Louisiana CASA

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu Resolution on Permanency Passes

lynette — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:39:47 +0000

Louisiana’s U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu authored a Senate Resolution on the rights of children to find a safe, permanent and loving home February 14th. She states, “Valentine’s Day reminds us of a simple idea of love: Every child has a right to be cared for within a safe and permanent family. The first call I made Tuesday morning was to my husband and kids to wish them a happy Valentine’s Day. But sadly there are millions of children who may not have received a call or valentine from a parent because they are orphans.” You can read her full press release on the resolution here, the full text of the resolution here, and watch youtube highlights of her speech here.

CAS Hosting 2 “Blue Run’s” to Kick Off Child Abuse Prevention Month

lynette — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:03:45 +0000

Child Advocacy Services will be hosting two “Blue Runs” to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. The second annual CAS Blue Run will be held on Saturday, March 31st at Cate Street Park in Hammond, featuring a 1 mile fun run beginning at 8:00 a.m. and a 5K Race starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration fee is $15 before March 16th and $20 after deadline. Prizes will be given to winning teams in each category, overall male and female winners in each age division, and to the “Best in Blue” costume. Race forms are available at Child Advocacy Services, Spoga, and Perfectly Fit. Onsite registration locations are Perfectly Fit and Child Advocacy Services.

The first annual CAS Blue Run hosted by St. Elizabeth Hospital will be held on April 14th at Gonzales City Hall. The run will feature a 1 mile fun run beginning at 8:00 a.m. and a 5K Race starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration fee is $15 per person before March 30th and $20 after deadline.

For more information or registration forms contact Child Advocacy Services at 985-902-9583 or click on the Blue Ribbon tab at www.childadv.net.

Learn more about Child Advocacy Services by checking out this youtube video: http://youtu.be/HrrCP6EDb-s

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

lynette — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:22:07 +0000

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

lynette — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:52:00 +0000

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

lynette — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:12:38 +0000

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

lynette — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:03:31 +0000

Landrieu Priorities for Vulnerable Children Pass Congress

lynette — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:29:09 +0000

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

lynette — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:28:36 +0000

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

lynette — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:02:26 +0000

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

lynette — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:18:06 +0000

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.