Wednesday, August 6, 2014

How Childhood Neglect Harms the Brain

Experts have long known that neglect and abuse in early life increase the risk of psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety, but now neuroscientists are explaining why. They're showing how early maltreatment wreaks havoc on the developing brain. 

Like any new mother, the woman we’ll call Braille was full of hope and excitement the day she welcomed her son into her life seven years ago. “Peter” was 7 years old at the time of his adoption. He’d been living in foster care after being taken from his biological mother.
According to Braille, Peter and his siblings endured years of neglect and abuse living with their biological mother and her violent boyfriend. “It was physical, emotional and continual,” she says.

Peter, now 14, and his adoptive parents are very close now, but the years since the adoption have been challenging. His father recalls Peter’s unpredictable anger, and the times Peter would punch him, out of the blue. His mother says her son could be very sweet and affectionate one minute, but then “he would just fall apart and start banging his head against the wall or start screaming.”
More of the article here.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Film Suggestions for CASA Volunteers

National CASA asked volunteers and supporters on the National CASA Facebook page to suggest movies and television shows that they found applicable to CASA/GAL advocacy. Over 30 suggestions were given—everything from documentaries about sexual abuse to kid-friendly movies about adoption. We have organized this list and added additional information about each film. Not all films have been viewed by National CASA staff. 

Topics touched on by each film are noted, and links are provided for documentaries and online video. See the list of films.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Wings For Life - Trauma, Resilience and Recovery

Wings for L.I.F.E.
Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education

“Trauma, Resilience and Recovery”
Presented By:
Dr. Bob Phillips, DBH/LMSW/LADAC

DOOR PRIZE DRAWINGS!
DOORS OPEN 5:45p.m.

505 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
St. Andrew’s Parish Hall
SUNDAY, April 27th, 2014
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Meeting starts at 6:00


Free dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment
(Sitter available)
For Questions call:  Shelly @ 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 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

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 – Turquoise Health & Wellness

EASTER GIFT DOOR PRIZES

505 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
St. Andrew’s Parish Hall

SUNDAY, April 13th, 2014
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

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

Free enchilada dinner provided &
crafts for children in a family friendly environment (Sitter available)

For Questions call:  Shelly @ 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


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Wings For Life - Opioid Addiction


Wings for L.I.F.E.

(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)

 “I HEAL…”
Suboxone: Treatment for Opioid Addiction
A Video Every Individual with Children Should See

Presented By
Rebecca Trujillo, RN/MSN, School Health Advocate

505 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
St. Andrew’s Parish Hall

SUNDAY, March 23rd, 2014
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Doors open at 5:45 PM. Meeting starts at 6:00
Door Prize Drawing!
Dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment

(Sitter available)

 For Questions call:  Shelly @ 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

Friday, March 7, 2014

Wings For Life - What Happens CYFD Enters Your Life

Wings for L.I.F.E.
(Life-skills Imparted to Families through Education)
What Happens When CYFD Enters Your Life
Presented By
Henry Dickson and Frank Patterson, Attorneys at Law

505 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
St. Andrew’s Parish Hall
SUNDAY, March 9th, 2014
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Free to Public

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

Dinner provided & crafts for children in a family friendly environment (sitter available)

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS…MOVE YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD 1 HOUR!

For Questions call:  Shelly @ 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


Parents With Disabilities in Child Welfare Cases

The newest issue of Rise magazine has an article called "Disabled But Not Unable: How Bias Impacts Parents with Disabilities in Child Welfare Cases--and How that Can Change." You can read the article here: http://risemagazine.org/featured_stories/Disabled_but_not_unable.html

The article also has a link to a very helpful report by the National Council on Disability: Rocking the Cradle: Ensuring the Rights of Parents with Disabilities and their Children.