Monday, December 17, 2012
Children's Exposure to Violence
The Attorney General's Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence has released its final recommendations for a national response to address children’s exposure to violence. The Report emphasizes prevention and intervention and underscores the importance of trauma-informed care and victim-tailored services. You can access the Report at http://www.justice.gov/defendingchildhood/cev-rpt-full.pdf
Child Abuse on the Decrease Nationwide
The latest annual report released last week from the Department of Health and Human Services found that reports of child abuse and neglect have dropped nationwide for the fifth consecutive year. This is an important report that can be accessed at
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2012/12/fewer-child-abuse-and-neglect-incidents-for-fifth-straight-year
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/blog/2012/12/fewer-child-abuse-and-neglect-incidents-for-fifth-straight-year
HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY TO FEEL SAFE
HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY TO FEEL SAFE
The Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC), in collaboration with the School Safety Resource Center, is disseminating this resource bulletin based on the recent elementary school massacre in Newton, Connecticut.
Helping Children Feel Safe
Home and school environments provide important normalizing experiences for children and adolescents. The magnitude of death and destruction in traumatic events require special attention and communication with children. The following suggestions may help children feel safe:
Limit exposure to television and other sources of information about the disaster and its victims, especially for children.
Understand that every child has a different way of responding to traumatic events. Listen to their stories and be tolerant.
Be alert to changes in a child’s usual behavior - drop in grades, loss of interest, not doing homework, increased sleepiness or distraction, isolating themselves and weight changes.
Maintain daily routines to the extent possible. Familiar schedules can be reassuring.
Remind students that they are safe at school and at home.
Increase students’ sense of control and mastery at school. Let students plan a special activity.
An adult’s response to a disaster will affect the student’s response; it is helpful to discuss reactions with other adults and teachers before talking with children.
Provide structured time to discuss the event.
Encourage school faculty and staff to discuss and plan classroom interventions together and review emergency procedures.
Be available to meet individually with children.
Discuss the event in an open honest manner with students.
Children, like adults, often want to help in times of crises. Finding a way to support the victims and their families through the appropriate agencies can be beneficial to children’s healing.
Law Enforcement can help their communities to feel safer by providing extra patrol and visibility in and around educational institutions. Officers can make their presence known in and around the schools where they patrol. Officers can stop by the schools and introduce themselves to the administrative staff and choose a school parking lot to write reports to help maintain a safe environment.
Resources
Colorado School Safety Resource Center: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPS-SafeSchools/CBON/1251621089752
Colorado School Safety Resource Center (Recovery):
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPS-SafeSchools/CBON/1251622852906
The Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC), in collaboration with the School Safety Resource Center, is disseminating this resource bulletin based on the recent elementary school massacre in Newton, Connecticut.
Helping Children Feel Safe
Home and school environments provide important normalizing experiences for children and adolescents. The magnitude of death and destruction in traumatic events require special attention and communication with children. The following suggestions may help children feel safe:
Limit exposure to television and other sources of information about the disaster and its victims, especially for children.
Understand that every child has a different way of responding to traumatic events. Listen to their stories and be tolerant.
Be alert to changes in a child’s usual behavior - drop in grades, loss of interest, not doing homework, increased sleepiness or distraction, isolating themselves and weight changes.
Maintain daily routines to the extent possible. Familiar schedules can be reassuring.
Remind students that they are safe at school and at home.
Increase students’ sense of control and mastery at school. Let students plan a special activity.
An adult’s response to a disaster will affect the student’s response; it is helpful to discuss reactions with other adults and teachers before talking with children.
Provide structured time to discuss the event.
Encourage school faculty and staff to discuss and plan classroom interventions together and review emergency procedures.
Be available to meet individually with children.
Discuss the event in an open honest manner with students.
Children, like adults, often want to help in times of crises. Finding a way to support the victims and their families through the appropriate agencies can be beneficial to children’s healing.
Law Enforcement can help their communities to feel safer by providing extra patrol and visibility in and around educational institutions. Officers can make their presence known in and around the schools where they patrol. Officers can stop by the schools and introduce themselves to the administrative staff and choose a school parking lot to write reports to help maintain a safe environment.
Resources
Colorado School Safety Resource Center: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPS-SafeSchools/CBON/1251621089752
Colorado School Safety Resource Center (Recovery):
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDPS-SafeSchools/CBON/1251622852906
Monday, December 10, 2012
December Happenings
December 11th- Abuse & Neglect court
December 13th- New CASA volunteers "Swearing In"-8:30 a.m. at the Courthouse
December 14th- Court for TPR's
December 18th- Foster Kids Christmas Store at CASA 9:00 a.m.
December 19th- Brown Bag Christmas Luncheon at noon
December 21st- Staff Christmas Party-Office closed
December 25th- Merry Christmas!
The CASA office will be closed from Thursday, December 21st and will reopen on Wednesday, January 2nd.
(If there is an emergency a CASA employee will be available.)
Monday, December 3, 2012
Best Practices for the Safety of Children and Those Who Work with Them
Best Practices for the Safety of Children and Those Who Work with Them
This article includes a section on volunteers and case-workers.
This article includes a section on volunteers and case-workers.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Join us for CASA's 25th Anniversary Celebration!
In Gratitude
We Invite the Community
To Join us in Celebration
Of our 25th Anniversary
Thursday, November 29
4:30 to 6:00pm
CASA, 500 North Main St. #310
Thank you to all of our CASA Volunteers and Mentors and to all of our supporters throughout the years who have made it possible for us to now serve over 1300 abused, neglected and high risk children every year.
We Invite the Community
To Join us in Celebration
Of our 25th Anniversary
Thursday, November 29
4:30 to 6:00pm
CASA, 500 North Main St. #310
Thank you to all of our CASA Volunteers and Mentors and to all of our supporters throughout the years who have made it possible for us to now serve over 1300 abused, neglected and high risk children every year.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
New Brief: Childhood Trauma and Its Effect on Healthy Development
This brief, authored by the National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention, defines trauma and uses a developmental perspective to discuss its prevalence and effect on young children, school-aged children and adolescents. Download a copy of Childhood Trauma and Its Effect on Healthy Development from the National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention website
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Participate in Webinars About Identity Theft
In November and December 2012, the National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network (NITVAN) will host two OVC-funded Webinars on the topic of identity theft.
On November 20, 2012, at 2 to 4 p.m. ET, NITVAN will conduct a Webinar on identity theft and children in foster care (https://cc.readytalk.com/r/vcgn2avimvw3). It will feature Steven Toporoff, Federal Trade Commission; Joanna Crane, an identity theft expert; and a panel of coalition coordinators, including:
• Hazel Heckers, Identity Theft Advocacy Network of Colorado
• Sunrise Ayers, Idaho Coalition Against Identity Theft
• Anne Gargano-Ahmed, Wisconsin Identity Theft Coalition
Each coalition coordinator will discuss their coalition’s initiatives to train foster care parents and workers to detect identity theft and assist young victims before they age out of the system.
On December 17, 2012, at 2 to 4 p.m. ET, NITVAN will conduct a Webinar on the use of identity theft by domestic violence perpetrators as a method of power and control. It will feature Erika A. Sussman, Center for Survivor Agency and Justice; Sara Shoener, Consumer Rights for Domestic Violence Survivors Initiative; and Deirdre Keys, Minnesota Identity Theft Coalition.
