News Category

Child Abuse and Neglect Cost U.S. $124 Billion Yearly

A recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study on “The  Economic Burden of Child Maltreatment in the United States and Implications for  Prevention” found that the lifetime cost associated with just one year’s worth of confirmed cases of child maltreatment is approximately $124 billion. The lifetime cost for a single victim who survives child maltreatment is $210,012. Each death costs $1.3 million in estimated income had the child survived. As highlighted in the CDC press release, “given the substantial economic burden  of child maltreatment, the benefits of prevention will likely outweigh the  costs for effective programs.”

You can read the full report here.

Programs Help Foster Youth Achieve College Success

Research shows that 70% of youth who are aging out of foster care plan to attend college — but between 3% and 11% complete a bachelor’s degree. More states are finding ways for former foster youth to attend and to succeed in college. You can read the full article here.

CASA of St. Landry Seeking Volunteers

CASA of St. Landry Parish is currently seeking new volunteers and board members as they work to rebuild their presence in the 27th Judicial District. Executive Director Tonya Bolden-Ball was recently interviewed by the local newspaper, The Daily World. You can read the article here.

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?

Bikers Against Child Abuse Raises Awareness for National Adoption Month

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and several Alexandria area organizations teamed up to host a motorcycle ride to raise awareness for National Adoption Month. Wade Bond, Executive Director of Rapides CASA, spoke at the event. You can read more about the awareness ride in The Town Talk.

Youth Services Bureau CASA Director Featured in Times Picayune

CASA Program Director for Youth Services Bureau in St. Tammany Parish and 2011 Louisiana CASA Director of the Year winner Mary Slazer was featured in the Times Picayune last week. You can read the full article at the link below:

St. Tammany Youth Services Bureau executive director named best in the state

LA Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Hotline

Child abuse and neglect should never go unreported. If you suspect a child in Louisiana is being abused or neglected, call the DCFS child protection hotline at 855-4LA-KIDS (855-452-5437) toll free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can find more information on spotting abuse and neglect here.