Registration Link: www.runsignup.com/Race/65952/Charity/6882 As a CASA, always remember: Developing a positive relationship with the caseworker on your child’s case is extremely important. Social Workers and CASA’s both work for the best interest of the child(ren) in foster care. Our nation needs social workers more than ever. Homelessness is on the rise. The opioid addiction crisis has hit the United States hard, impacting all races, regions, and economic levels. Suicide, too has risen, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Social workers are uniquely qualified to handle these societal troubles. Social workers enter the profession because they truly want to help others. They go through years of education, training, and supervision so they can do the delicate but important work of meeting people where they are and helping them achieve their goals. Social workers are also trained to help individuals, families, communities, and even the larger society if regulations and laws must be changed in order to help people who need it. You will find social workers everywhere—in schools, hospitals, and at the federal, state, and local levels in government, corporations, social service agencies, veterans centers as well. However, social workers need support to meet the high demand for their vital work. That is why the Social Work Month theme for 2024 is Empowering Social Workers! Theme and Rationale 2024 (socialworkers.org) Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellenceubstance-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 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 3/1/24, we have 50 children waiting for a volunteer advocate. If you know anyone who would be interested in becoming a volunteer contact CASA Jefferson 504-533-8757 www.casajefferson.org. 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 Ann Palmisano - 4 years Cameron Ponder - 2 years Gina DeRojas - 4 years Julie Kuchta - 3 years Leslie Smith - 5 years Paula Jascot - 3 years 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 wsmith@casajefferson.org. Citation: Children's Code Art. 603(17) Mandatory reporters include any of the following individuals:
CASA Jefferson is participating in the 2024 CCC Run for It Charity Event that will be held on March 30, 2024. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 so that we can continue our work to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. 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. Charity Runner Perks & Incentives: Participants who agree to raise $200 and will receive: Discounted registration Early Corral Start Charity Runner T-Shirt and BIB CASA Swag CCC10K Charity Runner after party Registration Link: www.runsignup.com/Race/65952/Charity/6882 Safety Tips - Mardi Gras
CASA JEFFERSON FEBRUARY ADVOCATES Astrid Figueroa Johanna Roccaforte Kim Tulieu Lenore Clemons Nina Soonthornthiti Sarah Letourneau Valerie Duplessis CASA JEFFERSON FEBRUARY ADVOCATES Valerie Duplessis – 14yrs Chris Cazenave – 7yrs Ben Haney – 7yrs Kathleen Murphy – 5yrs Vanessa Stemley – 35yrs Allison Ulrich - 5yrs Aneesah King- 3yrs Melissa Dronet - 1yr 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 mether@casajefferson.org. January 2024 CASA Jefferson Newsletter Message from CASA Jefferson Executive Director Wendy Magee Dear CASA Jefferson Advocates, As we start the New Year, 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. We absolutely could not do this work without you. The children you serve know that you are there to ensure that their best interest is met, they know that you are their constant/familiar person throughout these difficult times and know that you will do what is right for them always. Keep being the catalyst for change for the Jefferson Parish foster children's lives! Wendy Magee 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?” CASA Jefferson hosted our Grinchmas Fest party for our Jefferson Parish CASA foster kids. Everyone had a great time! Thank you to our gift sponsors, Marrero Lions Club for hosting the venue, Angela Ann for decorating, Judge Jennifer Guillot Womble, Romaguera Photography, DJ Kristie Coleman, our Grinch (Kenny), volunteers and the CASA Jefferson staff. Want to run for kids? Choose CASA Jefferson as your team to walk/run with in 2024. CASA Jefferson is participating in the 2024 CCC Run for It Charity Event that will be held on March 30, 2024. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 so that we can continue our work to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. 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. Charity Runner Perks & Incentives: Participants who agree to raise $200 and will receive: Discounted registration Early Corral Start Charity Runner T-Shirt and BIB CASA Swag CCC10K Charity Runner after party Registration Link: www.runsignup.com/Race/65952/Charity/6882 Annette Shaw Bruce Blenharn Melissa Dronet Stacey Thompson Johanna Roccaforte - 10 years Julie Roccaforte - 10 years Congratulations to our new advocate, Angella Nash and our new hire, Angele Marie on their swearing in with Judge Amanda Calogero. The swearing in ceremony was held on December 7, 2023 at Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court, Section B. 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. 2023 CASA NEWSLETTER Dear CASA Jefferson Advocates, On behalf of all our team, Thank you for your commitment to our CASA Jefferson foster children. We are grateful to you for all that you have done to advocate for the best interest of your assigned Jefferson parish foster child this past year. As we enter into the last month of the year, our staff highly encourages all advocates to conduct visits with their CASA child prior to the holidays. Also, don’t forget to enter your notes in Optima 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 Grinchmas Winter Fest Celebration Party When: December 15, 202 Time: 5:30pm – 8:00pm Where: Marrero’s Lyons Club 2334 Barataria Blvd Marrero La. 70072 Invitations have been mailed to all CASA Jefferson children’s caregivers address on file. Christmas gifts will be given to our CASA Jefferson foster children at the end of the party. Advocates, please encourage caregivers to RSVP asap. Psych News Alert: Youth in Foster Care More Likely Than Peers to Be Prescribed Multiple Psychiatric Medications Youth in the foster care system are more likely to be prescribed two or more psychiatric medications than other youth covered by Medicaid, according to a report published this week in JAMA Pediatrics. “High rates of psychotropic prescription are concerning because of the limited safety and efficacy data for individuals younger than 18 years,” wrote Sarah Lieff, Ph.D., M.P.H., of Mathematica and colleagues at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Mathematica is a research and data analytics consulting firm. The final study sample included 719,908 youth in foster care and 31,473,608 youth covered by Medicaid who were not in foster care. The researchers compared the rates of psychotropic medication and psychotropic polypharmacy (defined as prescription of two or more classes of psychiatric medications) between these two groups of youth, as well as diagnoses of mental health conditions. Among youth in the foster care group, 26.25% had been prescribed a psychotropic medication and 13.27% were prescribed two or more psychotropic medications compared with 9.06% and 3.11%, respectively, among other Medicaid-enrolled youth. The most common class of psychotropic medication prescribed to youth in the foster care group was stimulants (15.95%), followed by antidepressants (9.88%), and antipsychotics (7.87%). The most common medications prescribed to the other Medicaid-enrolled youth were stimulants (4.41%), antidepressants (2.75%), and antipsychotics (1.74%). In the foster care group, 42.85% had a diagnosed mental health condition compared with 13.53% in the other group. Trauma or stressor-related disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and behavior or conduct disorder were the most common mental health diagnoses in the foster care group. For more information access 8/23/23 psych news article below: https://alert.psychnews.org/2023/08/youth-in-foster-care-more-likely-than.html Multiple studies have concluded that children infoster 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 anger. The below “red flags” can help advocates recognize situations where your CASA child’s medication prescription treatment may be problematic and you should possibly consider recommending that their doctor re-evaluate 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) *REMEMBER TO ASK HARD QUESTIONS* 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. Anne Caperino Ben Haney Janet Emig Julie Kutcha Latoya Olivier Michelle Cullison Sheree Schmidt Taffie Autry Vincent Ferrand - 9 years Our Mission is to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect through volunteers
advocatingfor 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 Volunteer Pre-Service Training classes are Self-Guided & completed ON-LINE from the comfort of your home. As of December 1, 2023, we have 58 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. CASA JEFFERSON NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023 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. CASA Jefferson is excited to announce details for our |