Registration is required to attend the Webinars.
Stay tuned for a 2013 OVC Web Forum Guest Host Session on Child Welfare Agencies Responding to Child Identity Theft with Howard Davidson, Catherine Heath, and Steven Toporoff. Visit the OVC Web Forum for more details about the Guest Hosts and sign up for the E-Alert to be notified of the date and participation details.
On November 20, 2012, at 2 to 4 p.m. ET, NITVAN will conduct a Webinar on identity theft and children in foster care (https://cc.readytalk.com/r/vcgn2avimvw3). It will feature Steven Toporoff, Federal Trade Commission; Joanna Crane, an identity theft expert; and a panel of coalition coordinators, including:
• Hazel Heckers, Identity Theft Advocacy Network of Colorado
• Sunrise Ayers, Idaho Coalition Against Identity Theft
• Anne Gargano-Ahmed, Wisconsin Identity Theft Coalition
Each coalition coordinator will discuss their coalition’s initiatives to train foster care parents and workers to detect identity theft and assist young victims before they age out of the system.
On December 17, 2012, at 2 to 4 p.m. ET, NITVAN will conduct a Webinar on the use of identity theft by domestic violence perpetrators as a method of power and control. It will feature Erika A. Sussman, Center for Survivor Agency and Justice; Sara Shoener, Consumer Rights for Domestic Violence Survivors Initiative; and Deirdre Keys, Minnesota Identity Theft Coalition.
Registration is required to attend the Webinars.
Stay tuned for a 2013 OVC Web Forum Guest Host Session on Child Welfare Agencies Responding to Child Identity Theft with Howard Davidson, Catherine Heath, and Steven Toporoff. Visit the OVC Web Forum for more details about the Guest Hosts and sign up for the E-Alert to be notified of the date and participation details.
Wings For Life - Legal Issues Concering Our Children
Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
LEGAL ISSUES CONCERNING OUR CHILDREN
PRESENTER: Ms. Judy Pittman, Attorney-at-Law
UNDERSTANDING THE FAMILY VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT
EMANCIPATION OF CHILDREN
HELPING GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:15PM
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, November 18th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner Provided
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
LEGAL ISSUES CONCERNING OUR CHILDREN
PRESENTER: Ms. Judy Pittman, Attorney-at-Law
UNDERSTANDING THE FAMILY VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT
EMANCIPATION OF CHILDREN
HELPING GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:15PM
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, November 18th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner Provided
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
New Podcast: Addressing Racial Disproportionality and Disparity in Child Welfare
Judge Louis A. Trosch Jr. of the 26th Judicial District in Mecklenburg County, NC, has done extensive work both personally and professionally to address issues of racial disproportionality and disparity in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Hear Judge Trosch talk about what disproportionality is and why it exists, and offer ways to address these issues in your own community. Listen now.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Wings for LIFE - Cultural Diversity Part 2
Wings for L.I.F.E.
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
PART 2
CELEBRATING OUR DIFFERENCES!
PRESENTERS: Kaarina Jaeger, Margaret Rodriguez,
Rev. Landjur Abukusumo
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:15PM
Door Prize
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, November 4th, 2012
6:15 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner Provided
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
PART 2
CELEBRATING OUR DIFFERENCES!
PRESENTERS: Kaarina Jaeger, Margaret Rodriguez,
Rev. Landjur Abukusumo
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:15PM
Door Prize
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, November 4th, 2012
6:15 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner Provided
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
National CASA Webinar: Parents with LGBTQ Youth
Webinar: Parents with LGBTQ Youth - Working Toward Healthy Futures: October 25
This webinar will give participants a better understanding of the connection between the behaviors of parents (caregivers) and the health and well-being of LGBTQ youth. Webinar will be led by National CASA Training Director Anthony Petrarca.
This webinar is also appropriate for volunteers.
Read the webinar description and register today on CASAforChildren.org (program login required). Volunteers may register at CASAforChildren.org/volunteers.
This webinar will give participants a better understanding of the connection between the behaviors of parents (caregivers) and the health and well-being of LGBTQ youth. Webinar will be led by National CASA Training Director Anthony Petrarca.
This webinar is also appropriate for volunteers.
Read the webinar description and register today on CASAforChildren.org (program login required). Volunteers may register at CASAforChildren.org/volunteers.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Wings For Life - Pumpkin Decorating
Wings for L.I.F.E.
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
Family Pumpkin Decorating Night
Demonstration by Artist, Nancy Phillips
PUMPKIN DESSERTS & DOOR PRIZES
FUN FOR ALL
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:10PM
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, October 21ST, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
FREE DINNER PROVIDED
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
Sitter available
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
Family Pumpkin Decorating Night
Demonstration by Artist, Nancy Phillips
PUMPKIN DESSERTS & DOOR PRIZES
FUN FOR ALL
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:10PM
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, October 21ST, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
FREE DINNER PROVIDED
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
Sitter available
Monday, October 15, 2012
Brown Bag In-Service Training - Kinship Care
There will be a Brown Bag at noon on October 25th at CASA. Our lovely Reana Gonzales will be speaking on the topic of "Kinship/Guardianship".
It will cover how to help and guide families who are raising their family's or friend's children, due to incarceration, CYFD involvement, mental illness or a parent's inability to care for their children at that time. She will also be guiding us on how to get the proper paper work that is needed for these cases. Most of all she will tell us how to provide support for the new caretakers who have taken on a huge responsibility.
We will also be spending about 10 minutes talking about a really awesome opportunity for volunteers. We upgraded our database which gave us access to a program called CASAConnect. It will allow you to access files and case information and new documents we receive (drug screens, psych evals, etc.) from your home computer! How cool is that! So come prepared for a new experience! It's going to be awesome.
It will cover how to help and guide families who are raising their family's or friend's children, due to incarceration, CYFD involvement, mental illness or a parent's inability to care for their children at that time. She will also be guiding us on how to get the proper paper work that is needed for these cases. Most of all she will tell us how to provide support for the new caretakers who have taken on a huge responsibility.
We will also be spending about 10 minutes talking about a really awesome opportunity for volunteers. We upgraded our database which gave us access to a program called CASAConnect. It will allow you to access files and case information and new documents we receive (drug screens, psych evals, etc.) from your home computer! How cool is that! So come prepared for a new experience! It's going to be awesome.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Roswell SAFE Coalition Holiday and Winter Safety Forum
Roswell SAFE Coalition Holiday and Winter Safety Forum
The public is invited to attend an informative forum on Holiday Safety to be held on Tuesday, October 23, at the Bondurant Room of the Roswell Public Library at 6:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Roswell SAFE Coalition, presentations will be given by Chaves County and Roswell’s “First Responders,” including the Roswell Fire Department, Roswell Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office. There will be a variety of helpful information centered on safety during the Holiday Season, but including other topics as well. An example of one topic to be covered is KNOX Boxes, a system which enables firemen to enter a residence to perform a rescue, and yet eliminates the need to break down a door or create other damage. Each organization will have available a table of various brochures and information. The forum will last about two hours and is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required.
This is the second in the series of events on safety topics to be brought to the Roswell public. Founded in 2009, the Roswell SAFE Coalition has a mission of “working to build a safe community,” specifically by presenting educational programs such as this which directly affect the safety and well being of the community.
