Posted on May 20, 2012
The 13th South Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates program, a non-profit organization providing a voice to children in the juvenile justice system, was awarded a $5,000 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation. Funds will support the program?s child advocacy project in Union County.
The program recruits, trains and retains community volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused, neglected and dependent children in the juvenile court system. Its goal is to provide an advocate for every child who is removed from his or her home because of abuse or neglect. In a typical year, more than 100 children go through the Union County court system because their family is in crisis.
“The system isn’t always equipped to assure a child?s basic needs and rights are protected, which robs children of the life they deserve and has a profound impact on our society’s future,? said Dhana Martin, executive director of the 13th South Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates program.”Funding from the Plum Creek Foundation enables us to create a partnership that will create a positive force on behalf of the plight of these children.?
In 2010, almost 40 percent of verified cases of child abuse in the entire state of Arkansas occurred in Union County, according to the Department of Human Services Statistical Report.
“Children served by the 13th South Judicial District?s child advocacy program are victims of crime and the most vulnerable,? said April Nappier, harvesting manager with Plum Creek. “We are proud to join the fight against child abuse in our community.?
The Plum Creek Foundation supports non-profit organizations that improve the overall quality of life in the communities where Plum Creek operates. The Foundation board meets quarterly to review submitted grant applications. View the Community Involvement page on Plum Creek?s website to download an application and learn more about the foundation grant program in addition to other ways that Plum Creek is serving its communities.
For more information about the 13th South Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates program, visit www.13southcasa.com.
Plum Creek is the largest and most geographically diverse private landowner in the nation with approximately 6.6 million acres of timberlands in major timber-producing regions of the United States and wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest.For more information, visit www.plumcreek.com. “