Judge announces campaign to help kids of heroin users
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)–A juvenile court judge says Marion County kids are suffering from their parents’ heroin use. Now she’s asking the public to help give them a better life.
Judge Marilyn Moores says the children of Indianapolis are in a crisis.
“We have children who awaken to go to school only to find their parents blue, cold and unresponsive from a heroin overdose,” Judge Moores said.
That’s why she’s spreading the word about the We Care About Indy’s Kids campaign. It’s an effort to find more Court Appointed Special Advocates-or CASAs. They’re volunteers that speak on a kid’s behalf in court after their parent is accused of neglect or abuse.
Judge Moores says those cases are at an all-time high in Marion County.
“This flood of abused and neglected children is attributable, almost, solely, to one thing: heroin and opiates,” she said of the recent spike.
Moores is launching the campaign with Child Advocates, a local network of volunteers. Director Cindy Booth says volunteering isn’t just about court cases: it’s about the kids knowing someone is there for them.
“Having someone come to their door who’s a volunteer and says I’m not getting paid for this, I want to come to you, ask you questions about how you’re doing, and tell the judge about you. That is a powerful message for a child,” Booth said.
Judge Moores says no kid should have to suffer from their parent’s addiction, but she’s only expecting heroin-related cases to rise in her court. That’s why she’s asking Hoosiers to lend a helping hand.
If you’re interested in volunteering click here.