For additional information, contact Steve Wolfe at 622-4014 or stevewolfe@cableone.net.
The public is invited to attend an informative forum on Holiday Safety to be held on Tuesday, October 23, at the Bondurant Room of the Roswell Public Library at 6:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Roswell SAFE Coalition, presentations will be given by Chaves County and Roswell’s “First Responders,” including the Roswell Fire Department, Roswell Police Department, New Mexico State Police, and the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office. There will be a variety of helpful information centered on safety during the Holiday Season, but including other topics as well. An example of one topic to be covered is KNOX Boxes, a system which enables firemen to enter a residence to perform a rescue, and yet eliminates the need to break down a door or create other damage. Each organization will have available a table of various brochures and information. The forum will last about two hours and is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required.
This is the second in the series of events on safety topics to be brought to the Roswell public. Founded in 2009, the Roswell SAFE Coalition has a mission of “working to build a safe community,” specifically by presenting educational programs such as this which directly affect the safety and well being of the community.
For additional information, contact Steve Wolfe at 622-4014 or stevewolfe@cableone.net.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Victimization and Trauma Experienced by Children and Youth
The Safe Start Center has released “Victimization and Trauma Experienced by Children and Youth: Implications for Legal Advocates,” a 16-page brief that examines the prevalence and impact of child victimization and exposure to violence. The publication also covers trauma-related stress symptoms, assessments, and treatments; offers practice tips for judges, attorneys, and court-appointed special advocates; and provides guidance for advancing policy to support trauma-informed practice. You can download this brief at http://www.safestartcenter.org/pdf/issue-brief_7_courts.pdf
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
New Podcast!—A Judge’s Perspective
In this week's podcast, Judge Joyce Williams Warren of Little Rock, AR, talks about why CASA volunteers are so important to her in her work. Listen to A Judge’s Perspective.
We hope you subscribe to our podcast to keep informed and in touch. But you might also get credits! Before pursuing this as a training activity, check with your volunteer supervisor to see if listening to National CASA podcasts is an approved means of earning continuing education credits in your program and to learn how many credits you will
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Wings For Life - Leaving a Legacy
Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
“Leaving a Legacy”
…What We Teach Our Children…
Presented by Lisa Reese, Administrator
Chaves County Pregnancy Resource Center
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at
6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Free Dinner Provided
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, October 7, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment (Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
“Leaving a Legacy”
…What We Teach Our Children…
Presented by Lisa Reese, Administrator
Chaves County Pregnancy Resource Center
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at
6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Free Dinner Provided
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, October 7, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment (Sitter available)
Monday, October 1, 2012
From the Bench - A Judge Speaks
Why I Want a CASA Volunteer for Every Child
In June, Judge Joyce Williams Warren, 10th Division Circuit Court, AR, was named 2012 National CASA Judge of the Year for her support of the CASA cause and efforts to improve the lives of abused and neglected children. She was nominated by the Pulaski County CASA program in Little Rock.
Below, Judge Warren turns the spotlight on CASA volunteers, sharing words of admiration for advocates’ drive, skills and contributions, and describing why she thinks every abused and neglected child should have a CASA volunteer.
I want a CASA for every child. It is a goal that I’ve had since I started. I love CASA volunteers because they go out of their way to stay for the life of the case, through thick and thin, and do the best they can to ensure that needed services are provided and that children get out of the foster care system. Caseworkers can be incredibly talented but are often overworked. Appointed attorneys and others may change. The CASA volunteer is often the one committed and caring adult who is looking out for a child’s best interests.
I get a lot of CASA volunteers before me—but not as many as I would love! These volunteers are driven from within—from the core of their being—to improve the lives of children. They give their time, dedication and energy to the work because they love it, because they know that it is important and because they care about people. They are there for the children, not for accolades or awards.
CASA volunteers tackle tough situations and issues, and they follow through. Even when it gets really bad, and really frustrating, and really disheartening, they keep going because it’s their mission—to improve the lives of children who are abused and neglected and get them out of the court system, back home or into an alternate home that is safe, permanent and appropriate to them.
A good CASA volunteer is objective and fair, willing to challenge systems that aren't working, open-minded, eager to learn, and able to talk with others in an appropriate way even when they are disagreeing. CASA volunteers are honest and determined. And I must add that they have common sense, because that goes a long way.
As a result of all of these things—their drive, passion, hard work, and the dedication and information that CASA volunteers bring to bear on these cases—I am able to make the best decisions for the children that come before me. I could not do my job as well as I do without them. Listen to Judge Warren's advice to volunteers about working with judges (3 MB MP3).
Read more from members of the judicial community in the Judges' Page newsletter.
In June, Judge Joyce Williams Warren, 10th Division Circuit Court, AR, was named 2012 National CASA Judge of the Year for her support of the CASA cause and efforts to improve the lives of abused and neglected children. She was nominated by the Pulaski County CASA program in Little Rock.
Below, Judge Warren turns the spotlight on CASA volunteers, sharing words of admiration for advocates’ drive, skills and contributions, and describing why she thinks every abused and neglected child should have a CASA volunteer.
I want a CASA for every child. It is a goal that I’ve had since I started. I love CASA volunteers because they go out of their way to stay for the life of the case, through thick and thin, and do the best they can to ensure that needed services are provided and that children get out of the foster care system. Caseworkers can be incredibly talented but are often overworked. Appointed attorneys and others may change. The CASA volunteer is often the one committed and caring adult who is looking out for a child’s best interests.
I get a lot of CASA volunteers before me—but not as many as I would love! These volunteers are driven from within—from the core of their being—to improve the lives of children. They give their time, dedication and energy to the work because they love it, because they know that it is important and because they care about people. They are there for the children, not for accolades or awards.
CASA volunteers tackle tough situations and issues, and they follow through. Even when it gets really bad, and really frustrating, and really disheartening, they keep going because it’s their mission—to improve the lives of children who are abused and neglected and get them out of the court system, back home or into an alternate home that is safe, permanent and appropriate to them.
A good CASA volunteer is objective and fair, willing to challenge systems that aren't working, open-minded, eager to learn, and able to talk with others in an appropriate way even when they are disagreeing. CASA volunteers are honest and determined. And I must add that they have common sense, because that goes a long way.
As a result of all of these things—their drive, passion, hard work, and the dedication and information that CASA volunteers bring to bear on these cases—I am able to make the best decisions for the children that come before me. I could not do my job as well as I do without them. Listen to Judge Warren's advice to volunteers about working with judges (3 MB MP3).
Read more from members of the judicial community in the Judges' Page newsletter.
New CASA Connection Online Now!
National CASA Association's Connection is a wonderful resource for CASA Volunteers.
The new Connection magazine highlights the educational advocacy efforts of CASA programs in California, Indiana and New Jersey, and shares top tips from the director of Advocates for Children (Columbus, IN).
Also featured:
• 2012 National CASA Judge of the Year talks about why she wants a CASA volunteer for every child
• A Williamson County (TN) CASA volunteer reflects on 10 years of service
• A Kentucky foster care alumni and program staff member describes how a CASA volunteer changed the direction of his life.
Go here for more!
The new Connection magazine highlights the educational advocacy efforts of CASA programs in California, Indiana and New Jersey, and shares top tips from the director of Advocates for Children (Columbus, IN).
