Wings For Life - Protecting Yourself From Infectious Diseases

 Wings for L.I.F.E.

(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)

Protecting Yourself from Infectious Diseases & Long-Term Health Problems

Presented By

Teresa Williams, LMSW/LADAC,

Women’s Life-Skill Instructor CCDC

Andy’s Hall

505 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

SUNDAY, November 8, 2015

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Doors Open at 5:45 PM

Dinner follows program

Free Childcare

For Questions call: Shelly Currier @ 317-2042

Wings for L.I.F.E. is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization

that provides education, life-skill training, and access to community resources

National CASA Association a 2015 Top-Rated Charity

National CASA Association is excited to be acknowledged by GreatNonprofits.org as a Top-Rated 2015 Charity. The awards have been running since 2009. The honor is equivalent to the people's choice award for non-profits, where volunteers, donors and people served by the great work of each and every nonprofit can cast their vote in the form of a review to express their appreciation and potentially win non-profits a spot on the list. Read more

Webinar - Adoption of Older Foster Youth

2:00-3:00 p.m. (EDT)

This year, National Adoption Month focuses on the adoption of older youth in foster care-because "We Never Outgrow the Need for Family."

As part of the 2015 initiative, the Children's Bureau<http://listserve.icfi.com/t/623955/3104598/3763/0/>, in collaboration with Child Welfare Information Gateway and AdoptUSKids <http://listserve.icfi.com/t/623955/3104598/264/0/>, is hosting a free, interactive webinar that will focus on older youth adoption. 

This webinar will highlight the adoption story of Mary Lee Esq.<http://listserve.icfi.com/t/623955/3104598/50219/0/>, who now serves as the National YVLifeSet Coordinator for Youth Villages, and who inspired the creation of the Fostering Adoption to Further Student Achievement Act (nicknamed the Mary Lee Act). We will also showcase resources and tools for recruiting families for older youth, strategies to overcome common barriers to adoption, and examples of how to help older youth be open to the idea of being adopted.

Join us on October 6, 2015, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (EDT) and learn about ways to promote and support permanency for older youth in foster care.[NFCM Button]<http://listserve.icfi.com/t/623955/3104598/50220/0/>

Wings For Life - 7 Challenges For Youth

Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education

7 Challenges Program for Teens

Helping at-risk Youth

Presented By

Balazs Batyka, LISW, Juvenile Justice

Andy’s Hall

505 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

SUNDAY, September 27, 2015

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

For Questions call:

Shelly Currier @ 317-2042

Wings for L.I.F.E. is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization

that provides education, life-skill training, and access to community resources

New Report Shows Continuing Maltreatment in U.S. Juvenile Correctional Facilities

While we have a fantastic crew taking care of kids in our Chaves County Juvenile Detention Facility, it is good to be aware:

In 2011, the Casey Foundation first called attention to the dangers of juvenile incarceration with evidence of widespread abuse in its No Place for Kids report. Four years later, a flood of new maltreatment revelations has emerged. 

Download the new report and find evidence of youth maltreatment in your state

Wings For Life - Overcoming Obstacles

Wings for L.I.F.E.

(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)

Overcome Obstacles to Better Your Life

Presented By

Lisa Reeves

Pregnancy Resource Center

  

Andy’s Hall

505 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

SUNDAY, September 13, 2015

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Program followed a Delicious Meal

For Questions call: 

Shelly Currier @ 317-2042

Wings for L.I.F.E. is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization

that provides education, life-skill training, and

access to community resources 

Wings For Life - Why Try Program

Wings for L.I.F.E.

(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)

WFL - Why Try

An Innovative Program for Teens

Presented By

Cassondra Fox, BSW, LSAA

Andy’s Hall

505 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

SUNDAY, August 23, 2015

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

For Questions call:  Shelly Currier @ 317-2042

Wings for L.I.F.E. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

that provides education, life-skill training, and access to community resources 

NCJFCJ Resolves to Stop Shackling of Children in Juvenile Court

Resolution states shackling is contrary to the goals of juvenile justice
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has released its resolution on shackling of children in juvenile court 

“Resolutions of the NCJFCJ are how approximately 1,600 family court judges unite and speak out on important issues that face our children and families that come before all kinds of family courts across our nation," said NCJFCJ President Judge Darlene Byrne. 

"The presumption should not be only innocent until proven guilty but also a child should be presumed to be able to manage their behaviors in such a way in court as to not indiscriminately require shackling for their court hearings. The decision to shackle or not shackle should be made individually by the judge, and the presumption should be no shackles.” 

Up to 90% of justice-involved youth report exposure to some type of traumatic event. The NCJFCJ defines shackles to include handcuffs, waist chains, ankle restraints, zip ties or other restraints that are designed to impede movement or control behavior.

