Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you all. Have a happy and safe holiday season.

This is a well deserved award! We are proud of Terresa and all that she does!

Hatke named Journal Review Shining Star - journalreview.com: Local News

Hatke named Journal Review Shining Star

Barry Lewis blewis@jrpress.com | Posted: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 1:15 am

Being involved is just a way of life for Terresa Hatke. She never thinks a second about it and doesn’t know the meaning of the word “no.”
“My husband said I need to learn the word ‘no’,” Hatke said. “So far that is just not part of my vocabulary.”
For those who have been affected by Hatke’s good works, they are glad she hasn’t said no.
For her willingness to step up and spend countless hours serving others she is one  of six recipients of the Journal Review Shining Star award. The awards is presented to members of the community who serve behind the scenes and do more than their part to make our community a better place to live.
Hatke was nominated by Aletha Rush.
“I first met Terresa when she and her husband Ron volunteered to help with the Waynetown Thanksgiving Dinner,” Rush said in her nomination.  “What a joy she and Ron are. So giving unselfishly. Very generous in giving of time and if needed financially.”
Hatke gives back to our county by serving with:
• Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau
• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)
• North Montgomery School Board
• Team leader of the Bernie’s Buffet Community Dinner (St. Bernard’s)
• Montgomery County Sheep Association
• Water aerobics instructor
“I just think it is our responsibility to give back,” Hatke said. “God has blessed me and my family and it’s just the thing to do to try to pay it forward,” she said.
Hatke said she has tried to live by a quote from her mother.
“Mom always said there are those who will and those who don’t,” she said. “I have tried to be one of those who will, or at least try.”
Hatke has been on the North Montgomery School Board for more than 10 years and has enjoyed it. At times there has been frustration, no more so than now as state officials continue to cut education  programs and institute more and more guidelines.
“I really think they need to walk in the shoes of our teachers for 30 days or so,” Hatke said. “Our teachers, administrators and kids are doing great things and performing quite well. We should all be proud of the jobs they do and are doing under the current situation. I really think if those people making these rules and guidelines and those making all the cuts were forced to spend a month in the classroom they would see how unfair they are being.”
Still, Hatke is willing to do her part to help make it through the tough times.
“We are talking about our kids, they are our future,” Hatke said. “We have to do what ever we can to help them out. If we don’t set them on the right path now then we have failed in doing our job. It’s a big job, but it is one that we all have a hand in, whether it is as a parents, a teacher, an administrator or and a community member.”
Hatke’s love of children led her to become involved with the Youth Service Bureau and CASA. Monday night was actually her final night on the YSB board, but even though her six years with the board is over she is staying on as a consultant for the fundraising arm of the organization. She has been involved with CASA for five years.
“It’s so important that we try to head these young people down the right paths,” she said. “This program can really make a difference to someone. We all make mistakes and maybe with a little guidance we can help shift the direction of some young people’s lives. You never really know if you are doing good at the time. Sometimes it takes years to see the results.”
Hatke said she has received letters and cards from people she has dealt with through the CASA program years later.
“It just melts your heart when you hear back from someone who is now doing really well,” Hatke said. “At the time you might not think you have made much of a difference, but then out of the blue you find out maybe you did just enough to help one person. Even if that is the only person you helped it was worth it. You just hope that maybe that person will now step up and volunteer to be a mentor or coach a team or get involved somehow. All we can do is plant seeds.”
There is no doubt that Hatke’s seed has produced many times over.

Meeting December 12th

Montgomery County CASAs: Monday, December 12th @ 6:00 will be our monthly meeting. The meeting will be in our usual spot at St. John Episcopal Church. Come join us for some good eats, fellowship, and a wee bit of training! There will be chili, cheesy potato soup, taco soup, french bread and some delightful sugary goodies.

We will have speakers from Rock Point Church. They will tell us about the new programs, Celebrate Recovery and The Landing. As we all know, drugs and alcohol are involved in nearly all of our CASA children's lives. It should be interesting learning about these two new programs and how they might help.

Looking forward to seeing you all !!!

Psychotropic Drugs on Foster Care Children ABC 20/20

If you missed 20/20 Friday night, there is a clip below.

You can watch the entire episode on Hulu by clicking on this link 20/20

20/20 Program Focuses on Psychotropic Medication Use Among Foster Youth

Post from National CASA

20/20 Program Focuses on Psychotropic Medication Use Among Foster Youth

This Friday, the ABC news program 20/20 will highlight the use of psychotropic medication on youth in foster care. National CASA has been closely involved in the development of this show and in educating the staff about the issue. While we have not seen the final version of the episode, the producers have interviewed CEO Michael Piraino. The episode airs Friday, December 2, on ABC at 10 p.m. ET. Check your local listings for the air time in your area.

National CASA has several resources on our website addressing the use of psychotropic medications on youth, including a tip sheet for advocates written by staff members of the King County (WA) Dependency CASA Program. Find this and other resources in the “Health” section of our Volunteer Resource Library.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder / Conduct Disorder

I attend a luncheon this week at Valle Vista in Greenwood Indiana. The speaker was Angela Madison, MSW, LSW. It was very informative. Below is the information on this disorder.

Oppositional Defiance Disorder
Recurrent pattern of negativistic, disobedient, and hostile behaviour toward authority figures that persists for at least six months (APA, 2000).