Also featured:
• 2012 National CASA Judge of the Year talks about why she wants a CASA volunteer for every child
• A Williamson County (TN) CASA volunteer reflects on 10 years of service
• A Kentucky foster care alumni and program staff member describes how a CASA volunteer changed the direction of his life.
Go here for more!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Preventing Youth from Crossing Over Between the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems
OJJDP Webinar: Preventing Youth from Crossing Over Between the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems
Wednesday, September 26, 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET
It is estimated that up to 30% of youth in the child welfare system cross over into the juvenile justice system. This free webinar from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) will: share practices implemented through the Crossover Youth Practice Model to reduce the likelihood of youth crossing over between the child welfare and juvenile justice systems; discuss multiple strategies Los Angeles County, CA, has employed to prevent children in the dependency system from penetrating the delinquency system; and, explore how engaging the education and workforce sectors can reduce penetration of crossover youth. This webinar is the second in a series on improving outcomes for multisystem-involved youth. Registration is required. Read more and register.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Wings For Life - Cyberbullying Part 2
Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
Cyber-Bullying - PART 2
Presented by: Stacy Heacox, BBBS
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Free Dinner Provided
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, September 23rd, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
Cyber-Bullying - PART 2
Presented by: Stacy Heacox, BBBS
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Free Dinner Provided
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, September 23rd, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Wings for L.I.F.E. - Cyberbullying
Wings for L.I.F.E.
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
Cyber-Bullying* - Part 1
Understanding and Addressing On-line Cruelty
Presented by: Stacy Heacox, BSW, BBBS
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Free EnchiladaDinner
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, September 9th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
Cyber-Bullying* - Part 1
Understanding and Addressing On-line Cruelty
Presented by: Stacy Heacox, BSW, BBBS
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Free EnchiladaDinner
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, September 9th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Wings for L.I.F.E. - The Effects of Bullying
Wings for L.I.F.E.
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
EFFECTS OF BULLYING”…A personal testimony…
by Brandy Dolan author of “What Really Happens"
And Dr. David Durham MD, General Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry & Traumatic Brain Injury,
will discuss Post Traumatic Brain Disorder (PTSD) and other disorders resulting from bullying
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Door Prize Drawings!
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, August 26th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner Provided
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
EFFECTS OF BULLYING”…A personal testimony…
by Brandy Dolan author of “What Really Happens"
And Dr. David Durham MD, General Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry & Traumatic Brain Injury,
will discuss Post Traumatic Brain Disorder (PTSD) and other disorders resulting from bullying
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Door Prize Drawings!
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, August 26th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner Provided
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Wings for L.I.F.E. - Grief Share
Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
“GRIEF SHARE”
Learn how to effectively deal with our losses
Presented by:
Beverly Lewis
Door Prize Drawing!!!
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, August 12th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Doors open: 5:45pm Close: 6:15pm
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner & Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
“GRIEF SHARE”
Learn how to effectively deal with our losses
Presented by:
Beverly Lewis
Door Prize Drawing!!!
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, August 12th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Doors open: 5:45pm Close: 6:15pm
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner & Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released "Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools.” The toolkit provides strategies to help high schools, school districts, and their partners design and implement strategies to prevent suicide and promote behavioral health among their students. It also includes information on screening tools, warning signs and risk factors, statistics, and parent education materials. The toolkit is free and available at http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA12-4669/SMA12-4669.pdf.
Kids Count Data Book in In!
The “Kids Count Databook” published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which features national and state-specific data about 16 indicators of children’s well-being is now in. You can access and download the just-published 2012 Kids Count Databook at http://www.aecf.org/KnowledgeCenter/Publications.aspx?pubguid={68E8B294-EDCD-444D-85E4-D1C1576830FF}
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Wings For Life - Living Apart...Parenting Together
Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
“LIVING APART……PARENTING TOGETHER”
For the ‘BEST’ Interest of the CHILDREN
Presented by: Jennifer Peralta, MSW/LSAA
Door Prize Drawing to be held!
Doors open: 5:45pm Close: 6:15pm
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, June 10th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
“LIVING APART……PARENTING TOGETHER”
For the ‘BEST’ Interest of the CHILDREN
Presented by: Jennifer Peralta, MSW/LSAA
Door Prize Drawing to be held!
Doors open: 5:45pm Close: 6:15pm
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, June 10th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Monday, June 4, 2012
Amber Alert Best Practices
OJJDP has just released “Amber Alert Best Practices,” a great guide that highlights the most effective strategy for responding to Amber Alerts for missing children and endangered persons, including good information for volunteers and victim advocates. You can check it out at http://www.ojjdp.gov/pubs/232271.pdf.
New Podcast: Offering Hope, Providing Insight
New Podcast: Offering Hope, Providing Insight
After spending her childhood in an abusive home and several years in the foster care system, Stephanie Holt finds strength through her work as a volunteer with the Vancouver, WA, CASA program. Listen to Stephanie share her story as she offers hope to foster youth and provides insight for all CASA volunteers.
National CASA podcasts provide updates from National CASA, alert you to legislative action, and share experiences from program staff, volunteers and the youth we serve. You can subscribe via RSS or iTunes and receive new programs as they are released. Or, you can search our podcast library at http://podcast.casaforchildren.org/. Please share this resource with your volunteers
After spending her childhood in an abusive home and several years in the foster care system, Stephanie Holt finds strength through her work as a volunteer with the Vancouver, WA, CASA program. Listen to Stephanie share her story as she offers hope to foster youth and provides insight for all CASA volunteers.
National CASA podcasts provide updates from National CASA, alert you to legislative action, and share experiences from program staff, volunteers and the youth we serve. You can subscribe via RSS or iTunes and receive new programs as they are released. Or, you can search our podcast library at http://podcast.casaforchildren.org/. Please share this resource with your volunteers
Understanding Violence Against Transgender Individuals
OVC Web Forum Guest Host To Discuss Understanding Violence Against Transgender Individuals: June 6
On June 6, 2012, at 2 p.m. (eastern time), in commemoration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will present a Web Forum discussion with Michael Munson and Rebecca Waggoner on understanding violence against transgender individuals. Michael Munson is the cofounder and Executive Director of FORGE, an organization focused on improving the lives of transgender individuals. A long-time activist, Munson has been active in the transgender/SOFFA (significant others, friends, families, and allies) community since 1994. He participates on multiple local and national advisory committees to ensure that the needs of transgender survivors are heard and addressed, and has authored numerous publications for service providers and allied professionals. Rebecca Waggoner is the Director of OutFront Minnesota’s Anti-Violence Program, where she manages all program-related activities including developing effective services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender crime victims; providing individual crisis counseling and advocacy services to victims; and developing program-related training curricula. Waggoner has worked extensively with anti-violence focused, community-based programs for more than 10 years. For more information, visit the OVC Web Forum at http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum.
OVC would appreciate your help in spreading the word about the upcoming Guest Host Session. Go to http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/participate.asp for instructions on how to participate.
