December, 2011

Happy Holidays from Louisiana CASA

Landrieu Priorities for Vulnerable Children Pass Congress

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, today announced that the U.S. Congress has passed key provisions for vulnerable children, including the creation of the Families First Pilot Program. This program will provide up to $4.5 million for partner governments to improve their programs for children living outside of family care. These provisions were included in year-end federal funding legislation, which passed the Senate today. It has already passed the House and now must be signed into law by the President.

“Children living outside of a family may be found living on the streets or in institutions, toiling under exploitative labor conditions, or suffering from sexual and other forms of abuse. Today’s youth will inherit the world we leave behind, so it is imperative that U.S. investments abroad successfully provide vulnerable children with opportunities to reach their full potential,” Sen. Landrieu said. “The Families First Pilot Program will allow the U.S. to partner with foreign countries to improve their child welfare programs, helping children around the world live happier, safer and more productive lives.”

You can read the full press release here.

Louisiana CASA Among 116 Winn-Dixie Grant Recipients

Louisiana CASA was one of 116 non-profits across the southeast to receive funds from the Winn-Dixie Foundation. As part of their commitment to giving back to the communities they serve, Winn-Dixie is investing $1.4 million in these programs to empower them to expand the vital resources they provide in their communities.

You can read the full press release here.

National CASA CEO on CNN

National CASA CEO Michael Piraino has appeared on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360″ and “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer” to discuss the use of psychotrophic medications by children in foster care. One study has indicated that foster kids may be medicated at 13 times the rate of other children. You can view the two specials below. Part 2 of the Diane Sawyer special will be airing tonight (Friday, December 2nd) on ABC.

Anderson Cooper 360

Too Many Meds for Foster Kids?