 2023 CASA Newsletter  Join us in welcoming our newest advocate, Melissa Dronet. She was sworn in on February 7, 2023. Thank you, Melissa, for stepping up to advocate for a child in Jefferson Parish. We are excited to have you join our CASA Jefferson family! Wendy Magee, Executive Director  Pictured from left to right: Judge Burmaster and Melissa Dronet   March is Social Worker Month, and the 2023 theme is Social Work Breaks Barriers. The theme “Social Work Breaks Barriers” resonates because social workers are on the frontlines helping our nation overcome myriad challenges, including economic inequality, reproductive rights, racism, and natural disasters worsened by global warming. More than 700,000 social workers nationwide entered the profession because they have a strong desire to assist those in need and make our communities, our nation, and our world a better place for all. For generations, social workers have broken barriers to help people live better lives and assist families who are in crisis. As a CASA always remember: Developing a positive relationship with the caseworker on your child’s foster care case is extremely important. Case Workers and CASA ’s both work for the best interest of the child(ren) in foster care.   CASA Jefferson is participating in the Run for it Crescent City Classic Charity Event held on April 8th (Easter Weekend) at City Park. Registration Link: www.runsignup.com/Race/65952/Charity/6882   Every generation has its own drug slang, and the terms and shorthand change with every passing decade. For Gen Z, it’s a little different. Kids today talk about drugs in away that adds a new twist, using a language they’re fluent in — emojis. These emojis can look like ordinary, harmless symbols, which means parents may easily overlook them. But perhaps the most frightening thing is how easily kids can purchase drugs thanks to technology. They can be ordered in a matter of seconds on social media and then delivered as easily as a pizza. Drug dealers are also fluent in how kids talk about drugs and use this to their advantage. It also can result in tragedy. Drug Slang Emoji Glossary 🌿, 🍁, 🎄, 🍃, 🥦, 🍀, 🌴,💨, 🔥— Marijuana 💉,🐉,🐎 ,🎯,🤎— Heroin ❄️, 🥥,🤧, 🔑,⛄,🎱, 🐡 — Cocaine 🍼,🍇 ,💜,🔮 — Cough syrup 🍬, ❤⚡,🤯, ❌, 🍬, ❤️ — MDMA 🍄 — Psilocybin or “magic” mushrooms 💎, 🏔, 💙, 🧪 — Crystal meth 🚌,🍫, 💊 — Xanax 💊 , 🅿️, 🔵 , 🍌— Can be used to mean prescription pills, drugs in general, or oxycodone 🔌 — A plug, i.e., a drug dealer or someone who can “hook you up” with contraband 🤑, 💰, 💵, 👑 — drug deal advertising 💨, 🚬 — Smoking a joint ⚗️ — Used to indicate a bong 🚀 — Can mean high-quality or being very intoxicated ⛽ — Gassed, i.e., intoxicated. Can also refer to high-quality marijuana 🔥 — To “blaze” a joint or to be “lit,” meaning intoxicated 🥧 , 🍪 — A large amount of drugs Common Drug Slang Terms Cart — Cartridge for a vaporizer Dabbing — A way to inhale concentrated cannabis oil by dropping some on a hot surface and letting it vaporize Gas — Marijuana Hulk — A 2-mg generic benzodiazepine bar Pen — Vape for weed or tobacco; uses cartridges Plug — Dealer School bus — A 2-mg Xanax bar Special K — Ketamine Snow — Cocaine Zaza — Marijuana   Leslie Smith - 4yrs Ann Palmisano – 3yrs Gina DeRojas – 3yrs Julie Kuchta – 2yrs Michelle Cullison – 2yrs Paula Jascot – 2yrs Cameron Ponder – 1yr Jon Mitchell – 1yr Margarita McBride – 1yr  Clarissa Preston Dawn Miller Gina DeRojas Loreny Quintin Mary O’Cain Stephen Roques   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 March 1, 2023, we have 33 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 email Ms. Margaret at mether@casajefferson.org     Message from Executive Director Wendy Magee Martin Luther King 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! Living up to your desire to make a change in society is admirable, you not only make a difference in your homes, but you have volunteered to make a difference in others. 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 there is much more to be celebrating and coming together for – Children! In our state, children and their biological families continue to be a priority in our community. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed a new law (Act 350) on June 17, 2021 amending and enacting Children’s Code Articles 672 and 702. This new law Act 350 created requirements for the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to complete diligent searches for adult relatives and significant individuals of children who enter foster care and a new Permanency Hearing finding for children under the age of 6 in certain circumstances. Additionally, the Act allows the court, current caregiver, or child, within 15 days of a placement change, to motion for a contradictory hearing to determine whether removal from the current caregiver was in the child’s best interest. CASA Jefferson Staff wishes all of our volunteer advocates a Happy Valentine’s Day and we encourage everyone to celebrate Black History Month by stepping outside of your daily lives and learn more about the contributions of African Americans. ~♥ Wendy   Astrid Figuero Johanna Roccaforte Kim Tuleu Lenore Clemons Lydia Galligan Mulero Nina Soonthornthiti Sarah K Letourneau Stacey Glago Valerie Duplessis  Valerie Duplessis – 13yrs Chris Cazenave – 6yrs Ben Haney – 6yrs Monica Fernandez - 4yrs Kathleen Murphy – 4yrs Vanessa Stemley – 4yrs Allison Ulrich - 4yrs Aneesah King- 2yrs Loreny Quintin – 2yrs  Citation: Children's Code Art. 603(17) Mandatory reporters include any of the following individuals:
Standards for Making a Report - A report is required when:
 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. New Volunteer Advocate Pre-Service Training classes are Self-Guided and completed On-Line. As of February 1, 2023, we have 28 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 email Ms. Margaret at mether@casajefferson.org.
   Safety Tips - Mardi Gras
P PLEASE SHARE THESE TIPS WITH YOUR CASA CHID AND THEIR FOSTER FAMILIES  Message from CASA Jefferson Executive Director Wendy Magee Dear CASA Jefferson Advocates, As we start 2023, I want to thank all of you for the volunteer service you give to our CASA Jefferson children in foster care. Every time I read a court report, court minute entry, or a note in Optima, I see the hard work and dedication you have for every child we serve. The children you serve know that you are there to ensure that their best interest is met. Also, they know that you are their constant/familiar person and that you will always do what is right for them. Keep being the positive catalyst for change in their lives. CASA Jefferson appreciates all that you do! --- Wendy   This year CASA Jefferson is participating in the Run for It Charity Event held on April 8, 2023 (Easter Weekend) at City Park. Help us continue our work to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect and reach our goal of raising 10k. You can either run/walk/jog in person or virtually. Cost: $45.00 registration fee and committing to raising $200.00 or more that goes to CASA Jefferson. Registration Link: www.runsignup.com/Race/65952/Charity/6882   CASA JEFFERSON ADVOCATES Andres Gomez Bruce Blenkarn Kieta Mutepfa Stacey Carrell Stacey Thompson Tamara Moffett  CASA JEFFERSON ADVOCATES Ellen Wynne - 9yrs Julie Roccaforte - 9yrs Johanna Roccaforte - 9yrs  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 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 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 • 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 • Healthy boundaries • Talk about bodies • Discuss secrets do’s and don’ts • Ask “Is there anything else you want to talk about?”   Court Report Writing and Court Testimony Tips     . CASA JEFFERSON 2022 NEWSLETTER Dear CASA Jefferson Volunteer Advocates, On behalf of all our team, we want to say Thank you for your commitment to our CASA Jefferson children. As we enter into the last month of the year, we want to make sure that you have all the support you need to fulfill your role as an advocate. Please reach out to your AC if you are in need of assistance with visitations. We are highly encouraging you to conduct visitations with your CASA child(ren) prior to the holidays. Don’t forget to enter your notes early in December, so that you can enjoy much needed time with your family. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season! ♥ Wendy Magee CASA Jefferson Executive Director   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. New Volunteer Advocate Pre-Service Training classes are Self-Guided and completed On-Line. As of December 1, 2022, we have 26 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 email Ms. Margaret at mether@casajefferson.org.
