The Best Gift You Can Give

For those of us who work with children and families, the holiday season can be particularly stressful.   The Tribal Star has published a list of resources for practicing self care.  You can find it at http://theacademy.sdsu.edu/TribalSTAR/resources/burnout.html. 

The best gift you can give yourself and your family, friends, co-workers and clients is to practice self care.  Parker Palmer said that burnout isn't the result of giving to much, it is the result of trying to give what we don't have.  Self care activities help fill us up so we can give without becoming burned out. 

Take care of yourself this holiday season. You are worth the investment!

Child Well-Being Up in Spite of Greater Poverty, Index Shows

By Sarah D. Sparks on December 18, 2012 8:53 AM

America's children and their families are showing greater resilience and support in the face of rising poverty that has now wiped out the historic financial gains of the 1990s, according to the Foundation for Child Development's annual child well-being index.

The New York City-based group announced this morning that overall child well-being is up more than 5 percent both from 2001 and the index's beginning a generation ago, in 1975. The index is a composite of 28 indicators of both children's environmental and economic environments and their own behaviors.

This year, those environmental factors continued to be a hurdle rather than a lift for children, according to Deborah A. Phillips, the foundation's president. The group's "family economic well-being" indicators have fallen in the past decade, including rising poverty, falling median income and less secure parental employment, all shown to be associated with higher chronic stress on children and families. From 2001 to 2011, the percentage of children living in families below the poverty line has increased from 15.6 percent to 21.4 percent; a third of this increase in child poverty occurred between 2001 and 2007—before the most recent recession.

"When we've had recessions, you do see steeper [increases] in child poverty for sure, but I think what this is showing is a much more fundamental failure of our social policies that guarantee children will not grow up in poverty," Phillips said. "We have completely wiped out the economic gains in the past 35 years. The younger you are in this society, the higher your likelihood of living in poverty, and we know that poverty is most destructive to young children."

However, the index researchers, led by Kenneth C. Land, a sociology professor at the Duke Population Research Institute in Durham, N.C., found improvements driven primarily by the children themselves. Last week's horrific school shootings in Connecticut notwithstanding, children as either the victims or perpetrators of violent crime has fallen more than 60 percent from 2001 to 2011.

Likewise, the index shows children are less likely to do drugs or become parents as teenagers. They are more engaged in their communities and have slightly better educational attainment, though growth in preschool enrollment has stalled since the recession.
Land said he thinks the explanation for this resilience comes from what he calls a "shadow beneath our indicators," namely that since the 1990s, "Parents got a lot more active in the lives of their children."

The causes are legion—media coverage and parent fears of school violence like Columbine to gangs and sexual predators; increased scrutiny of education through No Child Left Behind, even just generational changes in parenting style and the technology available to keep tabs on children. For whatever reason, Land said, "Mommy is calling son or daughter more. There's a lot more close monitoring. It's true that upper- and middle-class parents who are more resourceful are better able to monitor their kids, but an implication of what we've seen in the past 10-12 years is, it's not confined to upper class levels. Even parents of more down economic status are monitoring their children more and being more involved."

And that rising parent involvement may be providing a more stable buffer for students, he said, even as other parts of children's environment become shakier.

Wherever You Travel, Remember to Dance

Matt Harding reminds us that no matter how different we may seem, we share common joys.  So, all you travelers, keep dancing:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwe-pA6TaZk

Happy 12/12/12 at 12:12!

Wishing you dozens of good wishes!

Enough Abuse Campaign

Find out what Massachusetts is doing to prevent child sexual abuse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgBPkEkhRTQ

Office of Victims of Crime Releases Report on CAN

The U.S. Office of Victims of Crime has released an updated report on child abuse and neglect.  The 22 page report provides statistics and information on research related to child abuse and neglect.  A good resource for those of us trying to make an effective case for continued services (and funding).  You can find it at:

http://www.ncdsv.org/images/OVCTTAC_ChildAbuseAndNeglectResourcePaper_2012.pdf

Tuesday Travel Tip - Flying Pie

Lynn developed a quick quiz for those of you traveling over the holidays. Due to the inconsistencies of airport security and the Thanksgiving holiday this week she thought people might like to know if they can take a pumpkin pie or other Thanksgiving goodies on to their flight.  Here is the quiz.  Scroll down past the picture to find your answer.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up. Can I take cranberry jelly, gravy, cheese spread and pumpkin pie on board my flight?

a. Yes

b. Pumpkin pie is TSA-approved, but subject to officer inspection

c. Only if you carry 3.4 ounces or less of each and fit them all in a quart-sized bag.

d. Fuhgettaboudit. They are all considered liquids.

 

 

 

 

 

Answer: B. Pumpkin pie is TSA-approved, but might be inspected by an agent (which raises the question of how big of a slice of pie the agent would have to personally inspect).

 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving - we are very thankful for you and all that you do.

OJJDP Seeks Peer Reviewers for Grant Applications

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) invites practitioners with expertise in juvenile mentoring programs, youth-focused policing, and the implementation and evaluation of tribal youth initiatives to apply to serve as peer reviewers for its fiscal year 2013 discretionary grant applications.

To apply, e-mail a current résumé or curriculum vitae to OJJDPConsultantPool@usdoj.gov by November 30, 2012. Note your areas of expertise in the message body. OJJDP will compensate peer reviewers for their time and effort. OJJDP anticipates using these peer reviewers in March/April 2013.

