​Back-to-School anxiety: Ways to help your child cope
A new school year can cause stress and anxiety in kids.
A pediatric psychologist shares seven ways to help.

Going back to school is exciting for some kids, while others may feel worried or nervous
about returning to the classroom. Young children can get nervous about leaving their parents,
especially when starting at a new school. Older children may feel anxious about academics
or how they'll fit in with their friends.

Nicholas J. Westers, Psy.D., ABPP, a clinical psychologist at Children's Health℠ and
Associate Professor at UT Southwestern, shares advice about identifying anxiety
in children and ways parents can help.

Why do children get back-to-school anxiety?
Most students have a few nerves about going back to school. This is normal with the change
in routine and unknowns of what a new school year will bring. School may also bring
unique worries and pressures that cause anxiety, such as:
- The need to fit in socially and make friends
- Fears of bullying or peer pressure
- Academic pressure to make good grades
- Athletic pressure to make the team or to perform well on the field
- Life changes, like entering a new school
- Anxiety about security and safety at school

"Some children returning to school may feel anxious because of hearing about tragic events
such as school shootings," says Dr. Westers. "If you sense your child is anxious about this,
check in with them and listen to their concerns. It's important to reinforce that they
can always come to you when they need support."

What are signs your child is feeling anxious about school?
Children show anxiety in different ways. If you're concerned your child is feeling anxious
about school, look for changes in your child's behavior and mood.
Signs of anxiety can include:
- Disturbances in sleep
- Increased defiance or irritability
- Lack of concentration
Less energy
- Loss of appetite
- Physical symptoms like nausea, stomach aches, muscle tension or dizziness
- Refusal to go to school
- Sadness or crying

How can parents help with school anxiety?
How you support your child as they return to school may depend on how they feel
and their age. Younger children are more likely to have separation anxiety and need
reassurance about being away from you. Older children may feel more anticipation
about social or academic pressures.

Here are seven tips to help manage your child’s back-to-school anxiety:
1. Ask questions/Be supportive
2. Validate concerns your child may have by asking open-ended
questions. To start the conversation, parents might state, "
 What is it that you're most worried about right now?"
3. Pay attention to your child's feelings and listen to their concerns.
Help your child feel prepared – Explain to your child what you know about what the
school year or classroom will look like to help them mentally prepare. 
4. Show children how to behave and how to feel about themselves, even in the midst of
anxiety.parents might say, "I sometimes get worried, too. When I feel this way, I [insert healthy
coping strategy here, e.g., take deep breaths, think about how much I love you and our family]."
5. Establish routines – In a world where so many things are unpredictable and anxiety-provoking,
​being consistent with bedtime, mealtime, playtime, screen time. Ensure your child is getting
enough sleep, being physically active and eating healthy food.
6. Coach your child through relaxation exercises – Have your child try deep breathing when they feel
anxious — teach them to take a deep breath, count to eight and release. 
7. Show encouragement and celebrate the wins – Consider sending positive or encouraging notes in
your child's lunch or backpack. Small actions can show you are there for your child. 
Seek mental health support if needed – Although children are resilient,

It's important to pay attention to signs of anxiety. If your child is prone to anxiety and continues
to have difficulty coping, do not hesitate to seek professional help. See mental health
resources for kids and teens.

Coping With Back-to-School Anxiety – Children's Health (childrens.com)

​Volunteer Advocate
August Birthdays
Ann Palmisano
Leslie Smith
Rodreca Gant
Venessa Stemley

Volunteer Advocate
August Service Anniversaries
Mary O'Cain – 6yrs
Janet Emig – 2yrs
Jean Curran – 2yrs
Rebekah Brocato – 6yrs
Sandra Huston – 5yrs

​As the Executive Director of CASA Jefferson, I am honored to recognize and celebrate
Reunification Month this June. This month is a time to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of
all those involved in the child welfare system who work tirelessly to reunite children with their families.
At CASA Jefferson, our mission is to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care, and
we firmly believe that every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent home.

 Reunification is the primary goal for most children in foster care. It is a complex and challenging
process that requires the collaboration and commitment of social workers, foster families,
legal professionals, and the biological families themselves. The journey to reunification involves
overcoming significant obstacles, addressing underlying issues, and creating a stable and
​nurturing environment for the child to return to.

Throughout Reunification Month, we reflect on the profound impact that a successful reunification
can have on a child's life. Reunification brings families back together, strengthens bonds, and provides
children with the stability and continuity they need to thrive. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of both the children and their families.
 
At CASA Jefferson, we are proud to play a crucial role in this process. Our dedicated volunteers
work diligently to ensure that every child has a voice in court and that their needs are met
throughout their time in foster care. Our advocates provide invaluable support to families as
they work towards reunification, helping to navigate the complexities of the child welfare system and connect them with essential resources.
 
This month, we celebrate the success stories of families who have been reunited and honor the
hard work and perseverance of everyone involved. We also recognize that there is still much
work to be done. Many families continue to face significant challenges, and it is our collective
responsibility to provide them with the support and services they need to succeed.

We invite you to join us in raising awareness about the importance of family reunification and to
support our efforts in advocating for the best interests of children in foster care. Together, we can
make a difference in the lives of these children and their families, ensuring that they have
the opportunity to build a brighter future together.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to CASA Jefferson and the children
we serve. Your commitment makes reunification possible and helps to create stronger,
healthier families in our community. --Wendy

​​Confidentiality Policies and Procedures
(Information taken from Advocate Manual)

Everything an Advocate learns about a child and the child’s family in the course of their
advocacy is confidential.  You will sign a Statement of Confidentiality at pre-service training and
every time you are assigned a new case.  As an Advocate, start with the assumption that information
cannot be disclosed to anyone.  This includes information an Advocate may learn during the course
of his/her advocacy about children assigned to another Advocate. 

