Secondary Trauma & Self-Care

Working with children who have experienced trauma can be a very rewarding experience and empowering for CASA volunteers who give voice to children. CASAs work tirelessly to advocate for the best interests of children and give of themselves to see a better future for others. CASA staff are often times the biggest cheerleaders, motivators, and encourages for CASA volunteers, living through the best and worst aspects of a case with advocates. Those efforts can weigh heavily on the shoulders of those wanting to always do more for every child who appears on a docket. This training will discuss the effects of secondary trauma for CASA staff and tips in self-care.

This training is for CASA Staff only.

About the trainer

Sherrard Crespo is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University in 2017. Her professional background is highlighted by her work with suicide education, prevention, intervention, and postvention. Sherrard is currently employed with VIA LINK in the position of Director of Outreach and Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) where her current duties include: clinical oversight of VIA LINK's 24/7 contact center, community outreach and education on VIA LINK services as well as specialized skills and information on suicide response, crisis intervention, grief, and trauma. She also facilitates VIA LINK's two support groups: Survivors of Suicide Loss and “Real Talk” a support group for teens with suicide ideation. She is also the Director for Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL), the Louisiana state affiliate for Prevent Child Abuse America, which is operated by VIA LINK, in which her current focus includes education and advocacy for the community and professionals to support Louisiana families and prevent child abuse.