“Across the country, tens of thousands of young people are needlessly shackled in juvenile and family courts,” said David Shapiro, campaign manager for the Campaign Against Indiscriminate Juvenile Shackling (CAIJS) at the National Juvenile Defender Center.

“The courtroom is the last place this practice should occur. Judges have a unique responsibility to ensure not only fair outcomes, but fair processes. The NCJFCJ has issued a powerful message that the practice of automatically shackling youth in our courtrooms does not comport with what it means to be fair and trauma-informed, and that such a practice will no longer be tolerated," said Shapiro.

The NCJFCJ also recently released a resolution regarding trauma-informed juvenile and family courts , urging juvenile and family courts to be trauma-informed by engaging stakeholders, including children, parents and other court consumers, to jointly develop and implement universal precautions at an environmental, practice and policy level that limit stress often being involved when working within the court system.

To read the NCJFCJ's resolutions and policy statements, click here

The Impact of Child Protective Service History on Reoffending in a New Mexico Juvenile Justice Population

These results indicate that many of the New Mexico youth involved with juvenile justice services also were involved with child protective services.

The link between child maltreatment or abuse and juvenile delinquency is well established. Although this link exists, the majority of children who are abused do not offend. Abused children often suffer from developmental deficits, including disruptive behavior, behavioral and academic issues at school, depressive symptoms, and increased aggression in adolescence (Cicchetti & Rogosch, 1997; Dodge, Bates, & Pettit, 1990; Thornberry, Ireland, & Smith, 2001). Researchers have shown that the timing of child abuse is critical, not just the age of onset of abuse, but the occurrence of abuse at certain developmental time points. Multiple studies have shown that maltreatment during adolescence increases the risk of children being involved with the juvenile justice system (Jonson-Reid & Barth, 2000; Smith, Ireland, & Thornberry, 2005; Thornberry et al., 2001).

Go here for more.

Judge's Page Newsletter

The Judges' Page newsletter is published by the National CASA Association and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. 
 

Summer 2015

Tribal Issues in Dependency Courts

J. Dean Lewis, Judge (retired)
Former Member, National CASA Association Board of Trustees and Past President, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
 

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) and the National CASA Association are partners in publishing The Judges’ Page. Both organizations are deeply committed to effective court advocacy for American Indian and Alaska Native children and families involved in dependency court proceedings. This issue of The Judges’ Page addresses the importance of compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) from the legal as well as the cultural perspective. The issue provides effective educational tools for ICWA implementation and offers examples of collaborations between state and tribal courts.

Readers should be aware that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) issued updated Guidelines for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceeding effective February 25, 2015. The updated Guidelines are intended to promote compliance with ICWA’s stated goals and to provide best practices for ICWA compliance by state courts and child welfare agencies. In addition, on March 20, 2015, the Bureau of Indian Affairs proposed Regulations for State Courts and Agencies in Indian Child Custody Proceedings. Recently, Congress passed two bills to help protect Native American Children: The Native American Children’s Safety Act and the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act. The Executive branch and the Congress are to be commended for their efforts to clarify the original intent of the ICWA, and to promote the health, safety, and well-being of Native Children.

More here.

News Article: Criminal Justice Reform Must Include Youth Behind Bars

Advocate Liz Ryan writes a very good piece in today's Huffington Post reminding the public (and policy makers) of the importance to keep youth in the juvenile justice system in the recent discussions about criminal justice reform. The full article follows:
Last week was unofficially criminal justice reform week. The president made an unprecedented statement on the need for criminal justice reforms at the NAACP's national convening and made a first-ever visit by a president to a federal prison. The U.S. House of Representatives' Oversight Committee led by Chairman Jason Chaffetz and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings held hearings where a bipartisan group of Senators, Representatives and Governors along with other witnesses testified on the need to overhaul the criminal justice system, including federal statutes and the federal Bureau of Prisons.

More of the article here.

Wings For Life - Youth Leadership 101

Wings for L.I.F.E.

(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)

Youth Leadership 101

Presented By

Ted Allen, Youth Worker

505 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Andy’s Hall

SUNDAY, June 14^th, 2015

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Doors open at 5:45 PM

Meeting starts at 6:00

(Child care available)

For Questions call:  Shelly Currier @ 317-2042

Wings for L.I.F.E. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

that provides education, life-skill training, and access to community resources 

Wings For Life - Families in Recovery

Wings for L.I.F.E.