​The advocate shall adhere to the following guidelines with respect to maintain confidentiality and respecting
the privacy of others in all matters relating to an assigned case. The guidelines are set out below, they
govern circumstances in which the CASA Advocate requests or receives information. However, these
guidelines cannot cover every possible situation which may arise. If in doubt as to whether certain
information can be shared, always check with the Advocate Coordinator.

An Advocate may share information with the CASA Jefferson staff, other sworn Advocates, the Court
and DCFS.  In some instances, an Advocate may share information with the child’s therapist or
treating physician but check with the Advocate Supervisor first.

An Advocate may never share information with a foster parent or the biological parents,
or other relatives, teachers or tutors.

An advocate is not allowed to disseminate documents to any of the parties, their attorneys,
and or collateral sources which are covered by state and/or federal confidentiality
laws. These documents may include drug and alcohol evaluation/records; involuntary mental
health treatment and rape crisis center information; and some criminal histories.

An advocate should not promise a child or any party to the case that his/her statements
will be kept secret or confidential. 

Cases involving parties who are known to the CASA program as being HIV positive, having
AIDS and/or having other sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) are governed by an additional
confidentiality protocol to which the Advocate must adhere. If, after accepting a case, the CASA advocates
learn it involves a STD, the CASA advocate should immediately contact their Advocate Coordinator
to obtain the protocol. 

An advocate must disclose confidential information learned during an investigation in three circumstances: 
o When consulting with CASA staff who must be provided all significant case specifics known to the CASA Advocate
o When ordered by the court in a hearing or trial
o When the CASA Advocate thinks that there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has
suffered physical and/or sexual abuse. 

Maintaining confidentiality is not an easy task, but it is vital.  Remember that an Advocate is
to gather information and not dispense it.  When asked questions by others seeking information,
politely explain that CASAs are bound by confidentiality laws.  

Court Attendance and Court Reports
In order to properly apprise the Court of a child’s situation and thereby advocate for that child’s best interest,
an Advocate is required to provide the Court with a written report and attend hearings so that the Advocate may
testify as to his/her findings. Court reports are due to the Court for all Disposition hearings, ASFA hearings,
Permanency hearings, and most Status Reviews.  Reports are due to the Advocate Supervisor three weeks prior to the
court date. The Advocate Supervisor will meet with the Advocate and discuss the reports.  These reports are confidential
and may be presented only to the Court and the attorneys for the parties involved.  This includes the attorney for
DCFS, the child’s attorney, and the attorney for the parents. If there is any information included in a report that the
Advocate and Advocate Supervisor believe should not be shared with all parties, then a CASA can request a
protective order, which, if granted by the Court, would limit information provided. An Advocate should always testify
at a Court hearing, even if others have addressed all issues for the Court’s attention.  An Advocate should read
all of his/her recommendations into the record, so the Court will know that CASA has a position regarding
the child and the child’s circumstances.

Case Assignment Exception
A volunteer will not be assigned more than two sibling/family groups at a time.  An exception may be granted at
the discretion of the CASA staff; however, the decision to permit a high caseload shall be documented as to the
justification for and reasonableness of the exception.  Under the exception, a volunteer will not be assigned
to more than five family/sibling groups.

Transportation of Children and Families
While an Advocate is permitted and encouraged to visit their child in a variety of scenarios, Advocates are
prohibited from transporting the child in their vehicle.  Additionally, Advocates may not transport family
members.  This falls outside the role of Advocate.

CASA Children Visiting Advocate’s Home
Advocates are strictly prohibited from allowing any child appointed to the CASA Jefferson program access
to their home, regardless of whether they are the Advocate appointed to the child.  Advocates should not disclose
their home or employment addresses to any child, biological parent or foster parent.  Doing so exceeds the
scope of advocacy and is potential grounds for dismissal from the CASA Jefferson program.

Contact with the Child and Other Participants
Each advocate is required to see, face-to-face and outside the Court, each month, the children for whom
they advocate, regardless of the child’s age.  Additionally, phone contact on a weekly basis is required.
An exception may be granted at the discretion of the CASA program; however, the decision to permit less
frequent in person contact shall be documented as to the justification for the less frequent contact and
reasonableness of the exception.

There are two reasons for this. First and foremost, an Advocate must ascertain whether a child is safe in 
his/her environment.  This can only be achieved by seeing the child and the home in which he/she resides.  
This is true regardless of whether the child resides in a foster home, a treatment
facility, a relative placement, or their parents’ home.  Safety is a paramount concern, and every effort
should be made to insure the child is safe and free from harm. Secondly, a child needs to know that his/her
advocate is truly there for them.  Children who have been abused and/or neglected are often slow to trust
anyone is really there for them, wanting what is best for them.  Seeing their Advocate consistently helps
build trust and confidence.

One thing an Advocate must always remember:  An Advocate NEVER takes the child to the Advocate’s home,
even in an emergency.  This is strictly prohibited. Advocates are required to maintain adequate contact with
all other parties and participants, also known as collaterals.  This includes, but is not limited to, parents,
relatives, foster parents or other caregivers, the DCFS case manager, teachers, therapists, tutors, or anyone
else with pertinent information regarding the child. DCFS case managers, parents and caregivers should be
contacted at least monthly, more often if the situation requires it. Teachers, therapists, tutors and others
should be contacted at least quarterly and always before a court report is written. 
Contact should be more often if the situation requires it.

