In reference to Richard Amrhine's article on parental rights ["Parental rights? Maybe not," Viewpoints, Feb. 17]: I volunteer as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate who works with abused and neglected kids who have been removed from their abusive families and placed in foster homes. CASAs like me give independent, firsthand voices for children in order to help Juvenile Court judges decide the best interests for each child's future.

Rather than listen about parental rights from parents who usually claim to love their children, CASAs see cases every day where parents' actions speak volumes about their lack of concern, and often abusive behavior, toward their children.

I am concerned about every child's right to a healthy and safe childhood, free from a parent's poor, and often cruel, behavior. Even after removal from their parent's custody, many children are scarred for life, left without even a reasonable chance of success.

The best chance for a child in this situation is to be adopted by a caring family but the older the child, the less likely he or she will be adopted. So, parent's rights are not the issue in raising a child--it's the parent's responsible behavior that is paramount. CASA sees new cases every day; this appalling issue is not improving. If you see a child being abused, contact social services. You may save a child from a threatening situation at home.

Bobby Anderson

Stafford