Peer reviewers have at least 2 weeks to evaluate and rate a set number of applications and to submit their assessments electronically in the Office of Justice Programs’ Grants Management System. OJJDP will conduct a conference call in which a panel of at least three reviewers reach consensus on the merits and shortcomings of each application. OJJDP is committed to ensuring a fair and open process for awarding grants. Peer reviews, which provide an independent assessment of applications, play an important advisory role to that end.

Peer reviewers must comply with the OJP conflict of interest rules and regulations. For example, a peer reviewer cannot have a financial relationship with an organization that submitted an application under the solicitation being peer reviewed.

Resources:

To apply, send a résumé or curriculum vitae to OJJDPConsultantPool@usdoj.gov.

For more information on OJJDP funding opportunities and awards, visit http://ojjdp.gov/funding/funding.html.

Tuesday Travel Tip - you should always listen to the safety overview, especially this one

Welcome Warm Springs Child Abuse Intervention Center

Please join me in welcoming the new Child Abuse Intervention Center in Warm Springs, OR.
http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2012/11/child_abuse_intervention_cente.html

Scholarships to the National Symposium in Huntsville Still Available!

The Deadline to Apply for a Scholarship to the 29th National Symposium on Child Abuse Has Been Extended

Due to an issue with their service provider, NCAC has decided to extend the deadline to apply for a scholarship to the 29th National Symposium on Child Abuse to Friday, November 9, 2012 at 5:00 pm. CST. All new and prior applicants will be notified electronically by close of business November 16, 2012, whether or not they received a scholarship.

The 29th Symposium will offer 10 workshops sessions for multidisciplinary professionals working in the field of child maltreatment. The workshops are designed for both seasoned professionals and those new to the field.

The Scholarship covers the registration fee only, not travel or lodging

The registration fee (scholarship) includes: access to all Symposium workshops; daily continental breakfast and lunch; Joe's Hospitality Room on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Wednesday evening Band Party; and transportation between official hotels and Symposium venues.

 

There is a limited number of scholarships available. Apply for a Scholarship

These scholarships are made available through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Register Now for the 29th National Symposium on Child Abuse

For more information about this conference, please contact Marilyn Grundy at mgrundy@nationalcac.org

If you are interested in receiving information regarding exhibiting at or sponsorship of the 29th National Symposium on Child Abuse, please contact Kara Watkins at kwatkins@nationalcac.org

Engaging the Community through Community Cafes

Community Cafes are a way of engaging members of the community in developing a deeper understanding of an issue and creating strategies to address that issue.  The State of Alaska Strengthening Families Alaska program developed this toolkit on how to host a community cafe around issues of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse.  You can find the toolkit at
http://www.hss.state.ak.us/ocs/Publications/pdf/Toolkit-%20Community%20Cafe.pdf

and in the WRCAC Toolkit, under the Organizational Capacity Community Awareness tab   at www.wrcactoolkit.org. 

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Free Foundation Center Classes and Webinars

The Foundation Center offers a number of free online classes and webinars on how to approach foundations and accessing corporate giving.  They also offer classes at a cost, but there are a lot of free resources on their website.  http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/training/online/.

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Tuesday Travel Tip - In Search of the Best Cupcake

Traveling to a new location and looking for a restaurant nearby that serves great pad thai or barbecue?  Dishtip  is a website that lets you find the best restaurant, rated by consumers, in any given city by type of food. For example, Trophy Cupcakes and Party in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood apparently has the best red velvet cupcakes in Seattle, beating out the infamous Cupcake Royale.  Good to know when you are caught in the grips of a red velvet cupcake craving and don't want to leave it up to a cab driver's recommendation. Try it out at www.dishtip.com.

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP, especially since determination of the best cupcake anywhere is really pretty subjective when you think about it.

Creating Trauma-Informed Child Welfare Systems

The Chadwick Center in San Diego, in partnership with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), has developed an online resource for administrators and others involved in the child welfare system.  This downloadable guide contains information that is not only helpful for administrators, but for anyone working within, or wanting to work within, a trauma-informed system.  The toolkit, Creating Trauma Informed Child Welfare Systems, A Guide for Administrators can be found at
http://www.chadwickcenter.org/CTISP/images/CTISPTICWAdminGuide.pdf

or you can access it on our CAC Director Toolkit website:  www.wrcactoolkit.org.

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Outstanding Service Awards

Outstanding Service Awards Do you know someone who has made a significant contribution to address child sexual abuse and exploitation in their community? The National Children's Advocacy Center is now accepting nominations for 2013 Outstanding Service Awards. These awards recognize professionals who demonstrate excellence in the collaborative approach to protecting children from the impact of child sexual abuse and exploitation. Award recipients will be recognized during the Networking Luncheon at the 29th National Symposium on Child Abuse, on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama.   Deadline for nominations is Friday November 30, 2012.   Complete and Submit Your Nomination Application For more information about Symposium, please contact Marilyn Grundy at mgrundy@nationalcac.org The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

CAC Director Toolkit

Check out our new CAC Director Toolkit with over 140 resources to help established and developing CACs.  You can find it at www.wrcactoolkit.org or go to our website at www.westernregionalcac.org and click the resources tab.  Let us know what you think.  Thanks!