Dual Role Policy
CASA Advocates cannot perform multiple roles in the lives of children who are under the jurisdiction of the
Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court.  If you are a CASA Advocate; you cannot be a foster or adoptive parent, mentor,
visiting resource, or perform in another capacity that may create role confusion or a conflict of interest.  Should
you have an interest in serving children in addition to being an Advocate, you will be referred to another court’s
jurisdiction and it will be up to that agency or court to determine your suitability for service.

CASA Jefferson Identification
At no time is the CASA Jefferson identification badge to be used for any purpose other than to gather information
regarding a child to whom the Advocate is currently assigned.  Advocates are prohibited from representing
themselves as an Advocate for anyone for whom they are not assigned, either by the CASA Jefferson program or
the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court, or from using their CASA identification in any way or in any matter to which
​they are not appointed. The only exception to this policy is where an Advocate is a certified foster parent or
visiting resource for a child that has been appointed to the CASA Jefferson program and to whom the
Advocate is ​not assigned as a volunteer.

Suspected Abuse and/or Neglect
CASA Jefferson Advocates are required to report any suspected abuse and/or neglect of any child to the
appropriate authorities and to their Advocate Supervisors.  In Louisiana, the appropriate authority would be the
Department of Children and Family Services for the parish in which the abuse or neglect occurred or any law
enforcement agency of the city or parish in which the incident occurred. Failure to report child abuse or neglect is
possible grounds for dismissal from the CASA Jefferson program.   

If you have any questions, please speak to your CASA supervisor.

Children’s Awareness Month takes place in June every year. It is a special month that focuses on a
generation of leaders who will pave the way for our future. Did you know that the word ‘June’ relates to ‘children?’ It is derived from the Latin word ‘Ju-Ven-Is’ which translates to ‘youth.’ This is why the month
of June is annually set aside to celebrate and focus on children.

Children reflect our greatest hope as a nation, and childhood is a critical time for all. It is the stage
in our lives that would set the course for our overall social, emotional, and physical health as well
as economic circumstances. In fact, young children at the beginning of their learning stage, who
receive a high-quality education, see tremendous dividends for the rest of their lives. This includes
higher academic performance in later stages, increased chances of attending college, higher
lifetime earnings, and reduced likelihood of being involved in crimes.

Children’s Awareness Month was initially founded in the loving memory of all the children who have
died violent deaths in America. It has evolved into something bigger. Children’s Awareness Month
has become a time to spend nurturing and cultivating the joys and treasures of childhood. This
month aims to encourage, support, and educate children while prioritizing their health and well-being.

Every child deserves to be valued and cherished. As parents and well-wishers, we have no greater
responsibility than to instill the hope of a better tomorrow for our younger generation. On this
Children Awareness Month, let us unite and take a stand to promise that we will work with our children
to instill a spirit of confidence, pride, and self-esteem in them. Always remember that every child
deserves a chance to succeed.

CHILDREN'S AWARENESS MONTH (nationaltoday.com)

​CASA Jefferson encourages all advocates to have a 
personal hurricane plan and evacuation plan 
for themselves and their families

Advocate Action Items:
An emergency form for your assigned foster families is to be completed during home visits in June.
This is an important step in ensuring the safety of all involved, especially the children under our care.
All advocates are to complete the form and return the completed to their CASA supervisor.

If there is a storm, advocates are expected to contact their child(ren)
         foster family to ensure the child is safe. 

Advocates will then send an update to their CASA supervisor with details
on the status of each foster child(ren). 

 CASA JEFFERSON's Mission is to break the cycle of child 
abuse and neglect through volunteers advocating for
safe, nurturing, and permanent homes
for foster children in our community.

CASA JEFFERSON's Vision is to have volunteers
recruited, trained and assigned to every child in the
foster care system in Jefferson Parish.  

       As of June 1, 2024, we have 42 children waiting for
a volunteer to advocate for them.

If you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a volunteer, have them
call our office (504 533-8757) or visit www.casajefferson.org.

National Foster Care Month is observed in the United States during the month of May
every year. It began with President Ronald Reagan in 1988, and since then, it continues to
be recognized and celebrated1. This important campaign aims to acknowledge and support
the children, youth, and families involved in foster care. Let’s take a closer look
at what National Foster Care Month represents:

Engaging Youth:
The Children’s Bureau’s National Foster Care Month campaign emphasizes the need to
create a child welfare system that authentically engages and supports young people who are
preparing to leave foster care. These efforts focus on ensuring that youth have the necessary
resources and connections as they transition to adulthood.

Key Statistics:
There are over 390,000 children and youth in foster care.
Approximately 20,000 youth are emancipated from foster care without a permanent
family. In 2021, 77 percent of eligible youth in foster care (ages 14–21 years old) left care
without receiving the federally funded services necessary to prepare them for adulthood and
independent living. These statistics highlight the impact that relational connections have on
improving long-term well-being for children and youth in foster care. Providing concrete supports,
appropriate interventions, and opportunities for youth is crucial.

Raising Awareness:
National Foster Care Month encourages involvement from various stakeholders, including foster
parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, community members, child welfare professionals,
and policymakers. By raising awareness, we can collectively enhance the lives of children and
​youth in foster care and help them find permanent homes and connections.

GiveNOLA Day returns on May 7 2022!
Make a difference by joining us for 24 hours of giving to benefit our regional nonprofits. 

