Why are children at risk for mental health issues after a disaster?
Emotional stress from a disaster can be harder on children because they:
  • Understand less about the situation;
  • Feel less able to control events;
  • Have less experience dealing with stressful situations; and
  • May not be able to communicate their feelings, such as fear or anxiety.
In addition, children who have previously experienced trauma or have a pre-existing mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder can be particularly vulnerable before a disaster occurs. For example, children with autism, as well as infants and toddlers, may have difficulty communicating their thoughts and feelings. Parents and caregivers can take steps to help their children cope with traumatic events.
147 CASA volunteers served 302 children in August and helped find safe, permanent homes for 9 of those children.
95 children are still waiting for someone to be their voice.
It takes 30 minutes to learn about the difference a CASA can make in a child's life.

Register for a virtual information session so you can join us for the next training starting in October 2021.
Recruiter's
Corner
This month, we are happy to share why advocate Renee Kozak said yes to becoming a voice for a child! Click the hashtag below to hear Renee's reason for saying yes.
"When you connect to the heart of a child everything, is possible."
Dr. Karen Purvis
Child.tcu.edu
Post Hurricane IDA- How to talk about Trauma

There are many resources available on trauma research providing information regarding the lasting effects of early childhood trauma.

Data reflects that experiencing the same type of traumatic event multiple times, or multiple types of traumatic events is more harmful than a single event. Additionally, there is data available reflecting children who receive support from positive relationships are more likely to recover.

In preparation for visiting with your CASA child as the emergency response is transitioning to recovery in the wake of Hurricane IDA, it is important to remember that children need help processing and adjusting to the aftermath.


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 48 children.

In the River Region, 16 children and families were provided 48 hours of counseling.


Healthy Relationships
This month we want to discuss a topic that involves everyone—relationships. We engage in a variety of relationships daily. You may wake up next to a significant other and say, “Good morning!” You may take your dog for a walk in the neighborhood and wave to a neighbor. Maybe you are a stay-at-home parent who plays with your child and keeps the household going. Or maybe you go to work and interact with co-workers. Whatever your day looks like, you partake in a wide array of relationships whether it’s personal, professional, or romantic. The big question is… “Are your relationships healthy?” Find the unhealthy behaviors listed below in the word search. If you are experiencing any of these unhealthy behaviors in your relationship, please reach out for help and/or support.
Stewards of Children Training

Stewards of Children is a revolutionary sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The program believes and teaches that child safety is an adult's job. 
This training is offered using a virtual platform at $10 per participant. Your $10 includes a workbook, personal resources for better protecting children, CEU Certificate for 2.0 hours, and sustains this training for others to be trained. Call 985-902-9583 to schedule your next training.
Webinars
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. 
In 2020, Child Advocacy Services CASA Program served 516 children with 198 volunteers dedicating over 7,564 hours. The CAC Program provided 614 forensic interviews and 457 hours of counseling to children and families.

YOU can help us do more by investing in services for children!
CHILD ADVOCACY SERVICES | CHILDADV.NET