Child Abuse Related Injuries on the Rise

Despite reports that child abuse is declining, the number of children under one year of age hospitalized for abuse-related injuries has increased.  You can read the article at

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/01/us-injuries-child-abuse-idUSBRE89004620121001

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

Researcher Amy Cuddy talks about what your body language communicates to others, how it creates physical changes that can impact outcomes in your life and why it is important to fake it until you become it.   You can see her Ted Talk at http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html. 

Tuesday Travel Tip: Avoid that Middle Seat

If you are traveling with another person and don't want to play rock-paper-scissors over who gets the middle seat, have each person reserve an aisle seat across from each other.  That way you can still talk to each other but you each get a more comfortable seat.  Unless you want the window, then you are on your own.

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

NSVRC Fact Sheet Helps Media Understand CSA

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center has prepared this fact sheet  to help journalists, and other media sources, better understand child sexual abuse.  You can find it at http://nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/Publications_NSVRC_Factsheet_Media-Packet_What-is-CSA.pdf

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Bright Tomorrows in Pocatello, ID, works with partners in eastern Idaho to respond to an increase in child sexual abuse cases.  http://blackfootjournal.com/child-sex-abuse-cases/

Trauma Informed Care Tip Sheets

OJJDP's Safe Start Center offers a number of free online resources including information about the trauma informed care along with links to tip sheets, guides, and other publications on children exposed to violence.  You can find tip sheets for parents and practitioners by following this link:  http://www.safestartcenter.org/resources/tip-sheets.php

Parenting Children Who Have Experienced Trauma

Although these presentation materials were aimed at adoptive and foster parents, the information covered would be helpful for anyone parenting a child who has experienced significant trauma.  The presentation used materials developed by NCTSN.  Here are the links:

http://nysccc.org/wp-content/uploads/SchoolerPart2Essentials.pdf
http://nysccc.org/wp-content/uploads/SchoolerPPointPart2TraumaCompPart.pdf

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Travel Tip: Smartest Parents Ever

Picture Posted on Facebook

Preventing Domestic and Sexual Violence in Indian Country

A bulletin prepared by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Alaska Native Epidemiology Center presents data about domestic and sexual violence among Native Americans of all ages.  You can find it at:

https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm?event=website.viewArticles&issueid=139&articleid=3645

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Thinking About the Way We Share Stories

Stories are very powerful.  They have a way of connecting with people that statistics and descriptions of services do not.  Although we like to think that we make decisions based on a rational examination of the facts, emotion plays a large factor in our decision making process. 

So, how do we share the stories of our clients, our teams, our organizations?  What are our ethical responsibilites?  This two-part article in PhilanTopic discusses the ethical considerations of story telling.

http://pndblog.typepad.com/pndblog/2011/04/ethical-storysharing-part-1.html
http://pndblog.typepad.com/pndblog/2011/04/ethical-storysharing-part-2.html

Friday Fun

And now for something completely different - watch artist Mark Crilley's Realism Challenge #3.  Happy Friday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuMuGYCW63w


The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Developmental Difficulties Related to Child Abuse

When reaching out to funders and other stakeholders, it is helpful to have research to back up the anecdotal information we have from working with children at our centers.  The National Institute of Justice Child Abuse and Maltreatment site provides summaries of current research related to child abuse and other forms of violence.  You can find information about developmental difficulties related to child abuse by following this link:
http://www.nij.gov/nij/topics/crime/child-abuse/developmental-difficulties.htm

The information provided in this blog is intended to help readers access a wide variety of information related to the work of Children's Advocacy Centers and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular model or approach and does not necessarily reflect the views of Western Regional CAC, Safe Passage CAC, or OJJDP.

Finding Out What Funders Think

Even though you generally can't join grantmaker organizations as members, visiting their websites and reviewing the materials available to the general public will help you gain valuable insights into current trends in philanthropy.

A trip to the Grantmakers for Effective Organizations web site,  http://www.geofunders.org/home,  will provide you a link to a guide for funders on the use of evaluations to strengthen their understanding, and ability to partner more effectively with, the organizations they fund.  In addition, click on the News tab, go to the press kit, and you will find a list of foundations that belong to this grantmaker organization, as well as links to their websites (click on the foundation name).

The GEO News section also includes a link to a series of short videos (Engage for Results) that highlight a paradigm shift towards transformational funding and greater engagement with grantees and their communities.

Most states or regions have grantmaker forums and many have sections for potential grantees.  To find the one for your area, go to http://www.givingforum.org/s_forum/sec.asp?CID=575&DID=2625 and click on your state.

The Power of Collective Impact

Effective collaboration is key to the operation of a CAC.  When we work well, it is because we have engaged partners from diverse disciplines to work towards a common goal.  How can we use what we have learned about the power of collaboration to address the wider issues related to sexual abuse and other forms of child maltreatment?  How do we engage funders and other partners outside of the CAC core disciplines to become part of this effort?  Can we have a greater impact by inviting others into the circle to create a cultural shift in our communities? Can we become part of a larger collaborative effort?

