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watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen • Lacks adult supervision • Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn • Comes to school/other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home • Is reluctant to be around a particular person Signs and Symptoms –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eyes • Has fading bruises/other noticeable marks after an absence from school • Seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive • Seems frightened of his or her parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home • Shrinks at the approach of adults • Shows changes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