 Overuse of Psychiatric Medication in Foster Children Multiple studies have concluded that children in foster care, many of whom are victims of abuse and trauma, are prescribed psychiatric medication at a rate significantly higher than other populations of children. Much of the time, the medications are used to control behavior and medication prescription treatment may be problematic. Advocates should possibly consider recommending that their doctor re-evaluates the meds that they are taking. Clinical Red Flags - a child is prescribed medication without first having been treated with and not responded to psychotherapy - a child 13-17 is prescribed a 4th psychiatric medication - a child 9-12 is prescribed a 3rd medication - a child 6-8 or under is prescribed a 2nd medication - a child 5 or under is prescribed any medication - a child is prescribed 2 or more medications at the same time - a child is prescribed a medication to treat side effects - a child of any age is prescribed a second medication in the same class as the child is currently taking (for example, a second anti-psychotic) - a child is diagnoses with bipolar disorder or adjustment disorder or targeted symptoms are primarily behavioral and anger *REMEMBER TO ASK HARD QUESTIONS*  Drug Use Among Youth: 2022 Facts & Statistics Report Highlights: Early drug abuse corelates with substance abuse problems later in life, the most significant increases in destructive behavior appear to take place p among older teens and young adults.
Youth Alcohol Abuse is the most commonly abused substance among teens and young adults.
Marijuana Abuse: is one of the most commonly used illicit substances among youth.
Opioid Abuse: is considered a national public health emergency.
Stimulant Abuse: Youth are more likely to abuse prescription stimulants than they are to abuse cocaine or amphetamines.
Indicators of Drug or Alcohol Abuse
OBSERVE - ASK QUESTIONS - HOW CAN I HELP YOU?  December BIRTHDAYs CASA VOLUNTEERS Anne Caperino Ben Haney Catherine Cummins Dona Patterson Julie Kutcha Lenny Burgos Lourdes Martinez Michelle Cullison Taffie Autry  December ANNIVERSARYs CASA VOLUNTEERS Catherine Cummins – 1yr Gertrude Taylor – 1yr Vincent Ferrand – 7yrs   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 November 1, 2022, we have 20 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) and speak to Ms. Margaret.    CASA NEWSLETTER 2022 PLEASE SUPPORT CASA JEFFERSON WHEN YOU ARE HOLDAY SHOPPING! AMAZONSmile is a simple and automatic way for favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. How do I shop with AmazonSmile? To use AmazonSmile, simply go to smile.amazon.com How do I select a charitable organization to support with AmazonSmile? On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you will be prompted to select a charitable organization to receive donations from your future eligible AmazonSmile purchases. (Search for CASA Jefferson) AmazonSmile will remember your selected charity whenever you shop at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile activated in the Amazon Shopping app, and then every eligible purchase you make through AmazonSmile will result in a donation for your selected charity. How much of my purchase does Amazon donate? The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays! Wendy Magee CASA Jefferson, Executive Director  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.  Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Accomplishments  November is National Adoption Month 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 20. 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.   YOUR CASA SUPERVISOR will be your point of contact for CASA Jefferson’s children Christmas gift distribution. You will be notified when your CASA child's gifts are ready for pick-up and delivery.   November BIRTHDAYs CASA VOLUNTEERS Allison Ulrich Christopher Cazenave Daimon Ponthieux La’Ketha Facey Lisa Stigler Jacquie Bonano Jon Mitchell  November ANNIVERSARYs CASA VOLUNTEERS Alice Reese - 10yrs Bruce Blenkam - 6yrs Cynthia Zandi - 4yrs Kay Hjartberg - 13yrs Lenora Clemons - 14yrs Lorenza Lawless – 6yrs Mary Vastola – 15yrs Richard Saxer - 10yrs Shane Wilson - 4yrs Shanna Johnson - 4yrs Tuesday, November 29, 2022 Tuesday, November 29, 2022 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 Go to 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 29th, 2022!    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. If you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a volunteer have them call our office (504 533-8757) or email Ms. Margaret. As of October 1, 2022, we have 25 children waiting for a volunteer to advocate for them.  OCTOBER 2022CASA Jefferson hosted our 1st Advocate Appreciation Celebration since COVID on August 17, 2022! Without our amazing CASA Jefferson Advocate volunteers, we wouldn't be able to accomplish our mission of advocating for the best interest of Jefferson Parish abused and neglected children in foster care. We appreciate everyone!  CASA JEFFFERSON ADVOCATE APPRECIATION EVENT AUGUST 17, 2022  Domestic Violence Awareness Month is designed to unify women and men all across the world who have been victims of domestic violence. It is important to recognize that domestic violence impacts millions of people, and it’s not only women who are victims; many men suffer domestic violence as well. It is a problem across every status, culture, religion, and race. There are many different forms of domestic violence as well, which is why raising awareness is so critical. Signs You Are In An Abusive Relationship A lot of people do not realize that they are in an abusive relationship. Here are some of the signs that you could be in an abusive relationship that you need to get out of…