An article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review (Winter 2011) talks about the power of collective impact and how using this model can create the kind of social change that the work of individual agencies cannot.  They write:

"The power of collective action comes not from the sheer number of participants or the uniformity of their efforts, but from the coordination of their differentiated activities through a mutually reinforcing plan of action. Each stakeholder’s efforts must fit into an overarching plan if their combined efforts are to succeed. The multiple causes of social problems, and the components of their solutions, are interdependent. They cannot be addressed by uncoordinated actions among isolated organizations."

To read more about the power of collective impact, go to http://www.ssireview.org/articles/entry/collective_impact/

What do East Wenatchee, Denver, and Farmington Have In Common?

What do these cities in Washington, Colorado, and New Mexico have in common?  You can find them by clicking the interactive map on the Foundation Center's Nonprofit Collaboration Resource Page.  This page provides information on how to form and sustain viable collaborations and gives examples of effective collaborations around the country.  Check out the infographic on strategic restructuring and find out what experts say about collaborative partnerships with other agencies and funders.  You can find it at http://foundationcenter.org/gainknowledge/collaboration/

Recognize Your Local Champions of Victims Rights

Does your team include an outstanding advocate for children?  How about a volunteer, program, or organization in your community that is a champion for the rights of child victims?

Each year the Office of Victims of Crime recognizes individuals, teams, organizations, and programs that promote the rights of victims.  They also have awards for volunteers and for victims of crime that have moved beyond their victimation to help others.  To nominate someone you think deserves extra recognition for their efforts and inspiration, go to http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/notices/2013NatlServiceAward/index_reminder.html and fill out the online nomination form. 

Flight Canceled? Your Cell Phone May Be Your Best Friend

Here's this week's travel tip. If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, your cell phone may help you get a seat on another flight and save you cancelation fees at the hotel you booked. Put the phone numbers and confirmation numbers for airlines reservations, ground transportation, and hotels in your cell phone or smart phone before leaving for your trip. Make sure you have your airline and hotel membership numbers as well. If your flight is canceled or the delay means you will miss your connecting flight, you can call the airline reservation line directly and try to get on another flight. Although you still want to get in line for the customer service desk, you can call the airline's reservation number while you are waiting for the line to move slowly to the counter. You may have a new seat before you get to the front of the line and, more importantly, before one of the twenty people ahead of you gets that seat first. If the line is still long, you can get your boarding pass at the new flight's gate. Be sure and call your shuttle or rental car and hotel to reschedule or cancel, so you won't be charged a cancelation fee.

When you arrive at the airport and head for your original gate, look for your airline's customer service desks - there may be more than one. Often, when a flight is canceled or delayed, people head for the nearest desk. Heading for the one at another spot in the terminal may mean you are at or near the front of the line instead of waiting behind the other 100 or so customers from your flight who made a bee-line to the first customer service counter they could find. Also, and this shouldn't have to be said, but given what I have seen happen in front of me on more than one occasion, I will - be nice to the airline employees, no matter how tired or frustrated you feel. Remember, they have the computer with the flight info in it, and you don't. Plus, there is that whole being kind and respectful to people thing.

A final tip, if your flight is delayed, sit within earshot of the gate agent. When I overheard one gate agent in Virginia say to another, "it will take an act of God", when talking about the chances that the plane's mechanical issues would be resolved anytime soon, I made my way quickly to the airline's customer service desk to book another flight, several minutes ahead of the official cancelation announcement.

Happy Trails!

Would you like to see some of the places we roam?  Go to http://pinterest.com/mofitz17/where-do-we-roam/

It's Safe To Say

This short video was produced by teens and young adults with the support of the Joyful Heart Foundation and is targeted at young victims of trauma, including sexual abuse.  You can find "It's Safe To Say" on Youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybIRdIXWO00

Using Pinterest? Check this out.

Has your CAC or Chapter started using Pinterest?  If so, or if you are considering starting, check out this short article on five best Pinterest practices for nonprofits.

http://nonprofitorgs.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/five-pinterest-best-practices-for-nonprofits/

Grants from Build-A-Bear

Build-A-Bear is offering grants of up to $5000 to support projects that benefit kids including health and safety. Therapeutic animals are included in the domestic pet section of the RFP. You can view it at http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/contents/content.jsp?catId=400002&id=700010

Walmart Grants for Statewide Projects

Walmart is seeking statewide projects to apply for up to $25,000.  One of the categories includes increased access to health care.  Research indicates that children who are seen at a CAC are more likely to have medical evaluations.  Do your doctors and nurses find other health issues and make referrals?  How many of the kids you see don't have a regular doctor?  This might be a good project for a Chapter, or CAC that serves a large region, to consider.  It's a fairly quick turn around (August 10), but still worth a look.  You can find out more at http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=385000029

Finding Free Images, Video, and Music

People don't always realize that clip art, including drawings and pictures, is not always free to use in some settings.  You have to check on the copyright restrictions.  For example, Microsoft clip art photograhs cannot necessarily be used for anything associated with controversial subjects, and child abuse is one of those subjects.  Buying the license to high quality images can be very expensive, but there are alternatives. This YouTube video provides information on how to use Creative Commons to find royalty free photos, clip art, videos, and music.  You can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvsbJaJeFGY.