On June 6, 2012, at 2 p.m. (eastern time), in commemoration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will present a Web Forum discussion with Michael Munson and Rebecca Waggoner on understanding violence against transgender individuals. Michael Munson is the cofounder and Executive Director of FORGE, an organization focused on improving the lives of transgender individuals. A long-time activist, Munson has been active in the transgender/SOFFA (significant others, friends, families, and allies) community since 1994. He participates on multiple local and national advisory committees to ensure that the needs of transgender survivors are heard and addressed, and has authored numerous publications for service providers and allied professionals. Rebecca Waggoner is the Director of OutFront Minnesota’s Anti-Violence Program, where she manages all program-related activities including developing effective services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender crime victims; providing individual crisis counseling and advocacy services to victims; and developing program-related training curricula. Waggoner has worked extensively with anti-violence focused, community-based programs for more than 10 years. For more information, visit the OVC Web Forum at http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum.
OVC would appreciate your help in spreading the word about the upcoming Guest Host Session. Go to http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/participate.asp for instructions on how to participate.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Safeguarding Your Child's Future - Child Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission has just published a new consumer education piece on child identity theft called Safeguarding Your Child's Future. The publication is aimed at parents, but might still be useful as a tool when you are working with foster youth (who are at especially high risk for identity theft). You can find the publication here: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt08.pdf
Wings for L.I.F.E. - Living With Addiction
Wings for L.I.F.E.
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
“LIVING WITH… ADDICTION”
Presented by: Bubba Long, BSW, LADAC
Door Prize Drawing to be held!
Doors open: 5:45pm Close: 6:15pm
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, May 20th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Free Enchilada dinner
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
“LIVING WITH… ADDICTION”
Presented by: Bubba Long, BSW, LADAC
Door Prize Drawing to be held!
Doors open: 5:45pm Close: 6:15pm
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, May 20th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Free Enchilada dinner
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Friday, April 20, 2012
Congratulations Volunteer Award Winners 2012
At CASA's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon the following community advocates were lauded for their advocacy:
AF Jones Volunteer of the Year - Pam Coggins
Rookie of the Year - Twyla McKee
Angel Heart - Judy Scripps
Starfish - Andy Malone
Report Writing - Joanne MacCallum
CYFD Employee/Social Worker - Christy Herrington
Mentor of the Year - Debbie Sumrow
Rock Star - Nancy Morales
Blues Bros Mission From God - Judge Charles Currier
Helping Hand - Fred Bennett
Gumby - Bill Jones (for always being flexible)
AF Jones Volunteer of the Year - Pam Coggins
Rookie of the Year - Twyla McKee
Angel Heart - Judy Scripps
Starfish - Andy Malone
Report Writing - Joanne MacCallum
CYFD Employee/Social Worker - Christy Herrington
Mentor of the Year - Debbie Sumrow
Rock Star - Nancy Morales
Blues Bros Mission From God - Judge Charles Currier
Helping Hand - Fred Bennett
Gumby - Bill Jones (for always being flexible)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Good News Alert! CASA Cause Featured on Dr. Phil Show This Friday
National CASA CEO Michael Piraino and Rosie Burton, a youth with the San Diego Voices for Children program, will be featured on the Dr. Phil Show this Friday, April 20. Rosie shares her experience as a youth in foster care, discussing the risk factors that youth aging out of care face and the support she received from her CASA volunteer. Dr. Phil encourages the audience to visit National CASA’s new micro-site, with a co-branded page specifically designed for Dr. Phil and Robin’s call-to-action to support the CASA cause.
Rosie is also speaking at the National CASA conference, as a participant on a youth panel.
Please share this information with your staff and volunteers so they can tune in to the Dr. Phil Show on Friday! Also, please be prepared to respond promptly to the increased volume of volunteer inquiries that Dr. Phil Shows typically generate. Research demonstrates that the likelihood of interested individuals becoming active volunteers is greatest when contact is made within one week of their inquiry and decreases significantly after that.
Rosie is also speaking at the National CASA conference, as a participant on a youth panel.
Please share this information with your staff and volunteers so they can tune in to the Dr. Phil Show on Friday! Also, please be prepared to respond promptly to the increased volume of volunteer inquiries that Dr. Phil Shows typically generate. Research demonstrates that the likelihood of interested individuals becoming active volunteers is greatest when contact is made within one week of their inquiry and decreases significantly after that.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Wings for L.I.F.E. - Honoring Heroes on Both Sides of the Leash
Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
“SAGE”
HONORING HEROES ON ‘BOTH’ SIDES OF THE LEASH!
Presented by: Diane Whetzel & “Sage”
Doors open: 5:45pm Close: 6:15pm
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, April 22ND, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner & Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
“SAGE”
HONORING HEROES ON ‘BOTH’ SIDES OF THE LEASH!
Presented by: Diane Whetzel & “Sage”
Doors open: 5:45pm Close: 6:15pm
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, April 22ND, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Free Dinner & Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Make Time For Kids Online Auction
Make Time For Kids is April 27!
Meanwhile, check out our live auction at http://www.maketimeforkids.com/
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Article Discusses Teen Dating Violence
An article published on "The Atlantic" magazine's Web site on March 9, 2012, provides practical advice on how parents can address teen dating violence. Sherry Hamby of the University of New Hampshire based her article on findings from the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence, research that OJJDP sponsored. (OJJDP)
Find the article here.
Find the article here.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon - Blues Brothers: On a Mission From God
Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon April 10
Blues Brothers:
On a Mission From God
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. That is why we want to celebrate you on April 10th, 11:30 to 1:30. Come eat yummy food in our Soul Food Kitchen, receive gifts, and relax.
April Happenings
April Happenings
April 6th - Office Closed for Good Friday
April 10th - VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON 11:30-1:30
April 13th - Staff Meeting (All Day) Office Closed
April 17th and 18th - Abuse and Neglect Court
April 27th - Make Time for Kids 5:30 at the Civic Center
Volunteer Training will be starting in May, let anyone interested in joining know!
April 6th - Office Closed for Good Friday
April 10th - VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON 11:30-1:30
April 13th - Staff Meeting (All Day) Office Closed
April 17th and 18th - Abuse and Neglect Court
April 27th - Make Time for Kids 5:30 at the Civic Center
Volunteer Training will be starting in May, let anyone interested in joining know!
American Probation and Parole Association Journal, PERSPECTIVES
The American Probation and Parole Association, with support from the Office for Victims of Crime, has published an edition of its journal, PERSPECTIVES, that focuses entirely on victim issues. It features a wide range of articles, including:
• Crime victims and reentry
• Victims and the juvenile justice system
• Domestic violence and stalking in the digital age
• Technology that benefits crime victims
• Sentencing, corrections and public safety guiding principles for victims
PLUS much more, including some great online victim assistance resources!
You can access this special edition of PERSPECTIVES here.
• Crime victims and reentry
• Victims and the juvenile justice system
• Domestic violence and stalking in the digital age
• Technology that benefits crime victims
• Sentencing, corrections and public safety guiding principles for victims
PLUS much more, including some great online victim assistance resources!
You can access this special edition of PERSPECTIVES here.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Working With Children Exposed to Violence
The Attorney General's Defending Childhood initiative has launched a new Web page, “Take Action to Protect Children,” to support professionals in their efforts to address children's exposure to violence. The Web page provides online resources for professionals in various fields who work with children who experience or witness violence. You can access this new website at http://www.justice.gov/defendingchildhood/action.html.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Podcast: Improving Educational Outcomes for Youth
How can CASA volunteers be even better advocates for the youth they serve? In this podcast, Educational Advocacy Coordinator Jeff Perry describes how he is working to improve educational outcomes for youth in the San Francisco CASA program.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Wings for L.I.F.E.
