October 2019 | In This Issue
Impact on Children & Youth
October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month


Children and youth who are exposed to domestic violence experience emotional, mental, and social damage that can affect their developmental growth. Some children lose the ability to feel empathy for others. Others feel socially isolated, unable to make friends as easily due to social discomfort or confusion over what is acceptable. In order to respond to the overwhelming issues associated with domestic violence, child welfare professionals need to understand these issues and know how to identify them as well as assess and provide treatment to children and youth affected by domestic violence. This section provides information and resources on the impact that domestic violence has on children and youth as well as resources on how to respond it.


Change for Children!

Emergent Method's Leadership Class

In August, Child Advocacy Services CEO, Rob Carlisle, was selected to participate as one of only twenty candidates in a new Leadership Training being hosted through Capital Area United Way and Emergent Method. Emergent Method is a Louisiana-based management consulting firm focused on helping companies and organizations innovate, grow, improve their performance, and achieve their missions. While leadership of any company has its own set challenges, directing an organization dependent on donors, volunteers, and mission-driven dedication brings a unique set of difficulties. Entitled, The Leadership Challenge, the curriculum is a five-month leadership development series built specifically for leaders of non-profit organizations. "I am very excited to have the opportunity to join in this amazing training and network with several non-profit leaders throughout Louisiana." Child Advocacy Services remains conscientious to finding new ways and better techniques for serving children locally. We are committed to ongoing professional development to ensure the highest standard of services. Last year, Child Advocacy Services staff achieved an average of 65 hours of professional development to enhance their work in the community.



Thank you to everyone who supported the Terracon 8th Annual Golf Benefit for CAS! Your generosity supports services for children!

Thanks to our sponsors & teams:
B&D Plumbing
Block Companies
Blount General Contractors
Boh Brothers
Carubba Engineering
Chad Beard
Clean Harbors
Concrete & Aggregates Association of Louisiana
Cooper Electric
Coretechs
Danny Olivier
David St. Romain
Demco
Eurofins Test America
Farrell Calhoun Paint Co.
FMM
Fox-Nesbit
GeoSearch
GPRS
Guaranty Broadcasting
Gurantee Restoration & Environmental Services
H&E Equipment
HCE Engineers
John Curry
Labarre Associates
Maria's Mexican Restaurant
Martin Brower
Massad Olinde group, Donald Massad APC
Menard
MS Benbow
Nova Chemical
Ocshner
Pace Analytical Services
Premier Geotech & Testing
Professional Technical Support Services, Inc. 
Quality Concrete
RB Electric
RISE: A Real Estate Company
Rudolph Specialty
SGS
Sombreros/Uno Dos Tacos
Sport N Center
The Kinchen Group
The Shobe Financial Group
Total Energy Solutions
Triad Electric and Controls
TriCoeur




159 CASA volunteers served 329 children in September and helped find safe, permanent homes for 14 of those children.


There are 150 children waiting for a CASA Volunteer to change their story. 

Upcoming Training Dates

Livingston, Tangipahoa, and St. Helena: October 28th
St. John and St. Charles: To be determined
Ascension, Assumption, and St. James: October 29th
East Feliciana and West Feliciana: To be determined






Congratulations to our newest CASA Volunteers!

David Duval and Melissa Waddell were recently sworn in by Judge DiMiceli 
in the 21st JDC (left photo). Jennifer Boudoin and Adrienne Bradshaw were recently sworn into the 21st JDC by Judge Blair Edwards (right photo).

.  
Monica Wolf  (left photo) and Cheryl Evans (right photos) were recently sworn into the 21st JDC by Judge Blair Edwards.

 

Darian Delaune was recently sworn into the 23rd JDC by Judge Jason Verdigets.


Florida Parishes Volunteer
Richard "Rick" Foster

This month, we recognize Richard "Rick" Foster for his outstanding advocacy and commitment to a positive future for his CASA children. Rick has been a CASA Volunteer since early 2019 and is currently serving on two cases. Rick served on one case for several months and decided he wanted to do more. Rick then took a second case in September. Rick is dedicated to making his community a better place. Rick has given back to his community in many ways and is always willing to go above and beyond to help others in need. Rick not only makes it a priority to see his CASA children regularly, he also volunteers with CASA at events such as Spring Fest.
 