Funding for Recording Equipment Available

Closed Circuit Television & Recording Technology

For Use in Child Abuse Cases

The National Children’s Advocacy Center has announced the availability of grant funding for the purchase and/or upgrade of closed-circuit television and/or recording equipment for use in criminal child abuse cases. The primary goal of this program is to reduce the trauma to children who testify at hearings or trials, or whose disclosures are recorded during investigation, by increasing the number of locations where CCTV/Recording Technology is available. Interested parties are encouraged to view an on-line informational tutorial prior to submitting an application:

http://www.nationalcac.org/images/pdfs/SRCAC/CCTV%20%20Recording%20Equipment%20Grant%20-%20Tutorial.pdf

Video on Human Trafficking

WARN, a coalition of organizations in Washington State, has posted a video on YouTube highlighting information about human trafficking in the US, including trafficking of children.  You can access it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsjRQtrG0Ro&feature=youtu.be

Trauma-informed Care

Trauma impacts not only the children and families we see in our centers, but also the people who work with them, the team, and the organization as a whole.  Studies are being done that point to the need to develop trauma-informed organizational systems.  The article linked below looks at this process.  The target audience for the document is individuals working with homeless families, but the information on organizational assessment and implementation is applicable to any organization. 

http://www.familyhomelessness.org/media/90.pdf

Dealing with Secondary Trauma

The Spring 2012 issue of CW360, a publication of the University of Minnesota's Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, is dedicated to the impact of secondary trauma on child welfare workers.  These short articles address various aspects of the issue including strategies to minimize the impact of secondary trauma.  You can find it at http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ssw/cascw/attributes/PDF/publications/CW360_2012.pdf

Resiliency in the Face of Childhood Trauma

A new report talks about the factors that have helped victims of childhood trauma develop the resiliency that helps them move past those traumatic events.  You can find a summary at
https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm?event=website.viewArticles&issueid=136&articleid=3536.  To read the complete article, go to http://sgo.sagepub.com/content/2/1/2158244012440002.full

OJJDP Webinar To Address Challenges LGBTQI Youth Face in Schools and Communities

On June 6, 2012, at 2 p.m. E.T (12 p.m. MT, 11 p.m. PT)., the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) will present the Webinar, “Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges Faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQI) Youth in Schools and Communities.” Presenters will discuss the importance of changing perceptions, practices, and culture to address the needs of these underserved youth. Future webinars will discuss LGBTQI youth and their families and LGBTQI youth in juvenile justice settings.


Registration is available online. For more information about the Webinar and to register, go to https://ojjdptta.webex.com/mw0306ld/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=ojjdptta.

Intellectual Property for Nonprofits

You've just spent a lot of time and effort to develop a new training or manual that has the potential of creating earnings for your nonprofit.  How do you ensure that other people won't just borrow your work?  Even in a culture of sharing and collaboration, there may be things you want to protect. 

An article by Missionwise, a program of the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation, provides an overview of copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.  You can download it from www.missionwise.com.  You have to register to download the document, but you can unsubscribe at any time. 

Tuesday Travel Tip - oops, no charger!

Have you ever gotten to your hotel and found that you forgot to pack the charger for your cell phone?  Don't dispair.  People forget to unplug and take them from hotels, too.  In fact, they are among the things guests most often leave behind.  Go to the front desk and ask if you can borrow a charger from their lost and found box.  Chances are, you will find one that fits your phone.   

Child Sexual Abuse Declines in Georgia - see how they did it

A five-year prevention effort in the state of Georgia is thought to have contributed to a decline in the incidence of child sexual abuse.  You can read more about it at https://cbexpress.acf.hhs.gov/index.cfm?event=website.viewArticles&issueid=135&articleid=3510

Just wanted to share something that will warm your heart (or make you cry - probably both).  The kids and staff on the hemocology floor of Seattle Children's Hospital perform Kelly Clarkson's Stronger:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ihGCj5mfCk8

Another Great Fundraising Idea

The Davis County CJC in Farmington, UT has a unique fundraiser - the center has a partnership with local law enforcement to sell unclaimed bikes with the money going to the center. This year the center raised $6000 with their 4 hour sale.  Read more about it at http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/04/30/used-law-enforcement-bikes-help-fetch-6k-davis-childrens-justice-center

Violence Ages Children's DNA

USA Today reports that a new study suggests that exposure to violence - domestic violence, experiencing child abuse, or bullying - can alter the DNA of children exposed, resulting in increased risk of diseases associated with aging, seven to 10 years earlier than children who do not have that type of exposure.  You can find the article at http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-04-24/violence-cellular-mark/54493338/1.

Resources for Child Abuse Prevention Month

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the National Criminal Justice Reference Services (NCJRS) has put together resources for professionals to better understand the incidence and impact of child abuse.  You can find these at:
https://www.ncjrs.gov/childabuse/additional.htmle Prevention Month, the

HIPAA and Child Abuse

It is not uncommon for us to hear that HIPAA creates problems in terms of child abuse investigations.  Often, that is the result of a lack of awareness or understanding of the child abuse provisions in the Act.  Here are links to two papers, one from the National District Attorney's Association (NDAA) and another from the American Academy of Pediatrics, that provide clarification regarding those sections of the Act that apply to child abuse. 
http://www.ndaa.org/ncpca_update_v16_no4.html
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/125/1/197.full

Attend the NCCAN conference from your desk!