Wings For Life Meeting
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
GUEST SPEAKERS:
MIKE GOMEZ - CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
BRETT SCHNEIDER – FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, March 18th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-204
Dinner: Mexican Food plus some food specialties from our guests
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
GUEST SPEAKERS:
MIKE GOMEZ - CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
BRETT SCHNEIDER – FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, March 18th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-204
Dinner: Mexican Food plus some food specialties from our guests
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Honor Our Voices - Online Training Module
Presented by:
Avon Foundation for Women
Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare
Honor Our Voices is a unique learning module that allows the viewer to see domestic violence through the eyes and voices of children. This module is intended to increase the awareness of child welfare workers and other to the needs of children and to suggest promising ways of enhancing services to children exposed to domestic violence.
The link below will take you to the Honoring Our Voices Web site where you will be able to view the content and the materials associated with it.
Honor Our Voices
Avon Foundation for Women
Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare
Honor Our Voices is a unique learning module that allows the viewer to see domestic violence through the eyes and voices of children. This module is intended to increase the awareness of child welfare workers and other to the needs of children and to suggest promising ways of enhancing services to children exposed to domestic violence.
The link below will take you to the Honoring Our Voices Web site where you will be able to view the content and the materials associated with it.
Honor Our Voices
The Brain on Trial
Advances in brain science are calling into question the volition behind many criminal acts. A leading neuroscientist describes how the foundations of our criminal-justice system are beginning to crumble, and proposes a new way forward for law and order.
By David Eagleman, Atlantic Magazine
On the steamy first day of August 1966, Charles Whitman took an elevator to the top floor of the University of Texas Tower in Austin. The 25-year-old climbed the stairs to the observation deck, lugging with him a footlocker full of guns and ammunition. At the top, he killed a receptionist with the butt of his rifle. Two families of tourists came up the stairwell; he shot at them at point-blank range. Then he began to fire indiscriminately from the deck at people below. The first woman he shot was pregnant. As her boyfriend knelt to help her, Whitman shot him as well. He shot pedestrians in the street and an ambulance driver who came to rescue them.
The evening before, Whitman had sat at his typewriter and composed a suicide note:
I don’t really understand myself these days. I am supposed to be an average reasonable and intelligent young man. However, lately (I can’t recall when it started) I have been a victim of many unusual and irrational thoughts.
By the time the police shot him dead, Whitman had killed 13 people and wounded 32 more. The story of his rampage dominated national headlines the next day. And when police went to investigate his home for clues, the story became even stranger: in the early hours of the morning on the day of the shooting, he had murdered his mother and stabbed his wife to death in her sleep.
It was after much thought that I decided to kill my wife, Kathy, tonight … I love her dearly, and she has been as fine a wife to me as any man could ever hope to have. I cannot rationa[l]ly pinpoint any specific reason for doing this …
Along with the shock of the murders lay another, more hidden, surprise: the juxtaposition of his aberrant actions with his unremarkable personal life. Whitman was an Eagle Scout and a former marine, studied architectural engineering at the University of Texas, and briefly worked as a bank teller and volunteered as a scoutmaster for Austin’s Boy Scout Troop 5. As a child, he’d scored 138 on the Stanford-Binet IQ test, placing in the 99th percentile. So after his shooting spree from the University of Texas Tower, everyone wanted answers.
For that matter, so did Whitman. He requested in his suicide note that an autopsy be performed to determine if something had changed in his brain—because he suspected it had.
For more go here.
By David Eagleman, Atlantic Magazine
On the steamy first day of August 1966, Charles Whitman took an elevator to the top floor of the University of Texas Tower in Austin. The 25-year-old climbed the stairs to the observation deck, lugging with him a footlocker full of guns and ammunition. At the top, he killed a receptionist with the butt of his rifle. Two families of tourists came up the stairwell; he shot at them at point-blank range. Then he began to fire indiscriminately from the deck at people below. The first woman he shot was pregnant. As her boyfriend knelt to help her, Whitman shot him as well. He shot pedestrians in the street and an ambulance driver who came to rescue them.
The evening before, Whitman had sat at his typewriter and composed a suicide note:
I don’t really understand myself these days. I am supposed to be an average reasonable and intelligent young man. However, lately (I can’t recall when it started) I have been a victim of many unusual and irrational thoughts.
By the time the police shot him dead, Whitman had killed 13 people and wounded 32 more. The story of his rampage dominated national headlines the next day. And when police went to investigate his home for clues, the story became even stranger: in the early hours of the morning on the day of the shooting, he had murdered his mother and stabbed his wife to death in her sleep.
It was after much thought that I decided to kill my wife, Kathy, tonight … I love her dearly, and she has been as fine a wife to me as any man could ever hope to have. I cannot rationa[l]ly pinpoint any specific reason for doing this …
Along with the shock of the murders lay another, more hidden, surprise: the juxtaposition of his aberrant actions with his unremarkable personal life. Whitman was an Eagle Scout and a former marine, studied architectural engineering at the University of Texas, and briefly worked as a bank teller and volunteered as a scoutmaster for Austin’s Boy Scout Troop 5. As a child, he’d scored 138 on the Stanford-Binet IQ test, placing in the 99th percentile. So after his shooting spree from the University of Texas Tower, everyone wanted answers.
For that matter, so did Whitman. He requested in his suicide note that an autopsy be performed to determine if something had changed in his brain—because he suspected it had.
For more go here.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
National CASA's Connection Magazine
Feature Story: Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare
View the national CASA Association's Connection Magazine here to learn the latest from our parent organization.
View the national CASA Association's Connection Magazine here to learn the latest from our parent organization.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wings for L.I.F.E. - CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Wings For Life Event - Cultural Diversity, Celebrating Our Differences
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
PRESENTORS: Cuic Gonzales (Mexico), Melinda Kline (Navajo Nation), Suparna Shinganapurkar (India)
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Drawings to be held for: 2 gas cards AND dinner for 2 at Capitol
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, March 4th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-204
Dinner: Mexican Food plus some food specialties from our guests
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
PRESENTORS: Cuic Gonzales (Mexico), Melinda Kline (Navajo Nation), Suparna Shinganapurkar (India)
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Drawings to be held for: 2 gas cards AND dinner for 2 at Capitol
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, March 4th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-204
Dinner: Mexican Food plus some food specialties from our guests
Crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Gender non-conformity increases kids' risk of abuse
Children whose activity choices, interests and pretend play don't conform to expected gender roles face an increased risk of abuse and future trauma, a new study finds.
The increased risk for non-conforming kids vs. conforming kids was similar in both sexes for physical and psychological abuse.
The increased risk for non-conforming kids vs. conforming kids was similar in both sexes for physical and psychological abuse.
One in 10 kids display gender non-conformity before age 11 and, on average, are more likely to experience physical, psychological and sexual abuse and experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by early adulthood, says the study of nearly 9,000 young adults published online Monday in Pediatrics.
The abuse was perpetrated mostly by parents or other adults in the home, says lead study author Andrea Roberts, a research associate in the department of society, human development and health at the Harvard School of Public Health.
The study focused on behaviors in childhood before age 11. At that stage, children often "exhibit a wide variety of behaviors that mean nothing about their future sexual preferences," Roberts says. She notes that 85% of gender-non-conforming children in the study were heterosexual in adulthood. In childhood, however, those who were not "extremely typical in their gender expression" faced "harmful discrimination and intolerance that has a lasting impact."
