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watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen • Lacks adult supervision • Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn • Comes to school/other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home • Is reluctant to be around a particular person • Discloses maltreatment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black eyes • Has fading bruises/other noticeable marks after an absence from school • Seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive • Seems frightened of his or her parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home • Shrinks at the approach of adults • Shows changes in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. |