A few of the challenges associated with attending conferences include travel costs and time away from the office.  The sponsors of the National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, to be held next week in Washington, D.C., recognize that not everyone has the time or resources to attend their conference so they are offering some virtual sessions - you can attend from your desk!  Several workshops as well as plenary sessions are included in the webinar series.  To find out more, go to:
http://www.pal-tech.com/web/OCAN/webinars.cfm?p=38

It's time for the annual Washington Post Peeps Show

Even if you can't quite bring yourself to eat Peeps, you can enjoy the fanciful ways people use them to create dioramas.   Follow this link to see the winners of this year's Washington Post Peeps Show  http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/peeps-show-vi/2012/03/27/gIQAswMmfS_gallery.html#photo=51 including OccuPeep DC.

What's the average age of kids entering human trafficking? Twelve - Fourteen

See what Oakland, CA is doing to help the estimated 100 children in their community who are being victimized each day.  You can find it at http://www.youthlaw.org/publications/yln/2012/jan_mar_2012/stopping_victimization_of_vulnerable_children_in_california/

What are those other CACs up to?

Want to see what other Children's Advocacy Centers are up to?  If you sign up for Google Alerts and enter Children's Advocacy Centers or other key words (Children's Justice Centers, for example) you can get a list of what's in the news including events being held (a new fundraising idea!), grant awards, editorials, interesting case decisions, etc.  You can set the frequency of your emails from Google and stop any time.  For more information, go to http://www.google.com/alerts and try it out. 

Tips for Cross Examining a Defendent or Defense Witness

The most recent newsletter of National District Attorney Association (NDAA) includes an article entitled:  When Sparks Fly In Defense of ChildVictims: Tips for Cross Examining a Defendant or DefenseWitness.

You can find it at: http://www.ndaa.org/pdf/UpdateV23N6.pdf

Traveling Soon? These Tips Could Help

Every Thursday, the Wall Street Journal has a travel blog by Scott McCartney, called The Middle Seat.   This week's includes a number of tips, just in time for Spring Break travel.  You can find it at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303816504577309740107491690.html

Revitalize Your Newsletter

Network for Good offers a number of fundraising resources and trainings.  Their new e-book, Take Your Newsletter on an Epic Journey is available for free download.  These e-books are short, but generally contain good information.  You can find it at http://web.networkforgood.org/2012-03-Ebook-From-Print-to-Email-Take-Your-Newsletter-on-Epic-Journey/

Check out the Network for Good website, www.networkforgood.org, to find more resources and training opportunities. 

Huffington Post article supports Victims of Child Abuse Act Funds

An article in the Huffington Post in support of CACs and CASAs.  http://www.ojjdp.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2012/VOCACACSubgrant.pdf

Helping Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Traumatic Events

May 9, 2012 is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day and SAMHSA has a number of materials aimed at raising awareness.  You can visit their website at http://www.samhsa.gov/children/national.asp.  While there, download a short report: Helping Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Traumatic Events. 

Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Prescription Drug Use

Researchers in this study looked at the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and prescription drug use.  They found that the more adverse childhood experiences a person reported, the higher the likelihood of  they recieved drug prescriptions to address multiple health issues in adulthood.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2440750/?tool=pubmed

The Organizational Journey toward Cultural and Linguistic Competency

A special issue of Impact, the newsletter of National Child Traumatic Stress Network, focuses on cultural and linquistic competency and its role in providing effective services to child victims of trauma and their families. This is the first part of a four-part series that will address various aspects of cultural and linquistic competency.  Many of the strategies they describe for assessing your community can be helpful when looking at the development or revision of your agency's cultural competency plan. You can find it at http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/newsletters/impact_spring_2012.pdf

 

Interactive Court Prep Game for Children

The Canadian Society for the Investigation of Child Abuse has an interactive game to help prepare young children for court.  Although it deals with a different court system, some of the information is still relevant. 
http://www.childcourtprep.com/children/super_hero_island/

Roadmaps to Health Grants

The Robert Woods Johnson Foundation has announced the availability of grants to improve key indicators of community health.  Twenty grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded for projects of up to 24 months.  Community safety is a target area, as well as other health indicators.  Although child abuse is not specifically named, the ACE study has shown that children who experience adverse childhood experiences have a greater chance of problematic behaviors and poor health later in life.  Brief applications are due May 2, 2012  Those selected will submit a full application by July 25, 2012.  To view the RFP and find the dates for upcoming teleconferences, go to:
http://www.rwjf.org/files/applications/cfp/CFP_roadmaps_12.pdf

Child Maltreatment: The Role of the School Nurse

School nurses often see children in their offices who have physical or somatic complaints that may be linked to child abuse or neglect. The National Association of School Nurses has issued a paper outlining the responsibilities of school nurses in regards to suspected child abuse or neglect.  You can read it at:
http://www.nasn.org/Portals/0/briefs/2012briefmaltreatment.pdf

Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well-Being: A Network for Action 2012 Resource Guide

Just in time for Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Child Welfare Information Gateway has published a resource guide online that includes information about six protective factors that have been shown to help reduce child abuse and neglect, tip sheets for parents and caretakers, and an online media toolkit.  You can find it at: http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/guide2012/index.cfm

Restricting the Pro Se Defendant’s Ability to Personally Question Child Abuse Victims