The childhood behaviors were culled from questionnaires completed by a sample of adults ages 17 to 27 of all sexual orientations enrolled in the study. Respondents were asked in 2005 to recall their childhood experiences, including favorite toys and games, whether they took male or female roles in pretend play, and media characters they imitated and admired.
They also were asked about physical, sexual or emotional abuse they experienced and were screened for PTSD in 2007.
The increased risk for non-conforming kids vs. conforming kids was similar in both sexes for physical and psychological abuse. For sexual abuse, non-conforming girls were at 60% greater risk than conforming girls, but non-conforming boys were at nearly three times greater risk compared with conforming boys.
Rates of PTSD were almost twice as high among young adults who were gender non-conforming as kids than among those who were not. PTSD has been linked to risky behavior such as engaging in unprotected sex and to physical symptoms such as cardiovascular problems and chronic pain, according to the study.
More research is needed to understand why gender-non-conforming kids experience greater risk of abuse, says Roberts. Parents who are uncomfortable with or feel negative toward a child who exhibits gender non-conformity "may have the idea, 'If I force him not to be that way, he won't be like that as an adult.' "
This article can be found at USA Today.com.
The increased risk for non-conforming kids vs. conforming kids was similar in both sexes for physical and psychological abuse.
The increased risk for non-conforming kids vs. conforming kids was similar in both sexes for physical and psychological abuse.
One in 10 kids display gender non-conformity before age 11 and, on average, are more likely to experience physical, psychological and sexual abuse and experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by early adulthood, says the study of nearly 9,000 young adults published online Monday in Pediatrics.
The abuse was perpetrated mostly by parents or other adults in the home, says lead study author Andrea Roberts, a research associate in the department of society, human development and health at the Harvard School of Public Health.
The study focused on behaviors in childhood before age 11. At that stage, children often "exhibit a wide variety of behaviors that mean nothing about their future sexual preferences," Roberts says. She notes that 85% of gender-non-conforming children in the study were heterosexual in adulthood. In childhood, however, those who were not "extremely typical in their gender expression" faced "harmful discrimination and intolerance that has a lasting impact."
The childhood behaviors were culled from questionnaires completed by a sample of adults ages 17 to 27 of all sexual orientations enrolled in the study. Respondents were asked in 2005 to recall their childhood experiences, including favorite toys and games, whether they took male or female roles in pretend play, and media characters they imitated and admired.
They also were asked about physical, sexual or emotional abuse they experienced and were screened for PTSD in 2007.
The increased risk for non-conforming kids vs. conforming kids was similar in both sexes for physical and psychological abuse. For sexual abuse, non-conforming girls were at 60% greater risk than conforming girls, but non-conforming boys were at nearly three times greater risk compared with conforming boys.
Rates of PTSD were almost twice as high among young adults who were gender non-conforming as kids than among those who were not. PTSD has been linked to risky behavior such as engaging in unprotected sex and to physical symptoms such as cardiovascular problems and chronic pain, according to the study.
More research is needed to understand why gender-non-conforming kids experience greater risk of abuse, says Roberts. Parents who are uncomfortable with or feel negative toward a child who exhibits gender non-conformity "may have the idea, 'If I force him not to be that way, he won't be like that as an adult.' "
This article can be found at USA Today.com.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Department of Health Releases New Child Obesity Report
Data Shows High Percentage of New Mexico’s Children are Overweight or Obese
(Santa Fe) – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) today released their 2011 report detailing New Mexico’s childhood obesity rates, “The Weight of Our Children: 2011 New Mexico Childhood Obesity Report.” The report shows that 15 percent of kindergarten students and more than 21 percent of third graders are obese; and that American Indian students in New Mexico suffer from obesity at a high rate than other ethnic groups.
“Obesity at a young age can have a very serious effect on the overall health of children and can lead to other negative health conditions later in life such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes,” said DOH Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Catherine Torres. “This report should be a call to action for families, schools, communities and the state to help children at younger ages develop healthy eating and active living behaviors and to create the environmental and policy changes to promote these behaviors. Healthy eating and active living are the two major lifestyle choices that can prevent obesity, but based on our findings in the report, New Mexican children and adolescents eat poorly and lead sedentary lives.”
According to the report, in 2011, 15 percent of kindergarten and 21.9 percent of third grade students were obese. Students in the obese category weighed substantially more than their counterparts in the healthy weight category. For example, the average weight of third grade students in the healthy weight category was 60.4 pounds compared to obese third grade students’ average weight of 101.5 pounds, with some weighing more than 140 pounds. One in three American Indian third grade students were obese in 2011 compared to one in five Hispanic and one in eight white, non-Hispanic third graders.
Patty Morris, director of DOH’s Office of Nutrition and Physical Activity, said in addition to childhood obesity increasing the risk of high cholesterol, hypertension and other precursors to cardiovascular disease, childhood obesity is also associated with increases in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children, which can lead to liver scarring and cirrhosis.
“The list of negative health consequences of obesity among New Mexico children is extensive,” said Morris, who developed the new report. “Type 2 diabetes is no longer called adult-onset because of its alarming rates in our youth, a phenomenon that rarely existed a generation ago. In the 1980s, type 2 diabetes was virtually unknown in teens. Obese children also may be more vulnerable to weight-based bullying and social isolation, thereby resulting in a greater risk of low self-esteem, depression and suicide.”
DOH is addressing the childhood obesity crisis in several ways including the Healthy Kids New Mexico program and by implementing new community-based programs that will be funded by the Community Transformation Grant. Healthy Kids New Mexico includes partnerships with several many state and local schools and other organizations that combines and creates healthy programs to give kids what they need to play well, eat well, learn and live fully.
In 2011, DOH received $1.5 million in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and this funding of is the first of what is expected to be a five year award totaling $7.5 million towards prevention. The Department will target prevention strategies in 10 counties and 4 tribal communities in New Mexico with greatest health disparities and with strong American Indian, Hispanic, and U.S. - Mexico border population representation with the Community Transformation funding. The targeted counties were selected based on population size, poverty status, racial and ethnic, diversity, geographic diversity, chronic disease burden, and readiness to implement prevention programs. The targeted counties are: McKinley, Cibola, Rio Arriba, Guadalupe, Curry, Chaves, Lea, Socorro, Luna, and Dona Ana. The targeted tribal communities are: San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Zuni, and Mescalero.
Data for the report was gathered from 28 schools throughout the state that provided DOH with heights and weights of 3,658 kindergarten and third grade students. The data was used to calculate a Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile. The BMI percentile includes height, weight, age and gender to calculate weight status. The University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center and the CDC collaborated with DOH on the data analysis.
“The Weight of our Children; 2011 New Mexico Childhood Obesity Report” can be found online at http://department%20of%20health%20releases%20new%20child%20obesity%20report/. For more information about the Healthy Kids New Mexico program go online to http://www.healthykidsnm.org/.
(Santa Fe) – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) today released their 2011 report detailing New Mexico’s childhood obesity rates, “The Weight of Our Children: 2011 New Mexico Childhood Obesity Report.” The report shows that 15 percent of kindergarten students and more than 21 percent of third graders are obese; and that American Indian students in New Mexico suffer from obesity at a high rate than other ethnic groups.