Now in its 9th year, GiveNOLA Day is a 24-hour event hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation. 

Together, let’s inspire people to give generously so that we can make our region
stronger and creating a thriving community for all. 

Thank You in advance for supporting CASA Jefferson
on GiveNola Day!

https://www.givenola.org/casa-jefferson-inc

Mental Health America is proud to have founded in 1949 what is now known as
Mental Health Month. Every May, we come together with millions of Americans to continue
the tradition of promoting awareness, offering vital resources and education and advocating
for the mental health and well-being of everyone. Being able to maintain
good mental health is essential to each and every individual’s overall health and
well-being. Mental health conditions are common, manageable, and treatable.

One in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, and
everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. About half of
Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in
their lives, with symptoms starting by age 14 for the majority of people. It is never too soon to
seek treatment for your mental health. There are many ways to take action – big and small –
to improve mental health and increase resiliency, regardless of the
situations you are dealing with. Knowing when to turn to friends, family, and coworkers when
you are struggling with life’s challenges can help improve your mental health. Change is hard,
but it’s unavoidable in life. It’s important to find
coping skills that can help you process these changes, prioritize your mental well-being,
and accept the situations in life that we can’t control. Life can be challenging, but every day
shouldn’t feel hard or out of your control. If it does, there is help.
​One free, anonymous, quick, and easy way to determine whether you are experiencing
symptoms of a mental health
condition is to take a mental health test at mhascreening.org.
Take a Mental Health Test – Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
After you take a mental health screen, you will be given resources and tips to try on your
own, ways you can connect with others or find a provider and learn about treatments.
Your screening results can be used to start a conversation
with your primary care provider or a trusted friend or family member. A mental health test
is a great way to begin planning a course of action for addressing your mental health.
Seeking professional help for your mental health
when self-help efforts aren’t working is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don’t
have to go through these struggles alone.
It’s important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change won’t
happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors
of modern life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself — and others — on an ongoing basis.

​​CASA JEFFERSON's Mission is to break the cycle of child
abuse and neglect through volunteers advocating for
safe, nurturing, and permanent homes
for foster children in our community.

CASA JEFFERSON's Vision is to have volunteers
recruited, trained and assigned to every child in the
foster care system in Jefferson Parish.  

      As of May 1, 2024, we have 52 children waiting for a
volunteer to advocate for them.

If you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a volunteer,
have them call our office (504 533-8757) or visit our website www.casajefferson.org.

    What is abuse/neglect?                                                                                              
    The Louisiana Children’s Code provides the following definitions of abuse
​    and neglect by a parent or caretaker:                                                                                                              
   "Caretaker" means any person legally obligated to provide or secure adequate care for a child,             including a parent, tutor, guardian, legal custodian, foster home parent, an employee of a public or private day care center, an operator or employee of a registered family child day care home, or          other person providing a residence for the child.   

    “Abuse” means any one of the following acts which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or           emotional health and safety of the child:
•   The infliction, attempted infliction, or, as a result of inadequate supervision, the allowance of the       infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any             other person.

•   The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person, including but not limited to  commercial sexual exploitation of the child.
•   The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or       toleration by the parent, caretaker, or any other person of the child's involvement in any of the           following:
    • Any sexual act with any other person.
    • Pornographic displays.
    • Any sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of this state.
    • A coerced abortion conducted upon a child.
    • Female genital mutilation as defined by R.S. 14:43.4.       

    “Neglect” means the refusal or unreasonable failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child          with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care, treatment, or counseling for any injury, illness, or            condition of the child, as a result of which the child's physical, mental, or emotional health and          safety is substantially threatened or impaired. Neglect includes prenatal neglect. Consistent with        Article 606(B), the inability of a parent or caretaker to provide for a child due to inadequate                financial resources shall not, for that reason alone, be considered neglect. 

    "Prenatal neglect" means exposure to chronic or severe use of alcohol or the unlawful use of any        controlled dangerous substance, or in a manner not lawfully prescribed, which results in symptoms of withdrawal in the newborn or the presence of a controlled substance or a metabolic          thereof in his body, blood, urine that is not the result of medical treatment, or observable and            harmful effects in his physical appearance or functioning.  

    What are the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect?
    The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child          abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a              family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.

   Substance Exposed Newborns Reporting and Notifications
   The impact of in-utero exposure to substances on a newborn and their family can be detrimental.       With the increasing opioid epidemic, a new emphasis has been placed on the impact of these               substances on newborns and their families.
   Federal legislation requires that states address the needs of newborns affected by both legal and        illegal substances. Prior to 2017, legislation required states to address only infants affected by          the use of illegal substances and alcohol. The changes in requirements were made specifically            to address the opioid epidemic that the nation is facing.

    Definitions Related to Substance Exposed Newborns
    “Newborn” means a child who is not more than 30 days old, as determined within a reasonable          degree of medical certainty by an examining physician.

    "Prenatal Neglect" means exposure to chronic or severe use of alcohol or the unlawful use of any       controlled dangerous substance, as defined by R.S. 40:961 et seq., or in a manner not lawfully          prescribed, which results in symptoms of withdrawal in the newborn or the presence of a                    controlled substance or a metabolic thereof in his body, blood, urine or meconium that is not              the result of medical treatment, or observable and harmful effects in his physical appearance              or functioning. 
 
A "Mandatory Reporter" is any of the following individuals: a health practitioner; mental                          health/social service practitioner; member of the clergy; teacher or child care provider; police            or law enforcement officer; commercial film or photographic print processor; mediator; parenting      coordinator; court-appointed special advocate volunteer; organizational or youth activity                    provider, school coach and/or a CASA.