Defendents have a constitutional right to confront their accusors, something usually done by their attorney when they question a witness  in court. What if the defendant is representing themselves in court (pro se) and the witness is the alledged victim of child abuse?  NDAA has issued a paper examining this issue.  You can read it at: http://www.ndaa.org/pdf/UpdateV23N3.pdf

WA Director Wins 'Best of Women' Award

Congratulations to Mary Blanchett, Executive Director of Children's Justice Center in Vancouver, WA, for being recognized for her work on behalf of abused children.  You can read about this recognition at:
http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/mar/10/soroptimists-hand-out-best-of-women-awards-to-loca/

Funds for Services to Rural Communities

DOJ has funds available for grants to rural communities that use a multidisiciplinary approach for improving services for children, youth, and adults who are victims or potential victims of sexual assault, DV, stalking, and dating violence.  Grants are due March 29th.   Grants are for 36 months and, although there is no grant award cap, they anticipate that individual grant awards will not exceed $1 million. States with rural communities in the west (by US Census definition) include AK, CO, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, and WY.  You must register by March 15th.  Even if you do not think you can meet this year's grant deadline, read the RFP as these funds have been available in previous years and may be again next year.

To view the RFP, go to:

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/fy2012-rural-solicitation.pdf

Why You Check Your AV Before the Training

Seriously, this same thing happened last time we did a training.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_6SfMZxoLc

Are Children's Advocacy Centers Effective?

For a summary of studies that support the effectiveness of Children's Advocacy Centers, go to:

http://www.nationalcac.org/images/pdfs/CALiO/Bibliographies/efficacy-cacs-bib.pdf

Dear Colleague Letter - please ask your representative to sign it by Friday!

CAC Directors:  Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) have sponsored our HOUSE Dear Colleague letter.  We are so pleased to have bi-partisan support.  Because Republicans are in the majority in the House (and therefore to gain more and much-needed Republican support), Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office is taking the lead in circulating the letter.  These letters are circulated electronically for signature.   Please do the following this week by the end of the day on Friday:

·         Call your Representative’s office and ask him/her to sign the Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Davis Dear Colleague letter to fund the Victims of Child Abuse Act at $20 million for FY13.  (If you do not know who your Rep. is simply go to www.house.gov and type in your zip code and it will pull up your Rep.).  If you do not already have a contact in the office, ask to speak with the Legislative Aide who works on child welfare/child abuse issues.  This will only take about 5 minutes.  Ask the Aide for his/her email address in order to forward them the copy of the letter for their review (this will save you the 101 questions they will otherwise ask you about the letter.)  Then, cut and paste the letters below—at the bottom of this email--into your email to the Aide.  Please feel free to give them my contact and Andi’s if they have any questions regarding the content of the letter or questions about the funding.  And please let them know that Katie Wise is the key contact in Fitzpatrick’s office circulating the letter to other House offices (You do not need to contact her directly—simply let the Aide know that this is the contact in Fitzpatrick’s office collecting signatures.) Most likely they will have to ask their Boss (the Rep.) and get back to you.  Please let me and Andi know the answer when they respond.  It is okay to leave a detailed voicemail for them if they do not answer the phone and then to call back and follow-up.

·         Please ask your Board, MDT members, donors and supporters to do the same!  The volume of calls/emails matter.  Reps assume that if 30 people call them about something there are 300 thinking about the issue that haven’t yet called.  Post this on your website, Facebook page, blog about it, tweet about it, and generally request help in obtaining the funding at $20 million for FY13.

·         If the Aide says that the Rep. plans to send in his own “programmatic support letter”, please let NCA know and feel free to offer our help in filling out these long forms.  These letters are submitted electronically by individual Congressman/women to the relevant Committees about their funding priorities and are also an important avenue for obtaining support for our funding.  However, there are long, complicated forms to fill out.  We have a resource that can quickly help fill these out, so feel free to offer our assistance as deadlines for these are coming up VERY FAST.

·         Make sure you thank the Aide each and every time you talk with them.  Thank them for considering the request.  Thank them for passing it on to the Congressman/woman.  Thank the Congressman/woman for agreeing for agreeing to sign the letter.  Thank them for an individual programmatic support letter.  Even if they say “no” for any reason, thank them for giving it consideration.  You catch more flies with honey, you know… J

·         Report back to NCA any and all answers.

Also, to assist you I have attached a FAQ sheet that includes some talking points.  You may find this helpful in your work on the funding.  THANK YOU for all your help.  I truly appreciate it!  Warm regards, Teresa

March 7, 2012

HELP CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS IN YOUR STATE

Dear Colleague:

We invite you to join us in signing the attached letter to full Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member Norm Dicks, as well as CJS Subcommittee Chairman Frank Wolf and Ranking Member Chaka Fattah, encouraging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science to fund the Children’s Advocacy Center programs authorized under the Victims of Child Abuse Act at $20 million for 2013.  The Victims of Child Abuse Act provides funding to National Children’s Alliance, local Children’s Advocacy Centers, and the four Regional Children’s Advocacy Center programs, all competitively awarded through the Department of Justice.

Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are public-private community partnerships that bring together law enforcement, prosecutors, child protective services, and the medical and mental health professions to investigate cases of severe child abuse. CACs are located in child-friendly facilities that enable the community to work together in caring for its youngest victims of sexual and physical abuse.

