Local government, advocates, responders support child abuse prevention

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.

← Back

“When we talk about preventing child abuse, we must first acknowledge that it starts with awareness.”
La Salle County Judge Leodoro Martinez III welcomed an assembly of civic and government leaders, advocates, school and church representatives, foster and adoption caseworkers, law enforcement and emergency responders to the county courthouse Monday, March 24, for the annual proclamation of April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
Organizations present included all branches of county government, adult and juvenile probation departments, the Children’s Alliance of South Texas (CAST), the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the Wintergarden Women’s Shelter, the La Salle County Child Welfare Board, the Belong agency, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and La Salle Fire Rescue, Cotulla ISD, Camino Real Community Services, and the Cotulla Woman’s Club.
The county judge was joined by Associate District Judge Melissa DeGerolami in rallying support for the cause, each reading from a prepared document that served to remind the public of an ongoing crisis of child abuse and neglect in South Texas.
“This month serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect and nurture the children in our communities,” the county judge said. “Child abuse, in its many forms, whether physical, emotional, or neglect, affects far too many children each year.”
Statistics offered at Monday’s event in the district courtroom included numbers that indicate more than 18,200 children’s cases of abuse and neglect were handed last year in Texas by the CASA organization, whose 7,457 volunteers speak up for children’s immediate and long-term interests in front of a judge during custody, shelter, foster and adoption hearings.
Judge Martinez added that nationwide statistics show at least 3.9 million cases of child abuse were documented in one year, including sexual and physical abuse and neglect.
“Thousands of children in our nation die from physical abuse,” the county judge said. “Studies show that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday.”
Judge DeGerolami said that in fiscal 2024, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services confirmed 28,008 children were in state custody due to abuse or neglect, including 22 in La Salle County alone.

Associate District Judge Melissa DeGerolami and La Salle County Judge Leodoro Martinez III are joined by representatives of child advocacy groups, elected officials, law enforcement and civic organizations in a special proclamation for April, signed this week in the La Salle County Courthouse. (CURRENT Photo: Marc Robertson)

The CAST organization in La Salle County reported that it took on 17 new cases last year and conducted 157 children’s therapy sessions and 12 adult therapy sessions.
“Child abuse and neglect are serious problems affecting every segment of our community,” the associate district judge said. “Finding solutions requires input and action from everyone in our community. Children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of Texas.”
Both the county judge and associate district judge added that they believe a collaborative effort between all community entities, from government and law enforcement to advocates, schools and churches, will be effective in bringing awareness to the public and taking steps to reduce and eliminate incidents of harm to children.
“It is a silent crisis that impacts not just the children involved,” Judge Martinez said, “but their families, communities and future generations. Behind closed doors, so many children suffer in silence and yet it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they do not feel invisible, that they do not feel alone.”
DeGerolami and Martinez said they believe one step toward increasing awareness of harm to children is recognition of telltale signs, an issue that reaches from home to family, school, church and healthcare services, they said.
“Many cases of abuse go unnoticed because people don’t know the signs,” the county judge said, “or they don’t realize how severe the impact can be. But awareness is just the first step. The second step is action. We must educate ourselves and others about how to recognize potential signs of abuse, offer support to children who may be struggling, and report any suspicions to the proper authorities.”
Judge DeGerolami made special note of the work performed by CASA of South Texas, whose local branch has volunteer caseworkers in Frio, La Salle, Atascosa, Wilson and Karnes counties.
“Every child in foster care deserves a CASA volunteer, but roughly less than half the children in care do not have a CASA volunteer,” the associate district judge said. “Statewide, CASA volunteers gave a total 361,517 hour of volunteer service. CASA of South Texas, Belong, and others work to ensure that children in our community have a safe and happy future.”
Judge DeGerolami also offered special recognition to CASA of South Texas Executive Director Joni Garcia, who has served as head of the advocacy organization for 25 years.
Both judges signed proclamations at Monday’s event. A second ceremony is scheduled for April 4, in which other advocates and civic organizations will take part. Judge DeGerolami noted that this year marks the first time that proclamations and public ceremonies will be held in each of the county courthouses of the 81st Judicial District.
“During this month, let’s all take the time to reflect on how we can contribute to the safety and wellbeing of children in our communities,” the county judge added. “Whether it’s through volunteering, donating to organizations that protect children, or simply reaching out to those in need, every small action counts.
“Together, we can create an environment where children not only survive but thrive,” Martinez said. “Let’s raise our voices for those who cannot speak for themselves. Let’s advocate for children’s rights. Let’s work together to prevent child abuse and ensure that every child grows up with the love, care and protection they deserve.”