   Required Elements of a Prenatal Neglect Report
• Alcohol Affected Newborns
•   • Newborn must be 30 days old or less; and
     • Newborn must have either withdrawal symptoms or positive alcohol screen through blood,                  urine or meconium test or have observable and harmful effects in his physical appearance                  or functioning.

• Drug Affected Newborns
    • Newborn must be 30 days old or less; and
    • Newborn must have either withdrawal symptoms or positive toxicology screen through blood,             urine or meconium test or have observable and harmful effects in his physical appearance                   or functioning; and
    • Mother must have unlawfully used a controlled dangerous substance, or in a manner not                      lawfully prescribed, during pregnancy.   
                                                      
   Tools to Assist in Decision Making
•  If a physician has cause to believe that the newborn was exposed in-utero to an unlawfully                used controlled dangerous substance, then the physician must order a toxicology test on                    the newborn without the parent's consent to determine if prenatal neglect is suspected. If the test results are positive, the physician must make a report of suspected prenatal neglect.

• If the newborn exhibits symptoms of withdrawal or other observable and harmful effects that are due to chronic or severe use of alcohol by the mother, or due to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, the physician must make a report of suspected prenatal neglect.

• If prenatal neglect is suspected, but test results cannot confirm exposure to an unlawfully or lawfully used substance prior to the newborn's discharge from the hospital, the physician must make a report of suspected prenatal neglect.

• If the newborn exhibits withdrawal symptoms that are believed to be due to the mother’s use of a controlled dangerous substance in a lawfully prescribed manner, without suspicion of prenatal               neglect, the physician must submit a Physician Notification Form.

   Reporting/Notification Requirements                                                                                                         Physicians are mandated to make a report of suspected prenatal neglect to the Child Protection         Hotline by calling 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437). Physicians are required to notify the                 Department of a newborn exhibiting withdrawal symptoms or other observable and harmful               effects in his physical appearance of a controlled dangerous substance used in a lawfully                     prescribed manner by the mother during pregnancy.
      

​         Childhood Trauma’s Lasting Effects on Mental and Physical Health

    Traumatic events don’t always leave physical scars, but they often leave emotional and                        psychological ones. Those imprints can affect a child’s mental and physical health for years to            come — and even into adulthood.
  
    Psychologist Kate Eshleman, PsyD, says that often, children can move on from traumatic events          and thrive. But they may need a helping hand. “There are things parents and caregivers can do          to support a child after trauma.”

   Understanding adverse childhood experiences         
    Child health experts often talk about adverse childhood experiences (sometimes called ACEs) —          traumatic events in a child’s life.

    Some ACEs are clearly terrifying — such as abuse, witnessing extreme violence or surviving a              natural disaster.

    But kids see the world differently than adults do and can experience distress from things that            might not seem so scary to grown-ups, says Dr. Eshleman. Events like chronic bullying at school,        the death of a family member or divorce can also traumatize a child.

    “Parents should be mindful that even though an event might not seem traumatic to them, it may have been traumatic for their child,” she says.

   Lingering effects of stress: risk factors
    Many children who experience an adverse event don’t have long-lasting effects. Still, some                  factors increase the chance of later problems, Dr. Eshleman says: Trauma can leave a stamp at          any age. But children who experience an adverse event before the age of 8 may be particularly          vulnerable.

   Level of trauma  
    Not everyone experiences trauma the same way. Some kids can bounce back from major                    stressors while others are more affected by things that, on the surface, seem less severe.                    Overall, the more extreme the trauma, the higher the risk for lasting difficulty.

   Duration of trauma
   Chronic or repeated exposure to adverse events increases the risk of lasting health problems.             Children who witness repeated violence in an unsafe neighborhood, or those who are abused, are       more likely to have long-term problems than a child who experiences a one-time event, such as          a car crash.    

   Effects of childhood trauma     
    Past traumas can stay with a child — and even affect their physical health. Children who                      experience traumatic events have a greater chance of developing health conditions, including:

• Anxiety.
• Cancer.
• Depression.
• Diabetes.
• Heart problems.
• Obesity.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Stroke.
• Substance use disorders.

    There are two main ways that trauma can cause those lingering effects,                                                 Dr. Eshleman explains:

    Physical responses    
    The body responds to emotional stress in much the same way it responds to physical stress,                Dr. Eshleman says.
    Elevated proteins: After physical head injuries such as concussions, levels of a protein called              S100B can spike in the brain. Researchers found similarly high levels of this protein in children          who had experienced emotional trauma. S100B is associated with potentially damaging                      inflammation in the brain.

    High levels of stress hormones: Stress affects the body from head to toe. When something scary        happens, stress hormones set your heart racing and make you break into a cold sweat. But if              those hormones stay elevated for a long time, they can cause inflammation in the body and                lead to lasting health problems. “The stress response can wear on our bodies,” Dr. Eshleman says.

    Emotional responses
    “Sometimes, significant stress or trauma can lead to mental health disorders, such as anxiety             and depression,” says Dr. Eshleman. And people with untreated mental health problems are:       

• At increased risk for disease.
• Less likely to make healthy choices, like seeing the doctor regularly or eating well.
• More likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drinking and smoking.   
  
