Voice, Healing, and Security

The Disturbing Connection Between Foster Care and Domestic Child Sex Trafficking

It has been estimated that 60% of all child sex trafficking victims have histories in the child welfare system. Youth without stable families are particularly vulnerable to being exploited by traffickers. Traffickers are targeting and recruiting youth directly from foster care, group homes, and residential placements. This free webinar will address how foster care and other out of home placements can make youth more vulnerable to child sex trafficking. The webinar will discuss the lack of services and safe placements for youth in the justice system and the importance of screening family members for placements.

Text Link

Click here to access a free webinar hosted by the National Center for Juvenile Justice.

Retrieved January 15, 2025 from:

https://www.ncjfcj.org/webcasts/the-disturbing-connection-between-foster-care-and-domestic-child-sex-trafficking/

Navigating the Court System

As Court Appointed Special Advocates, we are required to submit reports and testify regarding what is in our CASA child’s best interest. This process can be intimidating to the most seasoned of advocates - laws change and there is always a new acronym for a service, court proceeding, or agency. Below is a guide for some of the frequently used terms so that you understand the “lingo” and your role.

Click here to read the full document .

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.

Click here to learn more about how CACs help ki ds

Upcoming Trainings, Webinars, and Conferences

*CASA Volunteers are required to receive 12 Continuing Education hours per year. Only 4 can be articles, newsletters, and films.

Ongoing: TBRI Fridays

Ongoing eLearning: Louisiana Child Welfare Training Academy

Ongoing eLearning: Louisiana Children's Trust Fund Trainings

Louisiana Children's Trust Fund

Access past sessions on LCTF website here: https://www.louisianactf.org/speaker-series21.html

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.

In 2023, Child Advocacy Services CASA Program served 466 children with 189 volunteers dedicating over 6,767 hours. The CAC Program provided 805 forensic interviews and 639 counseling sessions to children and families.

YOU can help us do more by investing in services for children!

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