CASA sets crosses in remembrance

Newsboy photo/ Sharon Kerr CROSSES ON THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE represent 227 children who lost their lives to abuse or neglect in Texas last year. Jasper Police Chief Todd Hunter and Jasper County District Attorney Steve Hollis helped set the crosses in observance of Child Abuse Prevention month. Below: Judy Biscamp, Mike Wilson, Steve Hollis, Royce DuBose, Mark Allen,Todd Hunter, Paul Tomplait, and Aric Hancock.

The small white crosses on the Jasper courthouse square are not part of any Easter celebration- they represent the 227 abused and neglected children who died last year in Texas.

Judy Biscamp, administrative assistant for Advocates for Children, said the crosses are to bring attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The crosses also represent hope for all of the children who are still in need of help and protection.

Biscamp asked local officials to plant crosses on the courthouse lawn last Thursday. Jasper County Judge Mark Allen, District Attorney Steve Hollis and investigator Mike Wilson, Jasper City Police chief Todd Hunter and criminal investigator Lt. Paul Tomplait, and child protective service specialists Royce DuBose and Aric Hancock turned out to help.

Biscamp said newly-elected Jasper County District Attorney Steve Hollis has worked with child advocates in his capacity as assistant district attorney in Tyler County.

"He's represented many families and knows what we are up against," Biscamp said. "It is a real asset to have him in Jasper County with his experience in these type cases."

The ceremony announcing Child Abuse Prevention Month will take place next Tuesday, April 10, at 2 p.m. on the courthouse square. Jasper County Judge Mark Allen will address the audience and Teresa Biscamp will sing. Eleven year old Kristian Dillard will read the poem, "I am Sarah."

The parent organization of Advocates for Children is CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA trains volunteers who advocate for abused, neglected or abandoned children who are generally in the foster care system. The advocates speak for the best interests of the child in the court decisionmaking process.

For more information, call Biscamp at 384-2272 or visit www.advocates-4-childreninc. org.