When Rick was asked why he became a CASA Volunteer, he stated "I always thought that if you do not have money to spare, then time can be a great gift, and time I have." Rick feels led to advocate for children because they were put in challenging situations for reasons out of their control. Mr. Rick also stated "If I had not become a CASA, I would not have met any of these fantastic kids. They have taught me bravery and tenacity." Mr. Rick says it is an honor to advocate for the children on his cases. We are thankful to have Rick as a CASA Advocate. Thank you, Rick, for your dedication to change lives for the better.
 
 River Parishes Volunteer
LaToshia Franklin

LaToshia Franklin has been a CASA since July 12, 2016 and has been a voice for five children thus far. Four of the children were granted guardianship to a family member. LaToshia has volunteered over 75 hours during her time as a CASA. LaToshia is currently serving an eleven month old who is awaiting permanency. With her divine commitment, she plans to see the case through the adoption process. LaToshia is also well vested in her church where she serves on the Sr. Usher Board. LaToshia became motivated to become a CASA volunteer because she is so passionate about helping the community. And what better way than giving the children a voice for a safe home and environment.
 
LaToshia's passion and dedication shows in her advocacy and her monthly visits. She spends a great amount of time at each by examining the child's behaviors, monitoring the progress of the child, and ensuring the placement of the child is deemed a safe environment.
 
When asked what is her favorite part of being a CASA volunteer, she replied,  "Seeing the children placed in stable homes and to know that they are safe from abuse and neglect, and have a chance to grow and develop without everyday trauma in their lives and being a great help in doing so."
 
As her supervisor, I enjoy LaToshia's enthusiasm and dedication. I know without a doubt she will get the job done and fight to the end. I look forward to being LaToshia's supervisor for years to come- Shannon Brown, CASA Advocate Supervisor

Advocating for Older Youth

Advocating for youth in foster care has changed since the CASA program was first established in 1977. There is a need for youth to find their voice in the midst of all of the adults involved in planning the future for a child to transition to adulthood. As CASAs, it is important to allow older children in foster care to find their voice and know that there is no judgment from their advocate for what their ambitions may be. This year, Louisiana was fortunate to become one of the few states that allows children to remain in foster care after their 18th birthday, if they so choose. Their choice to have this additional support as they embrace life as an adult can be a difficult one to come to when a child has been told for so many years of their life how they should live, where they should live, and how they should be dealing with the trauma they experienced earlier in life. CASAs should talk with their supervisors about resources available to the youth to whom they are assigned so the CASA can begin talking to their youth about what options they have for their future.

 


Remember to keep your CASA Volunteer file up-to-date with your current
auto insurance card, driver's license, and contact information. 
And remember to visit your CASA child face-to-face at least   once a month.


Stewards of Children is a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program believes and teaches that child safety is an adult's job. Stewards of Children is designed for organizations that serve children and youth. Child Advocacy Services has trained facilitators that can offer this course to your organization for only $10.00 per individual. This fee includes your materials, certificate for 2 hours of continuing education, and assists CAS in continuing our services for children through our CASA and CAC Programs.

Contact us at 800-798-1575 for information on scheduling a training or click on one of the trainings below to register for upcoming training:


Note to our CASA Volunteers: This training is offered to all CASAs free of charge. When registering online, please select "pay at door." You will receive your materials at the door and will not be charged the $10 registration fee.


 

Not a #Number is an interactive, five-module prevention curriculum designed to teach youth how to protect themselves from human trafficking and exploitation through information, critical thinking, and skill development. Not a #Number uses a holistic approach focusing on respect, empathy, individual strengths, and the relationship between personal and societal pressures that create or increase vulnerabilities. Appropriate for ages 12-18.
 
Not a #Number Caregiver's Guide: This resource guide includes information to help you understand the reality of human trafficking, and most importantly, what you can do to safeguard your youth and others in your community. This resource guide can be given to caregivers or can be presented in a one hour presentation.

For more information on Not a #Number, contact Jordyn G'sell, Prevention Services Coordinator, at  (985) 785-5226 or [email protected]

Position Available...Join our team!
                               
       Child Advocacy Services Children's Advocacy Center Program is seeking a F/T Forensic Interviewer. This position conducts forensic interviews with children when abuse is suspected and facilitates the Multi-Disciplinary Team collaboration. This position is based in Denham Springs but will be responsible for assisting all of our CAC sites with forensic interviews. Additionally, this position will be trained to coordinate, lead, and conduct community based prevention education. It includes building community partnerships, developing relationships, and engaging others to join in our mission to give voice, healing, and security to children. A master's degree is preferred in a social services related field. Relative experience and knowledge of a Children's Advocacy Center Program is desired. The candidate must demonstrate effectiveness in working in a team setting.

