Education as a Protective Factor - Partnering with Schools to Safeguard Children

This course has been approved for 1 General Social Work CEUs by Louisiana Child Welfare Training Academy as authorized by the Louisiana Board of Social Work Examiners.

Schools are often where children first show signs of abuse or neglect. This session examines how educators can play a central role in child protection when they are trained and supported to recognize trauma and collaborate with other systems. Participants will learn how to develop trauma-informed school policies, use resources to build protective environments, and coordinate with child welfare and mental health services to ensure appropriate supports.

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand how to create trauma-informed school environments. 

• Promote multidisciplinary teams within schools to support at-risk children. 

• Build referral pathways between schools and support services. 

Berre Burch, PhD

Berre Burch, a native Arkansan, is the Director of Project LAST at the

Children’s Bureau of New Orleans, where she leads a program that provides

no-cost, high quality mental health services to children and adolescents in

Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. She is the proud mom of Wren (Garden

Room) and Gus (Rabbit Burrow). Her son Elliott attended Abeona House in

2012, before the family relocated to Maryland. Berre earned a PhD in school

psychology at Tulane in 2014. She previously received a Master’s degree in

art therapy from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree

from Hendrix College.

Dr. Monique Handy

Dr. Monique Handy , a native New Orleanian, returned to the community in

2007 to start a teaching career. She has served as a classroom teacher and

assistant principal at both the elementary and secondary levels. She has a

strong background in special education, including experiences as a teacher

and Special Education Administrator, and Director of Student Support

Services. Dr. Handy is the owner and CEO of Aegis Access Network, a case

management agency that provides supports and resources to persons with

disabilities. In her free time Monique enjoys reading, crafting, binge

watching rom-com shows, and being a mom of two girls and a wife.

Dr. Anthony Marino

Anthony Marino has worked in education in New Orleans since 2014. He

started his career as a teacher in roles including music, intervention and

special education. His school leadership experience includes serving as a

Special Education Coordinator and a Coordinator of Individualized

Learning, Documentation and Accountability. Anthony received his

undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Rhode

Island and a Master’s in Educational Studies from Johns Hopkins University.

He is currently pursuing an Ed.D in Diversity & Equity in Educational Policy,

Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois with a

dissertation focus on the school-to-prison pipeline. In his free time,

Anthony enjoys spending time with his dog, Saint.

2025 - 2026 Louisiana CASA Webinar Series: Strength in Unity 

Louisiana CASA is excited to host our fourth webinar series. This year, we are partnering with Louisiana Child Welfare Training Academy (LCWTA) to bring this series to community members across our state. This series equips professionals, child welfare advocates, and community members with the knowledge and collaborative strategies needed to protect children, support families, and prevent child abuse and neglect. Each session emphasizes the importance of cross-sector cooperation, early identification of risk factors, and collective responses that foster safe, stable, and nurturing relationships. By promoting a shared understanding and responsibility among systems—such as education, healthcare, faith-based institutions, family services, and policy leaders—participants will develop the tools and partnerships necessary to create resilient families and communities.