•     

    If you’re caring for a child who has survived trauma, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all            the possible outcomes. It’s worth repeating: Those outcomes aren’t inevitable.  As a caregiver,          you can take steps to reduce the risks for your child: Hear what your child is saying.                            "Sometimes, adults minimize the significance of a traumatic event such as bullying,” Dr.                      Eshleman says. You may be trying to help your child by taking the “it’s not so bad” approach.              But trauma might make your child shut down — when you want them to le t you in. Validate                your child’s experience. Let them know that you understand how hard the experience was and            that you’re there to help.

    Watch for clues                                         
I   It’s not always easy for children to explain what they’re thinking. After a distressing event, look         for changes in behavior. These can be clues that your child is having a difficult time.                             Some common changes to watch for include:

•     Eating more or less than usual.
•     Sleep changes, including having trouble sleeping or needing more sleep than usual.   
•     Regression (such as a potty-trained preschooler having accidents again, or a toddler who            slept through the night now waking frequently).
•     Irritability and grumpiness.
•     Clinginess and separation anxiety — especially in younger kids.

     
    Adults: It’s not too late to deal with childhood trauma   
    Does this all sound a little too familiar? Not everyone gets the support they need in childhood.            You may recognize that your own ACEs dealt you a bad hand. And you might still be dealing                with the emotional and physical consequences. Help is available at any age. “There are a variety of therapies that are very effective at treating anxiety, depression and PTSD,” Dr. Eshleman says.              “It’s never too late to work with a mental health professional.”

    Effects of Childhood Trauma on Your Health (clevelandclinic.org)

​CASA JEFFERSON's Mission is to break the cycle of child
abuse and neglect through volunteers advocating for
safe, nurturing, and permanent homes
for foster children in our community.

CASA JEFFERSON's Vision is to have volunteers
recruited, trained and assigned to every child in the
foster care system in Jefferson Parish.  

      As of April 1, 2024, we have 54 children waiting for a
volunteer to advocate for them.

If you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a volunteer,
have them call our office (504 533-8757) or visit our website www.casajefferson.org.

ubstance-Exposed Infants: Fact Sheet Babies exposed to drugs and alcohol during pregnancy
may challenge those caring for them. Nurturing these babies and meeting their needs already
has had a profound impact on their healing. Here are some facts about substance exposed infants
that may help prepare caregivers for challenges they may face as they help these babies to
grow and thrive.

Who are substance-exposed infants? Substance exposed infants are babies
whose biological mother took one or a combination of drugs, (such as heroin, cocaine,
methamphetamine) or certain medicines (anti-anxiety medications/opioid pain medication/
antidepressants) during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can result in babies having
specific birth defects in addition to developmental concerns. Smoking during pregnancy may
also have similar effects.

What happens after they are born? When a baby is born, these substances
may cause short- or long-term effects. Short term problems such as withdrawal symptoms
occur because the supply of the substance is suddenly stopped. Long-term effects may include
problems with development, learning and behavior throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

What are some of the effects of substance exposure on infants and children?
Below are some examples of short and long-term problems substance-expos

SHORT TERM IMPACT 
- Low birth weight 
- Withdrawal symptoms: 
- Can be observed after the baby is born.  
- Can last a few weeks or a few months.  
- Babies may need medication for withdrawal symptoms. 
 
Problems include: 
- Irritability 
-  Trouble sucking, eating, swallowing  
 Unable to take pacifier  
- Trouble Sleeping 
-  Excessive yawning 
-  High pitched cry 
-  Difficult to soothe 
-  Excessive spitting-up, diarrhea 
-  Stuffy nose, sneezing 
-  Stiff arms and legs, jerky movements 
-  Trouble gaining weight 
 
LONG TERM IMPACT 
Many babies who were exposed to substances before they were born may look 
healthy but they may have considerable behavioral and developmental difficulties.  
These problems may affect their daily routines later in life. These issues may include: 
 
-  Delays reaching developmental milestones (walking, talking, playing) 
- Hyperactive/trouble focusing 
-  Over-reactive to the sensation of movement 
-  Inability to settle down 
-  Rapid shifts in mood (calm one minute, screaming the next) 
-  Difficulty adapting to change 
-  Sleeping and eating disturbances 
-  Aggression 
-  Impulsivity 
-  Learning difficulties 
- ​ Poor weight gain 

    Resources:
Zero to Three https://www.zerotothree.org
CDC Developmental Milestones https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nas.html
Healthy Children.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/nas.html 
Early Childhood Intervention Services(ECI) https://hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention services

CASA Jefferson Court-Appointed Special Advocates
are appointed by judges to serve as the voice for children in
foster care. By getting to know their assigned child and the people
involved in the child’s life, Advocates can fight for the best interest of
the child and serve as a consistent, responsible adult presence
in their life. Through recommendations made in court, Advocates
ensure that their CASA child’s needs are being met and that
they’re not lost in our overburdened child welfare system. 

Register For An Information Session or call CASA Jeferson at
504 533-8757 for more information.

https://www.casajefferson.org/register-for-an-info-session.html

CASA JEFFERSON
​MARCH ADVOCATES

Gina DeJojas
 Megan O'Cain 
     Stephen Roques  ​

​February 2024 CASA Jefferson Newsletter
    Message from      
Executive Director Wendy Magee
 
Dear CASA Jefferson Advocates. 

MLK once said, “The most persistent and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?”
As Advocates, you can say “I am making a difference in the life of a child!” –
and not just any child, a child in need of a voice!  
 
With ever-growing lists of demands and pressures of day-to-day life,
it becomes easy to overlook the importance of serving those in our communities.
Despite the hustle and bustle of daily life, I sincerely want to THANK YOU
for all that you do to advocate for our CASA Jefferson foster children.
 
