Mental Health and Family Stability: Advocating for Treatment and Support

This training focuses on the profound impact mental health has on families, particularly regarding parenting capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of seeking and maintaining treatment to address the detrimental aspects of certain mental health diagnoses. Directed at CASA volunteers and staff, the training will cover the various ways mental health issues can affect an individual's ability to parent effectively and the critical need for consistent treatment to create a safe and nurturing environment for children. CASA volunteers and staff will leave the training with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of mental health treatment for parents. This knowledge will enhance their ability to advocate for necessary services, ensuring children in foster care are supported in environments conducive to their well-being and development.

Charlotte “Charlee” Jones, MSW, LCSW

Charlee Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently providing Functional Family Therapy (Child Welfare) with Florida Parishes Human Services Authority.

Charlee earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University, and then attended the accelerated Graduate Social Work program at Louisiana State University. Charlee received the Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend in her undergraduate and graduate college programs. Under the stipend programs, Charlee interned at the Department of Children and Family Services and attended multiple conferences, most notably the Group Psychotherapy Conference in San Francisco and the Child Welfare League of America National Conference in Washington DC.

Charlee graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and Child and Families Certificate in 2015. Upon graduation, Charlee began working for the Department of Children and Family Services. Charlee spent over four years serving youth and families within the court system and DCFS as a case manager in multiple programs and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in December of 2018.

In 2019 Charlee began her work with FFT-CW at Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, continuing to serve clients within the child welfare system. Functional Family Therapy (Child Welfare), or FFT-CW is an evidence-based family preservation program designed to provide services to youth and families in child welfare settings.

In December of 2024, Charlee and her husband became licensed therapeutic foster parents through Louisiana Methodist and opened their home to teenagers with significant behavioral needs.

Charlee is also certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer.