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Recent Updates from Louisiana Supreme Court:
- Resolution 606 addresses anti-black racism and its impact on families in child welfare.
- Court Improvement Program’s CIP Cafe’ offers free, monthly educational opportunities for child welfare practitioners.
- Child in Need of Care Trial Skills Building Training for Louisiana Attorneys – Next Session is September 16, 2024 in Alexandria. Sign Up Now!
Important Information
Child Abuse Prevention – Outreach Toolkit 2024 - National Child Abuse Prevention Month: April 2024 Whether by proclamation, through social media, with graphics, or through other means, spreading the word about child abuse prevention lets your community know they can take action to strengthen families and help them … Read More
Child Welfare Law Specialist Certification - Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS) certification is a professional achievement that signifies an attorney’s specialized knowledge, skill, and verified expertise in the field of child welfare law. The specialization area is defined as “the practice of law representing children, parents … Read More
Louisiana CINC Benchbook - The Court Improvement Program of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Louisiana Judicial College, and Pelican Center for Children and Families is delighted to announce the publication of the Louisiana Child in Need of Care Benchbook for Juvenile Judges. The Benchbook project is a … Read More
Upcoming Events
Promoting Positive Change in Communities by Confronting Poverty
Louisiana CASA is excited to host our third webinar series. This series is brought to you in partnership with the Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund so we are required to ask participants certain demographic questions during registration. Once you register, an email will be sent to you that includes the link to join the webinar. We hope to see you there!
Poverty’s Impact on the Brain
Poverty isn’t just about financial scarcity; it profoundly shapes the way children’s brains develop. Growing up in disadvantaged environments can affect the brain cognition, structure, and overall well-being. The presentation will delve into research that reveals the short and long-term affects poverty and explore the brain’s remarkable capacity for change. Join us as we bridge neuroscience and social justice, equipping participants with knowledge to create positive outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Among child welfare service and program goals is the achievement of children and youth’s educational progress to match their potential and needs. Educational success of children and youth in the child welfare system depends, in part, on the collective efforts and collaboration of caregivers (foster, adoptive, and kinship), social workers, and agency management to address challenges and strategies for success.
CWLA is pleased to invite you to join us for this engaging skill-building opportunity that will share how to improve school experiences and long-term outcomes for children who have experienced trauma. Participants in this training will:
- Develop an understanding of common barriers to educational access and engagement for youth who have experienced trauma.
- Learn practical strategies for cultivating resilience at home that will lead to improved school performance.
- Advance their knowledge of the education system and supports available to children with special needs and circumstances.
- Expand their collaboration and advocacy toolkits to ensure children and youth have access to high quality schooling.
This training is appropriate for caregivers (foster, adoptive, and kinship) and social workers who have an interest and responsibility to better support children and youth in school as well as their educational achievement.
Using case examples, discussion, skill-building exercises, and opportunities for Q&A, this training draws on the latest research in trauma and learning. The following topics will be covered during the (4) four two-hour individual training sessions:
- Session 1: Common School Challenges for Learners Who Have Experienced Trauma and Best Practice in Trauma-Informed Education
- Session 2: Cultivating the Skills Children Need to be Successful in School
- Session 3: Understanding the Educational Process
- Session 4: Advocating for Youth in Schools
Trainer: Gwen Bass, PhD
Dr. Bass focuses on engaging teachers, families, and the community of support professionals around children to improve school experiences and long-term outcomes. She uses her research and expertise to enhance opportunities for students who are marginalized and improve educational access and outcomes for children with learning differences. Dedicated to training teachers, social workers, and parents so they can collaborate to support children in schools, she is particularly interested in serving children who are the most vulnerable, including youth with disabilities and youth in foster care. As an education consultant, she frequently presents on inclusive classroom practices, behavior management, child development, child welfare systems, parent education, measurement and evaluation of social emotional skills in schools, and trauma-sensitive teaching. Dr. Bass is the former Director of the Teacher Leadership Division, Professional and Graduate Education at Mount Holyoke College. She spent nearly 10 years in pre-K-12 schools as an early childhood educator, special education teacher, and school counselor. She is the author of the recently released publication titled, Immaculate Misconception: A Story of Biology and Belonging.