The Children's Advocacy Center conducts forensic interviews in a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have disclosed sexual abuse, physical abuse, or witness to a crime. Additional advocacy, resources, and prevention education is offered to assist children, investigators, and community in responding to preventing child abuse.

Inquiries and resumes may be submitted to Joelle Henderson, CAC Director at
[email protected] by 11/1/2019. More information see www.childadv.net EOE

In July, the Children's Advocacy Center provided advocacy and forensic interviews to 63 children. In the River Region, 20 children and families were provided 55 hours of counseling.

Child Advocacy Services-Children's Advocacy Center Program 
is very proud to announce:
 
The following CACs are now seeking to hire the first eight of nine Regional Child and Youth Trafficking Coordinators. Each of the Coordinators will work on the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative, a multi-year grant project administered by the Governor's Office and funded by the US Department of Justice to improve outcomes for child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking. 
 
Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center | Orleans 
Children's Advocacy Network | Alexandria 
Children's Advocacy Center of Northeast Louisiana | Monroe 
Gingerbread House Children's Advocacy Center | Shreveport 
Child Advocacy Services | Covington Region (Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, & Washington Parishes)  
Hearts of Hope | Lafayette 
Baton Rouge Children's Advocacy Center | Baton Rouge 
Terrebonne Children's Advocacy Center | Thibodaux 
 
The posting and job description can be found here: https://www.lacacs.org/joblistings.
 
Interested persons can submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] and specify the region / agency for which they are applying in the subject line. The hiring process will be completed locally and next steps will be conducted by the local hiring agency. 



It's spooky season! Soon enough the kids will be throwing on their costumes and begging to fill their bags with candy. With Halloween right around the corner, it is time to get prepared with these Halloween safety tips!


Trick-or-Treating Basics

Kids under age 12 should:
  • always go trick-or-treating with an adult
  • know how to call 911 in case they get lost
  • know their home phone number or your cellphone number if you don't have a landline
Older kids who go out on their own should:
  • know their planned route and when they'll be coming home
  • carry a cellphone
  • go in a group and stay together
  • only go to houses with porch lights on
  • stay away from candles and other flames
  • know to never go into strangers' homes or cars


We will be at every Southeastern Louisiana University home football game this season selling pizza! Child Advocacy Services will receive a portion of all pizza sales from this season to support services for children! When you're cheering on the Lions in Strawberry Stadium, stop by to grab a pizza and support services for children! Special thanks to Coach Frank Scelfo and Southeastern Louisiana University Football for supporting children in our community!


CAS hosted our annual children's art contest with D.C. Reeves Elementary this year and held the judging on October 8th at the Ponchatoula Community Center! Thank you to D.C. Reeves Elementary for partnering with us and to our contest judges for selecting the winning pieces of art! The winning pieces will be featured in our 2020 calendar. We can't wait to share the finished product!


Brave children tell their stories. Courageous adults help these children through their trauma and assist them in finding a safe future.  Buttons of Bravery represent the journey of one child for a year under the care of 
Child Advocacy Services. 

Help hold them together through their experience by participating in the 
Buttons of Bravery Child Sponsorship Program. 

Thank you to our new and/or continuing Buttons of Bravery Child Sponsors. 

Baton Rouge Area Foundation
Burns Estate Planning
Rob & Sally Carlisle *
CH Specialty *
Crossroads Behavioral Health, LLC *
Hancock Whitney Bank
Robert & Nancy Hyver
David & Judith Landry *
Celeste Layrisson
Robert & Tara Peltier *
Becky Powell *
Mary & Joseph Ware

* denotes a recurring monthly donor


Thank you to Hancock Whitney Bank (left) and Burns Estate Planning (right) for generously supporting services for children!

Dear Community Supporter,

CAS served 550 children with 226 volunteers through our CASA program in 2018. Of those children, 188 were placed in safe and permanent homes. Additionally, we performed 738 forensic interviews and provided 490 hours of counseling to over 125 children and families through our CAC program. 



Child Advocacy Services, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. We appreciate your consideration to start or renew your child sponsorship for 2019.  Please remember your contribution is tax-deductible .
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