LouisianaChildren.org

LouisianaChildren.org is a member-focused organization whose mission is to support evidence-based programs and services for vulnerable families. LouisianaChildren.org is the statewide association for Child Advocacy Centers and CASA of Louisiana.

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Happy Birthday AmeriCorps! Thanks for 20 years of #GettingThingsDone. #AmeriCorps20 http://thndr.it/1vdaYk8

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43

Every year, as Child Abuse Prevention month approaches, a Louisiana statistic comes to light with little fanfare. Events and activities are planned around this number to shed light on the need for child abuse prevention and for keeping children safe.  This year should be different.  2014 should be the year when this number truly becomes the focal point of everything we do, and who we are, at LouisianaChildren.org.

This year’s number is 43. If nothing else, remember 43. Think 43. Act 43. Honor 43.  

43 is the number of children in Louisiana who died at the hands of their caregiver in the past year. Boy, 4 months old, ruptured brain stem.  Girl, 4, drowned. And 41 more. Remember, Louisiana, these are 43 in just a year’s time.

In fact, Louisiana has one of the highest rates of child death due to abuse and neglect in the country.  These 43 did nothing wrong. They only trusted those who were supposed to love them, nurture them, and perhaps even dance to a special song on their wedding day with them.  

There is no wedding day for these children; no first day of the new school year; no opportunity for a base hit or a blue ribbon in an art contest or a project to build for a science class. There’s no first date jitters, no anxiety with driver’s education class beginning, and no college application to complete or ACT to register for. Nothing.

They are not completely gone from us.  As long as we honor their short lives through our actions these 43 children will live on. These children’s legacy will be fulfilled by you and I as we stand together to make a difference – as we stand up for Louisiana’s Children.

What will you do? Volunteer and spend 1-2 hours a week as a CASA Volunteer speaking up for children in foster care. Become a foster parent and open your home to a child seeking a safe haven for healing and hope.

Give.  No gift is too small to make a big difference. For just $25 you can be the difference for children.  You can also use your voice to speak up for children. In less than 3 minutes you can send a message to your legislators urging them to support child victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Perhaps you want to learn more on how you can make a difference.   Attend the Summit on Child Well Being or contact your local CASA program or Child Advocacy Center and find out how you can get involved in your community.  You can also attend LouisianaChildren.org’s Capitol Day April 15. Register here and let us know you are coming.

Do something.  Geaux Blue for Kids this April.  Honor the 43.  Be a voice for the 43.

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Be a Voice for Child Victims of Sexual Exploitation

One out of every 10 children in the United States are sexually assaulted before they reach the age of 18, according to researchers from Darkness to Light. It is time for that to end and for Louisiana to make children a priority.

Child Advocacy Centers in Louisiana provide services, including forensic interviews, to nearly 5,000 child victims of sexual abuse, exploitation or severe physical abuse – every year. That’s just in our state.  Child Advocacy centers operate under authority of the Louisiana’s Children Code and research has proven that CAC’s make a difference for children.

Still, the state of Louisiana does not invest any public, state dollars into this public private partnership with proven results for children; CAC’s are an unfunded mandate and, as such, struggle with the ability to keep up with the demand for their services.   

Let’s resolve to change that in 2014. Use your voice and urge your legislators to fund CAC’s. Ask your legislator if one child victim of sexual exploitation is worth an investment of only $165. That’s all we are asking for; fund $165 per child victims so more children can begin their journey of healing and hope. Do you have just 3 minutes to be a voice to help end sexual abuse of Louisiana’s children?

No one is asking you to save the world; just take one step and save the world for one child.   Speak Up. Give. Volunteer. Get involved at LouisianaChildren.org.

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5 Local Cases of Exploitation Make Headlines

In the past three weeks five stories of sexual exploitation of children in Louisiana became public. While this spike in activity is unique, the stories are not. Every year Child Advocacy Centers  (CAC) in Louisiana see over 4,500 children who have been physically or sexually abused.

When these children are provided services by a CAC, they are three times more likely to receive mental health services and twice as likely to receive a forensic medical exam. Access to these services in the child-friendly environment a CAC provides ensures minimal trauma to the child victim so they can focus on beginning their journey of hope and healing.

The community-based CAC model reminds us all that we are not helpless in the face of tragedies like these. The entire community can play a role in protecting our children. LouisianaChildren.org provides every individual an opportunity to find their role – you can volunteer, learn, give or speak-up. Whichever role you choose is a crucial first step to ensuring all children in Louisiana are able to have a safe and healthy childhood.