(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)

Families in Recovery:

Understanding the Process of Addiction, Recovery, & Beyond

Presented By

Bobby Heard, LCSW, LADAC

505 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Andy’s Hall

SUNDAY, May 17^th, 2015

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Doors open at 5:45 PM

Meeting starts at 6:00

 Child Care Available

For Questions call:  Shelly Currier @ 317-2042

Wings for L.I.F.E. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

that provides education, life-skill training, and access to community resources 

National Foster Care Month Is an Important Time for All

May is National Foster Care Month. Since 1988, National Foster Care Month is held to give foster parents the recognition they’ve earned for opening their homes to the nearly 400,000 children and youth. Foster parents work along with National CASA, foster to help children find permanent homes. Read More

Understanding and Intervening with Complex Developmental Trauma in Childhood

Understanding and Intervening with Complex Developmental Trauma in Childhood

June 2, 2015, 1-2 pm, UNM HSC Domenici Auditorium

Margaret Blaustein, PhD, Director of Training and Education at The Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute, Brookline, MA        

Don’t miss this opportunity! Admission is free. No registration necessary.

Margaret Blaustein, PhD, is a practicing clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of complex childhood trauma. She is co-developer of the Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC) treatment framework, designated a promising practice for treatment of childhood trauma by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), and co-author of the text, "Treating Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents", published by Guilford Press. She has provided extensive training to clinicians, educators, professionals, and consumers regarding the impact of and intervention for childhood-onset trauma. In addition to clinical practice, Blaustein is involved in research on the impact of trauma on both children and adults, is a member of the Complex Trauma Taskforce of the NCTSN, and is past Chair of the Child Trauma Special Interest Group within the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS).

Wings For Life - Using the Past to Guide Your Future

Wings for L.I.F.E.

(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)

“Using the Past to Guide Your Future”

                                                                             Presented By              

Officer Valerie Palombi, RPD

A Powerful and Inspiring Testimony

505 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Andy’s Hall

SUNDAY, April 26^th, 2015

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00

  (Sitter available—Special Crafts for Mother’s Day)

For Questions call:  Shelly Currier @ 317-2042

Wings for L.I.F.E. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

that provides education, life-skill training, and access to community resources 

Welcome to CASA News!!!

Welcome to the first issue of CASA-GAL News. The National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA) has created CASA-GAL News as a way to help members, volunteers, and donors stay connected to the important work of our mission - to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused and neglected child can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive. If you have questions or comments about this publication, please emailmarketing@casaforchildren.org.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, National CASA encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our country a better place for children and families. Read More.

2015 Member-Elected Trustees Election Open 
Each year, the members of National CASA are invited to participate in the process of electing new members to the Association Board of Trustees. This year, the election of Member-Elected Trustees for National CASA’s Board will be conducted online. Three (3) Member-Elected Trustee positions are open this year. Review this year’s candidates and cast your vote. Read More.

Next Stop, Local CASA in Indiana
While looking through a local newspaper after the adoption of her son, Sharon Aikman read a headline, “Three children abused by mother and boyfriend.” The issue hit home with her immediately, “Had I not adopted my son, this is what would have happened (to him),” she thought. The 49-year-old registered nurse didn’t stop there. In fact, her next step was at her local CASA program to volunteer as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. Read more.

Smiley and Elmore Set to Address National CASA Annual Conference 
We are excited and proud to have Mr. Tavis Smiley, best known as the late-night television talk show host on PBS, and Dr. Tim Elmore, author, international speaker, and non-profit leader, address our 2015 National CASA Annual Conference. Read More.

Flex Learning Use on the Rise 
The Flex Learning Volunteer Training Curriculum was released in 2012 to give CASA programs across the country a way to provide pre-service volunteer training for potential volunteers who find it difficult to attend 30 hours of in-person training. Read More.

Wings For Life - Color me Human

Wings for L.I.F.E.

Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)

“COLOR ME HUMAN”

FIND OUT YOUR COLOR AND WHAT IT MEANS

               Presented By              

Rhonda R. Gutierrez, LPCC

505 N. Pennsylvania Avenue

Andy’s Hall

SUNDAY, April 12^th, 2015

6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00

 (Sitter available)

For Questions call:  Shelly Currier @ 317-2042

Wings for L.I.F.E. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

that provides education, life-skill training, and access to community resources

Sponsored by Taylor Orthodontics, Make Time For Kids

is a silent auction event to benefit the

Chaves County CASA Program.

Artists, craftspeople, and community members are invited

to create and donate unique clocks to be auctioned

at the April 24th event to be held at

The Liberty at 5:00pm         

The public is invited to share in this free gala event.

Clockworks and clock hands are available at Taylor Orthodontics.

Clocks can be dropped off at

Taylor Orthodontics at 200 West Wilshire, Suite E.

At our last event over one hundred clocks in all sizes, shapes, and mediums were donated and auctioned on behalf of

CASA’s services for abused children.

A live auction of deluxe items and a raffle of

unique gift baskets will also be held. 

See more on www.MakeTimeForkKids.com

Donations of clocks are tax deductible.

For more information call 625-0112

or e-mail casakids@dfn.com