Black tote bag with white text promoting kids' rights.

Why the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Organization Is So Successful (calling all volunteers)

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, Child Abuse and Deaths, Reporting and News - US Based

Over 48 years, CASA/GAL (Guardian ad Litem) programs have grown into a national network of more than 900 organizations with 80,000–100,000 guardian ad litem volunteers serving close to a quarter‑million abused and neglected children each year, according to National CASA/GAL program surveys and the association’s own history. In every state but North Dakota, these volunteers are often the only adults in the courtroom whose sole job is to stand for a child’s best interests—and they do it with intentionally tiny caseloads so each child gets more time, more attention, and more consistency than overloaded systems can usually provide

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Trump’s Child Protection Order & “NEGLECT”

Adoption, Foster and Kinship Care, All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, Child Abuse and Deaths, Public Policy, Religion, Politics + the Law, Reporting and News - US Based

President Trump’s new framing—that most child neglect cases “don’t belong” in CPS because they are “only poverty”—ignores a very large body of evidence that (1) poverty and neglect are tightly intertwined but not identical, and (2) chronic school un‑readiness, absenteeism, and school failure are core manifestations of serious harm that drive lifelong poverty, crime, and substance abuse.

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Labor Laws (Netherlands) & Civil Rights For Children

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, Child Abuse and Deaths, Child Protection, Children's Rights, Guest Posts, invisible children, Public Policy, Religion, Politics + the Law, Reporting and News - International

The Netherlands’ Child Labor Due Diligence Act puts a legal duty on companies to make sure their supply chains are free from child labor. It aims to stop goods and services produced with child labor from entering the Dutch market, but raises questions about children’s civil rights, enforcement, competition, and how far corporate responsibility really goes.​ A deeper dive for those who want more detail is linked here.

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KARA’s Resource Page & Future Collaborations

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, Child Abuse and Deaths, Child Protection, Education, Featured Articles, KARA News and Events, Reporting and News - US Based

KARA is expanding our resource page to answer questions and provide access to more resources. This will be an interactive, AI-driven public platform that providing timely and accurate information on child protection, child abuse, childhood trauma, and all things related to child welfare. It will highlight key details for public and civic awareness.

Illustration of trauma's impact on person, family, and people, emphasizing decontextualization over time.

International Child Abuse Reporting

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, Child Abuse and Deaths, Guest Posts, invisible children, Public Policy, Religion, Politics + the Law, Reporting and News - International

The following articles illustrates how government policy and law has yet again failed to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Children continue to face sexual abuse, gendered based violence and health crises, among other disastrous circumstances. Advocacy by civil society and humanitarian aid is essential in order to support one of the more vulnerable populations of society.

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Supporting Local Charities (why would you?)

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, KARA News and Events, Reporting and News - US Based

1. Directly improve children’s well‑being Local groups provide basics like food, safe spaces, early learning, and mental‑health supports that many children would not otherwise receive.​ These charity services are tailored to community realities (schools, housing, transportation), so help reaches the right kids faster and with less bureaucracy.​ 2. Keep families stronger and safer Community organizations…

Logo for Invisible Children, focusing on kids at risk.

KARA Concerns About Trump’s Child Protection Order (deep dive)

Adoption, Foster and Kinship Care, All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, Child Abuse and Deaths, Child Protection, Education, LGBTQ, Public Policy, Religion, Politics + the Law, Reporting and News - US Based

This post gets at the meaning of President Trump’s Presidential Order bringing change to America’s Child Protection System. If you support the work KARA is doing to improve the lives of abused and neglected children and at-risk families, read to the bottom and send this link to your State Representative (find them in the link below).

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Why We Are Failing To Save At Risk Children

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, Child Abuse and Deaths, Child Protection, Child self harm and suicide, Children's Rights, Public Policy, Reporting and News - US Based

There is little transparency in Child Protective Services. If there were, more people (and legislators) would know and we might have the laws, programs, and support these children need. Today, access to information that should be public often requires a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA).

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What You Can Do Series – Foster Parents

Adoption, Foster and Kinship Care, All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, Child Abuse and Deaths, Education, Reporting and News - US Based

Foster parent heroism is not measured merely in good intentions, but in the daily grind of listening, learning, and loving—of building families that heal not just children, but the fractured systems surrounding them. A society willing to back, support, and empower its foster parents—financially, politically, and culturally—creates hope for millions and becomes more just, compassionate, and resilient.

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Why Saving CASA Matters: The Revival of Child Advocacy in Minnesota’s Courts

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, Child Protection, KARA News and Events, Public Policy, Reporting and News - MN Specific

This former CASA Guardian ad Litem is happy to see the saving and rebuilding of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program in Minnesota. Thank you to Kathleen Blatz and the MN State GAL board for your hard work and dedication to this important program.

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The Netherlands Child Labour Due Diligence Act

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, Child Abuse and Deaths, Child Protection, Children's Rights, Guest Posts, Public Policy, Religion, Politics + the Law, Reporting and News - International

Dutch authorities establish a positive duty of care on corporations to ensure their supply chains and contractual relations for the supply and manufacture of goods and services are free from child labour. Critics however worry about the possible distorting effects on competition of Dutch companies and the Dutch economy due to increased administrative burdens. A Dutch company illustrates how even with compliance of the new due diligence law, supply chains may never be free from child labour.

A young boy holds a red paper heart against his chest.

Fixing CPS – A Meaningful Conversation (35 Minute Podcast)

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, PODCAST & STREAMING, Reporting and News - US Based, The States

Fixing CPS with greater transparency in Child Protective Services. This conversation is about the many things impacting the safety and wellbeing of abused and neglected children. The lack of transparency being discussed in West Virginia CPS applies to every state: A Meaningful Conversation (35 Minute Podcast). Discussed in this podcast: Kinship care partners, mentors, volunteers, stability,…

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Personal & National Level Child Advocacy (guest post)

Adoption, Foster and Kinship Care, All Posts from Kids at Risk Action, CASA, GAL and Child Protection, Education, Guest Posts

Children who face poverty, neglect, or violence often lack a voice in systems meant to protect them. Advocacy — speaking up and acting on their behalf — is one of the most powerful ways individuals and communities can help these children find safety, stability, and opportunity. Whether through mentoring one child or pushing for nationwide policy reform, everyone can play a part.

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School Counselors & Why We Need Them

All Posts from Kids at Risk Action

If we are to save the growing numbers of children facing serious problems we need many more skilled counselors and mental health workers in our schools. In this time of unregulated digital chaos, social, and political upheaval, children and youth are experiencing high levels of (short Spotify Podcast) ACEs, depression, school and personal failure, and suicidal thinking. We can’t fix this, but we can address what it is doing to children.