“Obesity at a young age can have a very serious effect on the overall health of children and can lead to other negative health conditions later in life such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes,” said DOH Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Catherine Torres. “This report should be a call to action for families, schools, communities and the state to help children at younger ages develop healthy eating and active living behaviors and to create the environmental and policy changes to promote these behaviors. Healthy eating and active living are the two major lifestyle choices that can prevent obesity, but based on our findings in the report, New Mexican children and adolescents eat poorly and lead sedentary lives.”
According to the report, in 2011, 15 percent of kindergarten and 21.9 percent of third grade students were obese. Students in the obese category weighed substantially more than their counterparts in the healthy weight category. For example, the average weight of third grade students in the healthy weight category was 60.4 pounds compared to obese third grade students’ average weight of 101.5 pounds, with some weighing more than 140 pounds. One in three American Indian third grade students were obese in 2011 compared to one in five Hispanic and one in eight white, non-Hispanic third graders.
Patty Morris, director of DOH’s Office of Nutrition and Physical Activity, said in addition to childhood obesity increasing the risk of high cholesterol, hypertension and other precursors to cardiovascular disease, childhood obesity is also associated with increases in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children, which can lead to liver scarring and cirrhosis.
“The list of negative health consequences of obesity among New Mexico children is extensive,” said Morris, who developed the new report. “Type 2 diabetes is no longer called adult-onset because of its alarming rates in our youth, a phenomenon that rarely existed a generation ago. In the 1980s, type 2 diabetes was virtually unknown in teens. Obese children also may be more vulnerable to weight-based bullying and social isolation, thereby resulting in a greater risk of low self-esteem, depression and suicide.”
DOH is addressing the childhood obesity crisis in several ways including the Healthy Kids New Mexico program and by implementing new community-based programs that will be funded by the Community Transformation Grant. Healthy Kids New Mexico includes partnerships with several many state and local schools and other organizations that combines and creates healthy programs to give kids what they need to play well, eat well, learn and live fully.
In 2011, DOH received $1.5 million in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and this funding of is the first of what is expected to be a five year award totaling $7.5 million towards prevention. The Department will target prevention strategies in 10 counties and 4 tribal communities in New Mexico with greatest health disparities and with strong American Indian, Hispanic, and U.S. - Mexico border population representation with the Community Transformation funding. The targeted counties were selected based on population size, poverty status, racial and ethnic, diversity, geographic diversity, chronic disease burden, and readiness to implement prevention programs. The targeted counties are: McKinley, Cibola, Rio Arriba, Guadalupe, Curry, Chaves, Lea, Socorro, Luna, and Dona Ana. The targeted tribal communities are: San Ildefonso, Santa Clara, Zuni, and Mescalero.
Data for the report was gathered from 28 schools throughout the state that provided DOH with heights and weights of 3,658 kindergarten and third grade students. The data was used to calculate a Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile. The BMI percentile includes height, weight, age and gender to calculate weight status. The University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center and the CDC collaborated with DOH on the data analysis.
“The Weight of our Children; 2011 New Mexico Childhood Obesity Report” can be found online at http://department%20of%20health%20releases%20new%20child%20obesity%20report/. For more information about the Healthy Kids New Mexico program go online to http://www.healthykidsnm.org/.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Information on Teen Dating Violence
Most teenagers do not experience physical aggression when they date. However, for one in 10 teens, abuse is a very real part of dating relationships.
According to the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, approximately 10 percent of adolescents nationwide reported being the victim of physical violence at the hands of a romantic partner during the previous year.[1] The rate of psychological victimization is even higher: Between two and three in 10 reported being verbally or psychologically abused in the previous year, according to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.[2]
For more go to Teen Dating Violence: A Closer Look at Adolescent Romantic Relationships,
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wings for L.I.F.E. - The Effects of Trauma on Children
Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
THE EFFECTS OF “TRAUMA” ON CHILDREN: What we as parents can do to HELP!
Presented by: Billy Bowers, LMSW – CYFD
Learn about a child’s response to trauma
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
A drawing will be held for “Valentine’s Day”
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, February 12th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
THE EFFECTS OF “TRAUMA” ON CHILDREN: What we as parents can do to HELP!
Presented by: Billy Bowers, LMSW – CYFD
Learn about a child’s response to trauma
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
A drawing will be held for “Valentine’s Day”
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, February 12th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
DOJ: Children Exposed to Violence - Defending Childhood
A Message From Attorney General Eric Holder
I am happy to tell you about an important upcoming event in the fight to prevent and reduce children's exposure to violence in the United States. Last month we established the Attorney General's National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence, composed of leading experts from diverse fields and perspectives. The Task Force will spend the next year examining the extent and nature of the problem of childhood exposure to violence in the U.S. and identifying policies and promising practices to address it.
For more on the Defending Childhood Initiative, go here.
I am happy to tell you about an important upcoming event in the fight to prevent and reduce children's exposure to violence in the United States. Last month we established the Attorney General's National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence, composed of leading experts from diverse fields and perspectives. The Task Force will spend the next year examining the extent and nature of the problem of childhood exposure to violence in the U.S. and identifying policies and promising practices to address it.
For more on the Defending Childhood Initiative, go here.
Wings for L.I.F.E. - Understanding & Responding to Bullying
Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
Understanding & Responding to: BULLYING
Presented by: Bob Phillips, DBH/LMSW/LADAC
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM. and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
A drawing will be held for a baby quilt give-away!
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, January 29th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
Understanding & Responding to: BULLYING
Presented by: Bob Phillips, DBH/LMSW/LADAC
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00PM. and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
A drawing will be held for a baby quilt give-away!
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, January 29th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
Monday, January 9, 2012
January Happenings
Children's Law Institute - Albuquerque - January 11-13 - Info here.
Martin Luther King Day - January 16 - Office Closed
Training for New CASA Volunteers - January 23
Martin Luther King Day - January 16 - Office Closed
Training for New CASA Volunteers - January 23
Suicide and Bullying
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has released “Suicide and Bullying,” which address the impact of bullying on LGBT youth. You can download this publication at http://www.sprc.org/library/Suicide_Bullying_Issue_Brief.pdf.
New Definition of "Recovery"
Another important new definition: SAMHSA has announced a new definition of “recovery” that is important for victim service providers to be aware of; you can check it out at http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1112223420.aspx.
New Federal Definition of Rape
On Friday, Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) now has an updated definition of rape (which is more accurate, broader and no longer limited to just women). The “definition of rape” has not been updated for nearly 85 years, so this is a huge step forward for our field. You can read about this from the USDOJ at http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/1801, and from the White House at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/01/06/justice-department-announces-major-step-forward-combat-rape . Please spread the word about this!
Wings for L.I.F.E. Meeting - Healthy Jumpstart!
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education
“A Healthy Jumpstart to 2012!”
Presented by: Jimmy Masters, Health Educator, Department of Health
Come get your giveaway calendars for the New Year!
>AND<
Drawing for 2012 planners!
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00 and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, January 15th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
“A Healthy Jumpstart to 2012!”
Presented by: Jimmy Masters, Health Educator, Department of Health
Come get your giveaway calendars for the New Year!
>AND<
Drawing for 2012 planners!
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00 and doors will be shut at 6:15PM
Roswell Boys & Girls Club
201 S. Garden
SUNDAY, January 15th, 2012
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
For Questions call: Shelly @ 317-2042
Dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
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