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  • Former CASA client “Hoodie,” right, is pictured with members of his new Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) family. Group members have pledged to help protect and provide emotional support for the young man as he prepares to testify in an upcoming child abuse trial. Courtesy photo

    Hoodie

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October 31, 2012

BACA steps up to help former CASA kid

Special to the Register Gainesville Daily Register

Fort Worth — Biker’s Against Child Abuse, an international organization with the mission of empowering children who’ve been victims of abuse or neglect is stepping up in a big way to support a young man who was once a part of the child welfare system.

The young man, who was once served by CASA of North Texas, was recently summoned to testify against individuals who abused several other children in a foster home he lived in.  

As often occurs, the young man’s grades dropped and his fears increased.

The adoptive family contacted his former CASA worker, Peggy Carpenter, asking for help.  

Carpenter went to work to help the young man, for whom she’d been the advocate for five years before his adoption.  

She contacted BACA, who stepped in to help alleviate the fears of the young man.  

On Saturday, Oct. 27, “Hoodie” (his new BACA name) was initiated into BACA, becoming a member of the Bikers Against Child Abuse family entitled to protection and emotional support from the organization.  BACA was kind enough to include “Hoodie’s” CASA and Director, Vicki Robertson.

“Hoodie” can now contact BACA friends any time, night or day, when he is afraid or is struggling with the fear of having to testify against the people who hurt others in his home.  BACA people will sit in the courtroom, providing knowledge and assurance that no one can hurt him.

“I really admire BACA and their mission” said Peggy Carpenter, “Hoodie’s” former CASA Advocate. They’ve stepped up in such a strong but sweet way for “Hoodie.” Of course, I’ll be there for “Hoodie” when he testifies, but I’m not a big strong biker.  There’s something about having big bikers sitting there to let everyone, including bad guys, know that no one’s going to hurt that kid.  That gives the child the confidence to stand up and tell everyone what that person did to hurt them or others.”

“It was an honor to be a part of “Hoodie’s” initiation.  Thirty some BACA folks were there to welcome him into their family.  I had been warned I wouldn’t make it through the ceremony with dry eyes.  I certainly didn’t”  said Vicki Robertson, Director of CASA of North Texas.  “I know of other instances in which a child had trouble sleeping because they were afraid of an abuser coming to hurt them.  BACA folks posted themselves at the front and back door of the home and let the child know that they’d guard them so they were safe to sleep.  To me, BACA folks are another part of the ‘hero network’ for kids in tough spots” said Robertson.

If you would like to be a part of the ‘hero network’ for abused and neglected children through BACA, please visit their website www.BACAUSA.com or call 877-733-4493.   

If you’d like to be a part of CASA’s work for children, contact www.becomeacasa.org or call 940-665-2244.

 

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