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Superheroes join ‘everyday heroes’ to support abused, neglected children

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Batman, Catwoman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman and hundreds of “everyday heroes” hit the pavement Sunday morning at Fort Harrison State Park to support abused and neglected children across Marion County. 

A crowd of nearly 800 runners, walkers and volunteers – some in elaborate costumes, face paint and capes – participated in the 2018 Superhero Run. The annual fundraiser benefits Child Advocates of Marion County, a nonprofit organization that provides independent representation for victims of child abuse and neglect in court. 

The group’s “Court Appointed Special Advocates” (CASAs) are trained volunteers appointed by the juvenile court to represent a child in court. CASA volunteers aim to place each child in a safe, permanent home and work to ensure children in foster care “do not fall through the cracks of an overburdened system,” according to Child Advocates. 

“In child abuse cases in Indianapolis, both the parents and the state of Indiana are represented by legal counsel,” the agency explained. “There was a time when the children had no one to represent them. That changed with the creation of Child Advocates.” 

The organization was founded in 1982 and steadily expanded, representing nearly 10,000 children in Marion County abuse cases last year. 

The need for volunteers has recently doubled, fueled in part by the opioid crisis, said Cynthia Booth, the CEO of Child Advocates. 

She described the annual Superhero Run as an important fundraising effort, as well as an effective way of increasing their visibility and connecting with potential volunteers. 

Hannah Bouton, a communications manager for the group, first began volunteering with Child Advocates six years ago and said some cases have lasted nearly as long. Seeing children the group had previously worked with enjoying the Superhero Run was “emotional” for her, she told News 8. 

“I’m grateful we can help them,” she said. 

Prospective volunteers can find more information on the Child Advocates website. CASAs must meet the following requirements:

  • At least 21 years old
  • High school graduate
  • Successfully complete and pass required screening
  • Cannot be a licensed foster parent with Marion County wards in home 
  • Cannot be employed at an agency that holds service provider contract with Marion County Department of Child Services (DCS)