News Category
CASA Volunteers are Needed in St. Mary Parish
In St. Mary, there are 45 active volunteers serving 85 foster children, according to Robin Hedge, Executive Director of CASA of the 16th JDC. There are 210 children in foster care in the area covered by the 16th judicial district which is St. Mary, Iberia and St. Martin parishes.
Read more: StMaryNow.com – Court advocates needed for St Mary Parish children
To find out more about becoming a CASA volunteer in your local area click here.
“Wanted: Parents to Foster or Adopt”
Hundreds of children across Louisiana are looking for a place to call home. “It’s important that we have foster families in all parts of the state, so children… experience minimal movements,” Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Suzy Sonnier said. DCFS’s new “Faith in Families” initiative is aimed at reducing the number of children in foster care, and the length of time it takes them to get to permanency. You can learn more about becoming a foster parent here.
Read more: StMaryNow.com – Wanted Parents to foster or adopt
Geaux Blue for Kids Day at the Capitol
Hundreds of child advocates joined LACASA, CACLA, and PCAL at the Capitol on April 18th for “Geaux Blue for Kids” Day at the Capitol, as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. “While we are here to hold our leaders accountable for making children and families a priority in Louisiana, we also recognize that every individual citizen has a responsibility to do his or her part. We are not asking any one individual to bear the burden alone but, together, we can and we will make a difference for children when everyone makes a commitment to “GEAUX BLUE!,” offered Dr. John Wyble, executive director of CAC and CASA of Louisiana. You can read the full press release here.
Watch coverage of the press conference below:
CASA Jefferson is Hiring
CASA Jefferson is hiring for two positions. Please read the full position descriptions below for more information (no phone calls please).
CLERICAL SUPPORT/DATA MANAGEMENT
CASA Jefferson, Inc. a newly formed 501C(3) non-profit organization seeks an organized and detail oriented professional to perform and supervise all data input, reporting, and data systems development and analysis. Must have a working knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the ability to enter data efficiently and accurately. Must be proficient at excel and access. Qualified parties please send resumes either electronically to cynthia@casajefferson.com or via mail by the close of business on Monday, April 22, 2013.
CASA Advocate Supervisor II
CASA Jefferson, Inc. a newly formed 501 C(3) non-profit organization seeks a highly dedicated professional committed to child safety. This position is characterized by the performance of a variety of complex administrative and supervisory duties associated with abused and neglected children under the Court’s supervision. A Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or closely related field, supplemented by three years previous experience and/or training involving case management, investigations, and exposure to legal terminology are needed. No phone calls please. Interested candidates may submit resumes through the close of business on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 via email or mail to:
CASA Jefferson, Inc.
Attn: Cynthia Chauvin
671A Whitney Avenue
Gretna, Louisiana 70056
Geaux Blue for Kids
Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, Child Advocacy Centers of Louisiana and Louisiana CASA are partnering to launch a statewide initiative – GEAUX BLUE FOR KIDS!, developed to inspire and encourage Louisiana citizens to stand up and speak out for children who have been abused and to prevent more children from ever experiencing abuse or neglect. Check out the announcement below for more information on this exciting new initiative, and visit http://www.louisianachildren.org to see the calendar of Geaux Blue events taking place all across Louisiana.
Program Council Meeting & Capitol Day
Wednesday April 17, 2013 – Thursday April 18, 2013
Description:
Join us April 17-18 for a Program Council meeting, review of the FY2013-2014 RFP with CASA AP, a discussion on toxic stress (*see description below), and a discussion on strategic visioning and planning with Sandra Adams, LACASA Board member and longtime child and family advocate. A networking dinner (Dutch treat) is scheduled for the evening of April 17th.
*Details on toxic stress presentation- Dr. Charles H. Zeanah, Jr. M.D., Tulane University, will be presenting on the effects of abuse, neglect, serious deprivation and exposure to violence on young children and on interventions designed to help them recover. He will discuss attachment disorders, PTSD and “toxic” stress. Dr. Zeanah has worked closely with programs who need to know how to best advocate for children.
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS: A block of rooms have been reserved at Hotel Indigo (Downtown Baton Rouge, walking distance to the Capitol). We are doing reservations differently this year. Please make your own reservations by clicking on link here or calling 877-834-3613. LACASA will provide reimbursement of hotel and travel expenses.
Schedule of Events:
April 17
10:30 AM Program Council meeting, Capital Area United Way, 700 Laurel St. BR
1 PM CASA AP, Program Council Meeting
2PM Training -
6:30 PM Networking Dinner (Dutch treat)
April 18
8:30 AM Strategic Visioning & Planning, Sandra Adams, Capital Area CASA (Breakfast provided)
10:00 AM Capitol Day (details announced closer to the date)
DCFS Rolls Out New “Faith in Families” Initiative
The Department of Children and Family Services is touring the state this month unveiling it’s new “Faith in Families” initiative, aimed at ensuring permanency for all children who go through the foster care system, and reducing the length of time it takes to get there. DCFS Secretary Suzy Sonnier stated, “Our kids that age out of foster care at age 18 often are at risk of homelessness. They are unemployed, some of them re-enter the criminal justice system, and we want to prevent that.” Rapides CASA Executive Director Wade Bond said of the partnership “I think this will hopefully be the start of a stronger community that is not reliant on one entity to address all of the needs, but will pick the strengths of each entity, and work together to make the best.”
You can read the full article here.
BCBS Louisiana Partners with Child Advocacy Services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana has partnered with Child Advocacy Services to reproduce their “Recognize, React, Report” resource, a child and family friendly guide for protecting children and preventing child abuse. Child Advocacy Services CEO Rob Carlisle stated, “We are very proud of our continued partnership with BCBSL and their commitment in keeping children safe. This grant is a great example of how companies can participate in our work for children and dedicate their in-kind resources to helping us in our mission to give Voice, Healing, and Security to Children!”
You can read the full article here.
A Question of Balance- Janet Ward, NCASA – Daytime Session – CASA Staff and Volunteers Only
Wednesday March 6, 2013 – Wednesday March 6, 2013
Description:
This session will include an afternoon case staffing session where staff and volunteers can provide real case scenarios for discussion and application of principles learned during the morning workshop.
CASA Program Staff and Volunteers Only – ED Approval Required. The court makes the ultimate placement decision for every child but CASA Staff and volunteers make numerous influential decisions throughout each case: who to contact, whose word is believed, how to balance the child’s need for safety with the need for family. In this workshop, based on the book of the same name, participants explore how the “lens” of life experience influences decisions and discover some tips to enhance their decision-making skills.
Super Bowl Brings Attention to Human Trafficking.
In the year leading up to the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans, local law enforcement and non-profit agencies worked to raise awareness of the widespread sex trafficking that accompanies such a large scale event, using such tactics as leaving bars of soap in hotels with information about how to get help. To continue reading click here.