The funds provided to National Children’s Alliance and the Children’s Advocacy Center programs through the appropriations process go directly to local CACs around the country for training, program development, and program support.  Since 1992, federal funding has helped in the establishment and maintenance of more than 750 Children’s Advocacy Center programs in communities across the country.  The number of children helped by Children’s Advocacy Centers has greatly increased from 100,539 in 2000 to more than 269,000 in 2011. 

           

            Securing the Victims of Child Abuse Act funding at $20 million will ensure swift prosecutions for offenders, fewer victimizations and, ultimately, safer communities.  Although hard to imagine, statistics show that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18. Further, adult survivors are 43% more likely to become suicidal than those not abused, 192% more likely to be addicted to drugs, and 103% more likely to be alcoholic.

Please join us in requesting that funding is provided at $20 million for the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 in the FY 2013 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill.  This critical funding will enable more communities to adapt the Children’s Advocacy Center model for investigating cases of severe child abuse.  If you have questions or would like to sign the letter, please contact Katie Wise in the office of Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) at 5-4276 or Caleb Gilchrist in the office of Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) at 5-2006.  Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Respectfully yours,

/s                                                          /s

Mike Fitzpatrick                                   Danny Davis

Member of Congress                           Member of Congress

The Honorable Hal Rogers                                                      The Honorable Norm Dicks

Chairman                                                                                 Ranking Member

House Appropriations Committee                                            House Appropriations Committee                                                       

H-307, The Capitol                                                                  1016 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC  20515                                                          Washington, DC  20515

The Honorable Frank Wolf                                                      The Honorable Chaka Fattah

Chairman                                                                                 Ranking Member

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State                             Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State

House Appropriations Committee                                            House Appropriations Committee

H-309, The Capitol                                                                  1016 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC  20515                                                          Washington, DC  20515

Dear Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Dicks, Chairman Wolf, and Ranking Member Fattah:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

As you begin work on the Fiscal Year 2013 Appropriations bills, we respectfully request that you fund the Children’s Advocacy Center programs authorized under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 at $20 million.   The Victims of Child Abuse Act provides funding to the National Children’s Alliance, local Children’s Advocacy Centers and the four Regional Children’s Advocacy Center programs – all of which support child victims of sexual and severe physical abuse.  All funding for these programs is competitively awarded through the Department of Justice.  We greatly appreciate the Committee’s support in the past for these critically important programs which serve as the front line response to reported cases of child abuse.

Children’s Advocacy Centers provide an efficient and cost-effective mechanism for handling cases of severe child abuse and are strongly supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary.  The funding this program receives through the appropriations process goes directly to local Children’s Advocacy Centers around the country in the form of grants for program support, and training.  Since 1992, the Committee’s funding has enabled the establishment of more than 750 Children’s Advocacy Centers in communities across the country.  The number of children helped by Children’s Advocacy Centers has greatly increased from 100,539 in 2000 to more than 269,000 in 2011. 

Children’s Advocacy Centers are community based public-private partnerships dedicated to a team of professionals pursuing the truth in child abuse investigations.  Professionals from law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, victim advocacy agencies, and the medical and mental health professionals and volunteers responding to the needs of their own communities.  Although funded in part through public dollars, Children’s Advocacy Centers are primarily private, non-profit, 5019(c)3 organizations and are largely funded through private dollars.  A recently conducted Cost-Benefit Analysis found that the use of a CAC in a child abuse case saved, on average, more than $1,000 per case compared with non-CAC communities due to the efficiencies gained through this tested evidence-supported model.

The primary mission of a Children’s Advocacy Center is to prevent further victimization by ensuring that investigations are comprehensive and meet the age appropriate needs of the child.  Communities with Children’s Advocacy Centers demonstrate increased successful prosecution of perpetrators, reduction in re-abuse rates for child victims, and better access to medical and mental healthcare for child victims of abuse.

Children’s Advocacy Centers can be found in every type of community including rural, urban, and suburban.  They can also be found on Native American Tribal Reservations.  Children’s Advocacy Centers provide services to children from birth to age 18 with close to 40% of the children younger than 6 years old.  In 2011, nearly 70% of children receiving services were victims of sexual abuse, with the balance suffering severe physical abuse, neglect, or witnessing violent crime.  As important as intervention to alleviate the suffering of these children, preventing child sexual abuse in the first place is equally important.  Last year, Children’s Advocacy Centers provided child sexual abuse prevention training to nearly 500,000 individuals, many in a school setting.

We understand that this is an extremely difficult budget year.  The generosity shown by the Committee in funding the Victims of Child Abuse Act for fiscal FY12 at $18 million is truly appreciated.  Funding reductions as a part of the FY11 Continuing Resolution, however, have meant that this was the first year since the establishment of the program where we have been unable to fund new program development.  While we are very proud of the 750 Children’s Advocacy Centers that currently exist serving 2,000 counties in the United States, we know that abused children within the 1,000 unserved counties with no access to a Children’s Advocacy Center also deserve the benefit of this important program.  We believe that the remarkable growth and expansion of Children’s Advocacy Center Programs, as well as the sheer volume of child abuse victims being served by these Centers warrants continued funding at a level which will maintain these programs and allow for future development in currently underserved areas.  Therefore, we are respectfully requesting funding for the Victims of Child Abuse Act at $20 million.

Thank you for your leadership in this critical area and for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,