What You Need to Know About
Youth Suicide
Suicidal thoughts are common among teens and young adults. In fact, about 20% of high school students report serious thoughts about suicide, and about 9% report a suicide attempt.

These numbers are frightening, but there is also hope. If we can identify and support young people who are experiencing mental health symptoms, including thinking about suicide, we have an opportunity to help prevent tragedy.

When you understand the risk factors, you can find additional resources to help reduce these staggering statistics.

135 CASA volunteers served 287 children in August and helped find safe, permanent homes for 7 of those children.
98 children are still waiting for someone to be their voice.

Recruiter's Corner

It only takes 30 minutes to learn about the difference a CASA can make in a child's life.

Register for a virtual CASA 101 information session here.

Our next CASA training will begin October 11, 2022.


"When you connect to the heart of a child, everything is possible."
Dr. Karen Purvis
Child.tcu.edu


Important Reminders for CASAs
How long has it been since you completed CASA Pre-Service Training? Most of our advocates have been volunteers for two years or longer. In fact, we have many volunteers who have spent ten years or more advocating for children! While we review the CASA roles and responsibilities and the CASA Policy and Procedure Manual during our meetings with you and in continuing education trainings, there is a lot to remember. This refresher covers some of the most important things for you to remember.


Remember to keep your CASA Volunteer file up-to-date with your current
auto insurance card, driver's license, and contact information. 
And remember to visit your CASA child face-to-face at least once a month.
In August, the Children's Advocacy Center provided advocacy and forensic interviews to 72 children.

In the River Region, 22 children and families were provided 58 hours of counseling.


Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

To learn more, click here.

Source: https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)
September Webinars/Conferences
*CASA Volunteers are required to receive 12 Continuing Education hours per year. Only 4 can be articles, newsletters, and films.





Brave children tell their stories. Courageous adults help these children through their trauma and assist them in finding a safe future. Buttons of Bravery represent the journey of one child for a year under the care of Child Advocacy Services. 
Want to Join Our Team?
We're Hiring!

We are looking for caring individuals who want to join our team of passionate adults that work to bring Voice, Healing, and Security to our community's children. Please send a resume with cover letter to lpenn@childadv.net.


In 2021, Child Advocacy Services CASA Program served 446 children with 188 volunteers dedicating over 6,890 hours. The CAC Program provided 707 forensic interviews and 536 counseling sessions to children and families.

YOU can help us do more by investing in services for children!