 . 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 [email protected].
 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  Comments are closed.
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