That is what service is about, that is what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would
have wanted to see in this world – positive change. And although there are lots to be
concerned about in today’s climate, we know that our focus should be on children.
​ Because children are our future - as cliché as it may sound – but that is the truth. 
A simple act of service possesses the power to transform lives. 
 
In closing, I would like to wish all advocates a Happy Valentine’s Day 
~♥ Wendy
​

As per National CASA, Advocates ARE responsible for completing
12 hours of Continuing Education per year. Advocates are responsible for entering
all trainings hours in Optima to receive approval from their supervisor.
(i.e. webinars, movies, books, tv shows, other trainings.
 
Also, if you haven’t accessed the on-line Louisiana Child Welfare Training Academy
(LCWTA) training website go to https://moodle.lcwta.org/login/index.php and
log in from your computer, laptop or cell phone.
 
There are over 22 online courses and you can earn up to 22.5 hours of in-service
training. Advocate Log on Instructions for on-line training portal

To access the LCWTA on-line training site go to: https://moodle.lcwta.org/login/index.php
To log in: Username is Your Email Address
Temporary Password: CasaJeff123*

If you have any questions, please call Wanda Smith 504 620-5887 or
email [email protected].
​

    Citation: Children's Code Art. 603(17)   
    Mandatory reporters include any of the following individuals:

• Health practitioners, including physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, dentists, residents, interns, hospital staff, podiatrists, chiropractors, nurses, nursing aides, dental hygienists, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, optometrists, medical examiners, or coroners
• Mental health/social service practitioners, including psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage or family counselors, social workers, members of the clergy, or aides
• Members of the clergy, including priests, rabbis, duly ordained clerical deacons or ministers, Christian Science practitioners, or other similarly situated functionaries of a religious organization
• Teaching or child care providers, including public or private teachers, teacher's aides, instructional aides, school principals, school staff members, bus drivers, coaches, professors, technical or vocational instructors, technical or vocational school staff members, college or university administrators, college or university staff members, social workers, probation officers, foster home parents, group home or other child care institutional staff members, personnel of residential home facilities, daycare providers, or any individual who provides such services to a child in a voluntary or professional capacity
• Police officers or law enforcement officials
• Commercial film and photographic print processors
• Mediators
• Parenting coordinators
• Court-appointed special advocates (CASA)
• Organizational or youth activity providers, including administrators, employees, or volunteers of any day camp, summer camp, youth center, or youth recreation programs or any other organization that provides organized activities for children
• School coaches, including, but not limited to, public technical or vocational school, community college, college, or university coaches and coaches of intramural or interscholastic athletics

     Standards for Making a Report - A report is required when:

• A reporter has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect.
• A commercial film or photographic print processor has knowledge of or observes any film, photograph, videotape, negative, or slide depicting a child, whom he or she knows or should know is under age 17, that constitutes child pornography.
• A physician has cause to believe that a newborn was exposed in utero to an unlawfully used controlled dangerous substance, as determined by a toxicology test upon the newborn, without the consent of the newborn's parents or guardian. Positive test results shall not be admissible in a criminal prosecution.
• A physician observes symptoms of withdrawal in a newborn or other observable and harmful effects in his or her physical appearance or functioning that the physician has cause to believe are due to the chronic or severe use of alcohol by the mother during pregnancy.

     To access Mandated Reporting training go to the Louisiana Child Welfare Training Academy                 training website https://moodle.lcwta.org/login/index.php  

     Safety Tips - Mardi Gras
    

•  Teach your children their name and phone number.
•  Mark your children's clothes on the inside with your name, address, and phone number.
•  Go to the same area to view parades if possible and teach your child a landmark to meet if separated.
•  Teach your children to stay calm if lost and go to a uniformed police officer.
•  Teach your child not to be afraid of police officers and if possible take them up to 1 prior to the parade.
•  If no police officer is in your area teach your child to go to another parent with children for help.
•  Make sure your child knows if a stranger tries to talk to them, to say "You're not my parent," and get away.
•  Never allow children in the street, try to find an area with barricades and stand behind them.
•  Never follow behind floats, bands, etc.
•  Never throw anything at the riders.
•  Put small children in a ladder off the street as far back as the ladder is tall, and have an adult stay         with the ladder at all times.​                                                                                                   

​

Our Mission is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect through volunteers advocating
for safe, nurturing, and permanent homes for foster children in our community.
 
Our Vision is to have volunteers recruited, trained, and assigned to every child in
the foster care system in Jefferson Parish.

As of 2/1/24, we have 54 children waiting for a volunteer advocate.

​If you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a
volunteer contact Ms. Margaret 504-533-8757 [email protected].

