusive homes, while getting to know their assigned children and gathering facts to make a sound recommendation to the court.

Burrow said CASA volunteers advocate for children who have been abused or neglected and are appointed by Kingfisher County Associate District Judge Lance Schneiter in Kingfisher County cases, to be the eyes and ears of the courtroom.

She said volunteers are specially trained to advocate on behalf of these children.

“CASA volunteers are offered the opportunity to change children’s lives for the better,” she said.

“Studies have strongly shown that children who have suffered from abuse and neglect are far more likely to find a safe, permanent home with a CASA volunteer by their side.”

She said currently there are only four CASA volunteers working Kingfisher County cases and more are desperately needed.

The CASA office is locat-ed at 1002 East Broadway, in Enid.

Burrow said persons wishing to inquire about volunteering are encouraged to contact her office, or go to the website of: fourthjdcasa.org, or contact Schneiter’s office at the Kingfisher County Courthouse.

Burrow said volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and are required to successfully complete 30 hours of training.

Schneiter commented that there is a statewide funding shortage for Department of Human Services employees, with no offices in many counties, including Kingfisher.

He said because of this shortage of case workers and facilities, CASA volunteers are desperately needed to give his court valuable information on child neglect and abuse cases.