Emotional Abuse A lot of women and men suffer from emotional abuse, and it is no less destructive. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is often overlooked or minimized, even by those experiencing this. Emotional abusers look to chip away at your feelings of independence and self-worth. You can end up feeling like you do not have anything without your abusive partner or that there is no way out of your relationship. Emotional abuse includes verbal abuse. This includes controlling behavior, intimidation, isolation, shaming, blaming, name-calling, and yelling. Abusers who use psychological or emotional abuse will often throw about threats of physical violence, as well as other repercussions if you do not do what they demand. The scars of emotional abuse run deep, and they are very real! You may assume that physical abuse is a lot worse, as people can end up with physical wounds and send you to the hospital. However, emotional abuse can be just as damaging. Sometimes, it can even be worse  Financial abuse is one of the subtler forms of emotional abuse. Some examples of this include:
 What are the short-term effects of Domestic Violence on children? Children in homes where one parent is abused may feel fearful and anxious. They may always be on guard, wondering when the next violent event will happen.3 This can cause them to react in different ways, depending on their age:
What are the long-term effects of Domestic Violence on children? More than 15 million children in the United States live in homes in which domestic violence has happened at least once.5 These children are at greater risk for repeating the cycle as adults by entering into abusive relationships or becoming abusers themselves.  You can help your children by:
   ***FRIENDLY REMINDER*** CAN YOU BELIEVE IT’S ALMOST THE HOLIDAY SEASON? IT’S TIME FOR OUR CASA JEFFERSON KIDS TO FILL OUT THEIR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST! Your supervisor will be providing you with a wish list for your CASA Jefferson child to fill out. There are 2 different wish lists - one is for children 12 and under and the other is for children 13 and over. Please have your CASA child, foster parent and/or parent complete the correct wish list and return to you ASAP. Other children in the home who are not CASA children should NOT fill out a wish list. Also, don’t forget to set the expectation that every item wished for - may not be received. ALL COMPLETED WISH LISTS ARE DUE BACK TO YOUR SUPERVISOR BY MONDAY, OCTOBER 3rd All gifts will be held at our office until foster parents and/or parents are notified to pick them up. As soon as pick up dates and times are finalized, all advocates will be notified. Our hope is that since we are getting an early start, most of the gifts will come in earlier than in years past, so that our kids can hopefully receive their gifts by early December. Lastly, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your supervisor.  October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness MonthBullying is when a person is picked on over and over again by an individual or group with more power, either in terms of physical strength or social standing. Kids who are bullied can experience negative physical, school, and mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, decreased academic achievement and they are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school. Here are some things you can do to combat psychological and verbal bullying. Ignore the bully and walk away. Bullies thrive on the reaction they get, and if you walk away or ignore hurtful emails or instant messages, you’re telling the bully that you just don’t care. Hold the anger. That’s exactly the response he or she is trying to get, and want to know they have control over your emotions. Don’t get physical. Not only are you showing your anger, but you also can never be sure what the bully will do in response. You are more likely to be hurt and get into trouble if you use violence against a bully. Practice confidence. Practice ways to respond to the bully verbally or through your behavior. Practice feeling good about yourself. Talk about it. It may help to talk to a guidance counselor, teacher, or friend — anyone who can give you the support you need. Talking can be a good outlet for the fears and frustrations that can build when you’re being bullied. Parents, school staff, and other adults in the community can help kids prevent bullying by talking about it, building a safe school environment, and creating a community-wide bullying prevention strategy. They can:
  OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS CASA VOLUNTEERSEllen Wynne Kathy Murphy Shane Wilson Ronald White  OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES CASA VOLUNTEERSAndres Gomez-3yrs Jacquie Bonano-2yrS Karen Gomez-3yrs Kieta Mutepfa-3yrs Kim Tuleu-3yrs Lenny Burgos-2yrs Nina Soonthornthiti-3yrs Zoe Vallotton-2yrs   You can raise money for (CASA Jefferson) non-profit organizations you care about on Facebook for your Birthday?? Listed below is a sample message your Facebook Friends will see when you set up a fundraiser: “For my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to CASA Jefferson. I've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal. I've included information about CASA Jefferson below.” How do I create a fundraiser on Facebook?
You’ll see a screen pop up where you can invite your friends to donate to your fundraiser, share your fundraiser in your feed, or donate to the fundraiser yourself. |
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