The April Dunn Act establishes alternative pathways for grade promotion and graduation for students with disabilities. Rebecca Hanberry, a consultant for Louisiana Department of Education, will discuss the purpose of the April Dunn Act, criteria and IEP considerations, and provide information on how the April Dunn Act is used to assist students in reaching their goal of obtaining a high school diploma.
We invite you to attend the 2024 Caucus for Children!
Join us at a meeting in your area! Every voice is very important for our children’s future. This plan will cover the next five years of strategic efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect across Louisiana.
Please invite all of your parish and city leaders, educators, faith-based leaders, nonprofit and civic organizations, law enforcement, medical and legal professionals, social service groups and more! We want to have a full and robust response in each area to help determine a customized regional plan.
AGENDA
- 9am Welcome & Introductions
- 9:30am Networking Activity
- 10am Regional Trends & Data Discussion
- 10:30am Recommendations & Solutions Discussion
- 11am Prioritization of Recommendations & Solutions
- 11:30am Wrap-up and Closing Comments
Questions? Call Team Dynamics at 985-624-3514.
Attendees – please bring business cards and or flyers to share with others in your region!
We invite you to attend the 2024 Caucus for Children!
Join us at a meeting in your area! Every voice is very important for our children’s future. This plan will cover the next five years of strategic efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect across Louisiana.
Please invite all of your parish and city leaders, educators, faith-based leaders, nonprofit and civic organizations, law enforcement, medical and legal professionals, social service groups and more! We want to have a full and robust response in each area to help determine a customized regional plan.
AGENDA
- 9am Welcome & Introductions
- 9:30am Networking Activity
- 10am Regional Trends & Data Discussion
- 10:30am Recommendations & Solutions Discussion
- 11am Prioritization of Recommendations & Solutions
- 11:30am Wrap-up and Closing Comments
Questions? Call Team Dynamics at 985-624-3514.
Attendees – please bring business cards and or flyers to share with others in your region!
This Session will explore the pivotal role of community engagement in preventing child abuse and neglect, focusing on how to mobilize community resources to protect vulnerable children. Participants will learn how to harness the power if community partnerships, local organizations, and volunteers to create a protective environment for children and families. The session will cover effective strategies for engaging diverse community stakeholders, building collaborative networks, and utilizing existing resources to strengthen child protection efforts. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to foster a community-wide approach to preventing child abuse and neglect, ensuring that all children have access to safe, nurturing environments.
SPEAKER:
LaToya Butler works as a CPS Consultant for the Department of Children and Family Services. She previously served as the MCC (My Community Cares) State Family Support Coordinator. She has a 15 year old daughter who is in 10th grade in high school. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting with a minor in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
LaToya Butler has received both Degrees from Southern University and A&M College. She used to be an Investigator for Child Protection and the Case Manager/Liaison for the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court. When not working, She enjoys roller skating (she used to belong to a roller derby league in Baton Rouge, LA), traveling, reading and meeting new people. She once worked as a Disc Jockey for 101.5 WYNK.
More interesting facts about Latoya Butler: I was born in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, she has a skating group called Roll On It Gurlz, am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and an Employment Consulting business called Butler Premier Consulting Firm, Inc.
Among child welfare service and program goals is the achievement of children and youth’s educational progress to match their potential and needs. Educational success of children and youth in the child welfare system depends, in part, on the collective efforts and collaboration of caregivers (foster, adoptive, and kinship), social workers, and agency management to address challenges and strategies for success.
CWLA is pleased to invite you to join us for this engaging skill-building opportunity that will share how to improve school experiences and long-term outcomes for children who have experienced trauma. Participants in this training will:
- Develop an understanding of common barriers to educational access and engagement for youth who have experienced trauma.
- Learn practical strategies for cultivating resilience at home that will lead to improved school performance.
- Advance their knowledge of the education system and supports available to children with special needs and circumstances.
- Expand their collaboration and advocacy toolkits to ensure children and youth have access to high quality schooling.
This training is appropriate for caregivers (foster, adoptive, and kinship) and social workers who have an interest and responsibility to better support children and youth in school as well as their educational achievement.
Using case examples, discussion, skill-building exercises, and opportunities for Q&A, this training draws on the latest research in trauma and learning. The following topics will be covered during the (4) four two-hour individual training sessions:
- Session 1: Common School Challenges for Learners Who Have Experienced Trauma and Best Practice in Trauma-Informed Education
- Session 2: Cultivating the Skills Children Need to be Successful in School
- Session 3: Understanding the Educational Process
- Session 4: Advocating for Youth in Schools
Trainer: Gwen Bass, PhD
Dr. Bass focuses on engaging teachers, families, and the community of support professionals around children to improve school experiences and long-term outcomes. She uses her research and expertise to enhance opportunities for students who are marginalized and improve educational access and outcomes for children with learning differences. Dedicated to training teachers, social workers, and parents so they can collaborate to support children in schools, she is particularly interested in serving children who are the most vulnerable, including youth with disabilities and youth in foster care. As an education consultant, she frequently presents on inclusive classroom practices, behavior management, child development, child welfare systems, parent education, measurement and evaluation of social emotional skills in schools, and trauma-sensitive teaching. Dr. Bass is the former Director of the Teacher Leadership Division, Professional and Graduate Education at Mount Holyoke College. She spent nearly 10 years in pre-K-12 schools as an early childhood educator, special education teacher, and school counselor. She is the author of the recently released publication titled, Immaculate Misconception: A Story of Biology and Belonging.
We invite you to attend the 2024 Caucus for Children!
Join us at a meeting in your area! Every voice is very important for our children’s future. This plan will cover the next five years of strategic efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect across Louisiana.
Please invite all of your parish and city leaders, educators, faith-based leaders, nonprofit and civic organizations, law enforcement, medical and legal professionals, social service groups and more! We want to have a full and robust response in each area to help determine a customized regional plan.
AGENDA
- 9am Welcome & Introductions
- 9:30am Networking Activity
- 10am Regional Trends & Data Discussion
- 10:30am Recommendations & Solutions Discussion
- 11am Prioritization of Recommendations & Solutions
- 11:30am Wrap-up and Closing Comments
Questions? Call Team Dynamics at 985-624-3514.
Attendees – please bring business cards and or flyers to share with others in your region!
Join us for the September Idea Exchange where we will continue the conversation following the Practice Academy course — Intentional Integration: How to Identify and Support Parents with Co-Occurring Disorders. Many dependency court professionals recognize the prevalence of co-occurring disorders. Still, due to complexities in screening, assessment, diagnosis, and securing mental health services, FTCs may not appropriately identify and treat parents with co-occurring disorders. Come take part in a lively conversation with peers from across the country and discuss strategies, share innovations, and brainstorm solutions to challenges and barriers!
Join Generations United, for the much-anticipated release of the 2024 State of Grandfamilies & Kinship Care report, “Pathways to Success: K-12 Education Support for Kinship and Grandfamilies.”
Discover how over 2.4 million children in grandfamilies and kinship families are impacted by educational challenges and learn about actionable recommendations to improve their school support and services. Our goal is to enhance academic outcomes and build a stronger future for these children.
Event Highlights:
Key findings from the 2024 report Conversations with caregivers, a school administrator, and advocates Insights into our interactive report website Information on the upcoming release of the toolkit offering practical strategies and tools for professionals in the field created by the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network
Confirmed Panelists:
Jason B. Allen, National Director of Partnerships, National Parents Union (Moderator)
Michael Robert, Ed.D., Superintendent, Osborn School District, Phoenix, Arizona
Victoria Gray, Caregiver
Laurie Tapzada, Caregiver
Don’t Miss the Q&A Session! Immediately following the event, join Generations United, for a 30-minute Q&A discussion about the report with the Generations United team, the report’s author Amy Goyer, and the panelists. Gain deeper insights, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the latest findings and recommendations on K-12 education support for kinship and grandfamilies. Details on joining the Q&A session will be shared during the release.