February 2018 | In This Issue
Bullying and Teasing: No Laughing Matter
Know the facts about bullying, even if you don't think it affects your child.
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Unfortunately, teasing is often part of growing up - almost every child experiences it. But it isn't always as innocuous as it seems. Words can cause pain. Teasing becomes bullying when it is repetitive or when there is a conscious intent to hurt another child. It can be verbal bullying (making threats, name-calling), psychological bullying (excluding children, spreading rumors), or physical bullying (hitting, pushing, taking a child's possessions).


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.
CAS CASA Logo
(CASA) Court Appointed Special Advocates provides a voice for children as 
 they navigate through the court system to help them reach a safe and 
 permanent home. Be the 1. Be A CASA. Volunteer Today!

CASA VOLUNTEER TRAININGS STARTING SOON !! 

Ascension & St. James - Thursday, February 15, 2018
Livingston  -  Tuesday, February 20, 2018
East & West Feliciana - Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Click the button below. 
   
Happy Anniversary!
Thank You For Your Dedication and Commitment to CAS! 
Terry C. - 6 years

Barbara McK. -  6 years

Kevin B. - 5 years
Shelby "Alex" A. - 1 year

Lesia W. - 1 year

Congratulations and Welcome To Our Newest CASA Advocates!

   
            Gary M., Leila B.,                                     Kailyn O.                                                     Mary K.                               
     Melissa W. and Linda M
Sharita Spears 
Florida Parishes Volunteer Spotlight

 
"As a CASA, I am a ground Angel blessed with the opportunity to do what I love, which is giving back to my community. I am able to help abused and neglected children navigate through a very difficult and scary time in their lives while motivating and encouraging them that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I give my time willingly without expectation to ensure my CASA kids know that I am fighting hard to ensure that their voices are heard and what's in their best interest is met. In my opinion, a CASA is more than a volunteer position. For me it a way of living, loving and sharing my gift with the children I serve. "


Jodi Luna
River Parishes Volunteer Spotlight

 
Jodi Luna
CASA Volunteer from St. John Parish
 
Jodi Luna was sworn in on April 4, 2017 and has been advocating since that date, serving on multiple cases at a time. Jodi has been an advocate to 12 children since being sworn in as a CASA. Her case outcomes have been very different; some went home to their parents and others are being adopted by foster families. Jodi has been a strong advocate for her children both in and out of the courtroom. Jodi is a pro at information gathering and never misses a visit with her kids! Jodi advocates for appropriate services and the betterment of her children's lives. Jodi is always objective and keeps the best interest of her children near and dear to her heart. When St. Charles Parish needed a CASA for a 5 child sibling group, Jodi was there, willing and ready to advocate for the children.
 
In addition to being a very effective CASA volunteer, Jodi is an active community member in St. John Parish. Jodi started a nonprofit group in her daughter's memory called Froggy's Mission. (A volunteer based group helping animals get adopted through the St. John Animal Shelter). Jodi is also a girl scout troop leader in St. John. Jodi and the girl scout troop partnered with the CASA program over the holiday and were able to give all the CASA kids two new pairs of pajamas for Christmas. Jodi is the kind of person you meet and never forget, her kindness and spirit shine bright in all her ventures. CASA is incredibly honored to have her for a volunteer!




Optima Refresher 
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M ost of you are pros at entering Contact Logs and we definitely use your Contact Logs to help develop Advocacy Plans for your cases and in helping you with finishing court reports.  Below are some questions that we get asked regularly or things that we are making us have to deny contact logs or contact you to revise prior to approval.  Please take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions to refresh your Optima skills.  We'd love to hear from you if you have questions that are not covered below.  Please email your supervisor with any questions so those can be addressed at a future date.

Upcoming Darkness to Light Trainings 

Friday, February 23rd - 9:00 - 11:00 AM
 
Friday, March 16th - 9:00 - 11:00 AM
 
Thursday, April 12th - 5:00 - 7:00 PM


 
Child Advocacy Services is offering Triple P  
Positive Parenting Program Selected Seminar Series in 
St. Charles, St. John, and St. James Parishes.


 
"The Triple P - Positive Parenting ProgramĀ® is one of the world's most effective parenting programs. It is one of the few based on evidence from ongoing scientific research. Triple P works by giving parents the skills to raise confident, healthy children and teenagers, and to build stronger family relationships. It also helps parents manage misbehavior and prevent problems occurring in the first place." 

  
  

 Please submit any questions, comments, and suggestions for future articles to [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]

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 Button of Bravery Child Sponsors:  

 
Edgar S. Starns Jr.
Cashe Coudrain and Sandage
Barriere Construction
Freddy's Louisiana Custard Operations, 


Dear Community Supporter,
 
With your help, CAS served 523 children with 212 volunteers through our CASA program in 2017.  Of those children, 172 were placed in safe and permanent homes.  Additionally, we performed 618 forensic interviews and provided 413 hours of counseling to over 95 children 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 2018.  Please remember, your end of the year contribution is tax-deductible.
 

  
Be the thread of hope for a child!

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