​
Recognizing Sign and Symptoms of Abuse & Neglect

Signs and Symptoms- Maltreatment
• Shows sudden changes in behavior/school performance • Has learning problems /difficulty concentrating
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen • Lacks adult supervision
• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
• Comes to school/other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
• Is reluctant to be around a particular person • Discloses maltreatment
Signs and Symptoms – Physical Abuse
• Has unexplained injuries, such as burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
• Has fading bruises/other noticeable marks after an absence from school
• Seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive
• Seems frightened of his or her parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
• Shrinks at the approach of adults • Shows changes in eating/sleeping habits
• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver • Abuses animals/pets
Signs and Symptoms – Neglect
• Is frequently absent from school • Begs or steals food or money
• Lacks needed medical care, dental care, or glasses
• Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather • Abuses alcohol or other drugs
• States that there is no one at home to provide care
Signs and Symptoms – Sexual Abuse
 • Has difficulty walking/sitting
• Experiences bleeding, bruising, or swelling in their private parts
• Suddenly refuses to go to school • Reports nightmares/bedwetting
• Experiences a sudden change in appetite
• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
• Becomes pregnant or contracts a sexually transmitted disease, particularly if under age 14
• Runs away • Attaches very quickly to strangers or new adults in their environment
Sudden Changes are Key Help/Support Is Needed ASAP
• Self-injury (cutting, burning) • Inadequate personal hygiene
• Drug and alcohol use • Sexual promiscuity • Running away from home
• Depression, anxiety, suicide attempts • Fear of intimacy or closeness
Prevention - Get Involved
• Know people in child’s daily life • Choose caregivers wisely • Talk about social media
• Know the warnings • Be available Encourage • Healthy boundaries
• Talk about bodies • Discuss secrets do’s and don’ts • Ask “Is there anything else you want to talk about?” 

Our Mission is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect through volunteers
advocating for safe, nurturing, and permanent homes for foster children in our community.
 
Our Vision is to have volunteers recruited, trained, and assigned to every child
in the foster care system in Jefferson Parish.
 
New Advocate Pre-Service Training classes are Self-Guided and completed on-line.
 
As of January 1, 2024, we have 61 children waiting for a volunteer to
advocate for them.​ Please have family/friends/coworkers
​call 504 533-8757 and speak to ​Margaret Ether to learn more about
​becoming a CASA Jefferson volunteer advocate. 

​November is National Adoption Month. It is the month when the broader community
acknowledges the efforts of those whose lives have been impacted by adoption and who facilitate
the process. This month helps spread awareness and encourages all of us to learn about adoption.
National Adoption Month celebrates the families who have grown through adoption. It also
recognizes the journey of the many children who are still waiting for their destined families. It
further highlights the thousands of children worldwide in need of adoption, and how easy
it is to make a difference even if you cannot adopt.
 
   HISTORY OF NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH           
Every year, there are more and more children in need of finding secure and safe families.
National Adoption Month sheds light on the process and the positive impacts of adoption.
The state of Massachusetts was the first to promote adoption-related efforts in 1976. Governor
Mike Dukakis announced the first week of November as “Adoption Week” to promote awareness
of the need for adoptive families for children in the foster care system. The idea slowly grew in
popularity and spread throughout the nation. Following this, in 1984, President Gerald R. Ford
made adoption week a national event. As the popularity of this week grew, more states
started participating, and it became difficult to fit all the events into a period of seven days.
This was when President Bill Clinton extended the week-long event into a whole month, which
came to be known as National Adoption Month, which is celebrated globally.
 
National Adoption Month is a chance for all — individuals, families, businesses, organizations,
communities, states, and the government — to celebrate adoption. Adoption is encouraged as a
positive way to grow families and take children out of foster care. Many fundraising drives,
recognition dinners, community activities, and awareness campaigns are held all across
the nation to observe this month.
 
National Adoption Month also includes National Adoption Day, November 18th.
This day is observed in courthouses all across the country, where thousands of adoptions are
finalized simultaneously on the Saturday directly after it. Courts are encouraged to deal with
the backlog of adoptions on this day. 

Grinchmas Winter Fest Celebration Party

When: December 15, 202
Time: 5:30pm – 8pm
     Where: Marrero’s Lyons Club
           ​2334 Barataria Blvd
          Marrero La. 70072 
 
Invitations will be mailed to all CASA Jefferson children’s caregivers address on file.
​Christmas gifts will be given to our CASA Jefferson foster children at the party.
 Advocates, please encourage caregivers to rsvp asap.
 
Also, any advocate interested in helping with the Grinchmas Winter Fest Celebration Party,
please talk to your Advocate Coordinator.

Adopting a child from foster care is a great way to help a child while growing your family. Today
there are more than 117,000 children and teens in foster care who are waiting for the love and
security that a permanent home provides. Children enter foster care through no fault of their own,
because they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. These children are in the temporary
custody of the state while their birth parents are given the opportunity to complete services that
will allow the children to be returned to them if it is in the children’s best interest.
Just more than half of children who go into foster care return to their birth families. For children
who become available for adoption, many are adopted by a relative or their foster parents.
Adopting from foster care is similar to other types of adoption in that after
all of the decision making, paperwork, and preparation are completed, a dream of family is fulfilled.
But foster care adoptions are different in a few important ways:
Though it is possible to adopt a baby from foster care, the children who are available for
adoption generally range from toddler to 21. The median age is eight years old.
Because all children in foster care have experienced some form of trauma, parents who
adopt from foster care undergo specific training to understand the effects of
trauma and help children heal.

(For more details, go to: https://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/overview/adoption-from-foster-care)

​Tuesday, November 28, 2023 is Giving Tuesday,
a movement born in 2012 as a local experiment. It has grown into a worldwide
independent nonprofit that encourages people to do good in their communities.

At CASA Jefferson, we continuously make it our business to end the suffering of those most
vulnerable among us: foster children. Our volunteers advocate for the safety and wellbeing of
children in the foster care system because we believe that every child deserves to grow in a
safe and loving home.

Make an Impact by Donating with CASA Jefferson

Become a part of our impact, on this Giving Tuesday and give a child the chance
to change their story. Consider donating what you can this Giving Tuesday with Casa Jefferson.
 
To donate, access CASA Jefferson’s Face book page
https://www.casajefferson.org/giving-tuesday.html    
and help us reach our fundraising goal of $10,000 this
Giving Tuesday November 28th, 2023!