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Behaviour

• Behaviour is hostile and uncooperative
• Behaviour is frequent and consistent
• Behaviour disrupts normal daily activity
• Family
• School
• Social Life

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Symptoms

• Frequent temper tantrums
• Deliberate attempts to annoy and upset others
• Excessive arguing with adults
• Often questioning rules
• Regularly blames others
• Refusal to comply with rules
• Easily annoyed by others
• Spiteful attitude and revenge seeking
• Angry and resentful
• Mean and hateful taking

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Characteristics

• Strong need for control
• Deny responsibility
• Thrive on negativity
• Socially explosive

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Comorbidity
Other illnesses often contribute to behavioural problems

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Learning disorders
• Mood disorders

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Prevalence

• Approximately 2% - 16% of children and teens
• In younger children - more common in boys
• In older children - condition occurs equally

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Course

• Symptoms appear by early adolescence
• Symptoms often resolve within 3 years
• 30% develop conduct disorder

Oppositional Defiance Causes

• The exact cause of Oppositional Defiance Disorder is unknown
• A combination of factors contribute to condition
• Biological
• Psychological
• Social

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Biological Causes
Brain injuries/defects can lead to behavioral problems

• Brain imaging shows differences
• Chemical imbalances in the brain
• Abnormal amounts of neurotransmitters
• Defects lead to other mental conditions

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Psychological Causes
Studies show different responses from kids with Oppositional Defiance Disorder

• Difficulty interpreting social cues (see aggression where there is none)
• Limited solutions to resolving problems
• Anticipated rewards from aggressive responses

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Genetic Causes
Research indicates there is a genetic vulnerability

• Tends to occur in families with mental illness
• ADHD
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders

Oppositional Defiance Disorder Environmental Causes
Dysfunctional families contribute to Oppositional Defiance Disorder development

• Harsh or inconsistent discipline
• Low nurturing
• Substance abuse
• Lack of structure
• Exposure to abuse

Assessment
Assessment requires the collection of data from a number of individuals in multiple settings

Interventions

Do Not...

• Defend yourself
• Try to convince the child you are right
• Scream
• Become irrational
• Take behaviour personally

Do....

• Remain calm
• De-escalate
• Give choices
• Use key words

Conduct Disorder
Repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviour in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated (APA, 2000).

Differentiation

• Oppositional Defiance Disorder and Conduct Disorder behaviour overlap
• Conduct Disorder is more extreme, includes physical aggression

Examples

• Aggression to people or animals
• Legal problems
• Stealing
• Setting fires

Clinical Features of Conduct Disorder
Four types of symptoms are recognized

• Aggressive conduct that causes physical harm to other people or animals
• Non aggressive behaviour which causes property damage
• Deceitfulness or theft
• Serious violation of the rules

Conduct Disorder Behaviour

• Defiant behaviour
• Impulsive behaviour
• Drug use
• Criminal activity
• Breaking rules without an obvious reason

Conduct Disorder and Gender

• Males tend to be more confrontational / aggressive
• Females tend to display nonconfrontational behaviour

Conduct Disorder Symptoms

• Females
• Lying
• Truancy
• Running away
• Prostitution
• Males
• Fighting
• Stealing
• Vandalism
• School disciplinary problems

Conduct Disorder Comorbidity
It is estimated that over 50% of those with Conduct Disorder have a co-occurring condition 

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Learning disorders
• Mood disorders

 Conduct Disorder  Prevalence

• Approximately 1% - 10% of the population has Conduct Disorder
• Prevalence is higher for boys

Conduct Disorder Subtypes

• Childhood Onset
• Worse prognosis
• 40% develop antisocial personality disorder
• Adolescent Onset
• Social context must be considered
• Behaviour remits with support/structure

Conduct Disorder Course

• Disorder usually remits by adulthood
• Oppositional Defiance Disorder is generally a precursor to Conduct Disorder
• Significant symptoms often occur between middle childhood through middle adolescence
• Onset is rare after age 13

Conduct Disorder Course

• Early onset predicts a worse prognosis
• Some develop antisocial personality disorder
• At risk for substance related disorders
• Some develop mood or anxiety disorders

Conduct Disorder Causes

• Substance abuse in parents
• Family conflicts
• Genetic defects
• Substance abuse

Parenting Aspects

• Poor supervision
• Harsh discipline
• Parental disharmony
• Rejection of the child
• Low parental involvement

Conduct Disorder Interventions
Multi systemic Treatment

• Behavioral Parent Management Training
• Social Skills Training
• Individual Therapy
• Pharmacological Treatment
• Academic Support

Social Learning Theory
Social learning theories indicate that parenting effectiveness can improve social competence and reduce conduct problems

Parent Management Training

• Reinforce positive behaviour
• Be more positive and less harsh
• Utilize clear reasonable consequences
• Improve emotional climate
• use consequences that parents control
• Communicate clear specific requests
• Remain calm
• Model self control

Individual Therapy
Individual Therapy can help a child to understand why he does what he does

• Helps with building insight
• Supports comprehensive program
• Strategies for managing emotions

Social Skills Training
Children with conduct problems show cognitive and social skill deficits with peers

• Peer coping skills
• Problem solving skills
• Anger coping skills
• Group social skills

Pharmacotherapy

• Part of comprehensive program
• Comorbid conditions treated
• May help manage aggression
• Reduces likelihood of "self medication"

Behaviour Modification Programs
Research does not support "Attack Therapy"

• Behaviour Modification Schools
• Wilderness Programs
• Boot Camps

Angela Madison, MSW, LSW went on to explain that the above listed programs work while the child is at camp. Upon return the behaviours return and sometimes worsen.

For children stuck in poverty, education may be a way out

This information comes from the Indiana Youth Institute.

The Bad News

• 21% of children's families are at or below the federal poverty level
• 21% are between 100-200% of the federal poverty level (between $22,050 and $44,100)
• 28% of children from middle class families (Between $111k and $54k) drop out of the middle class as adults. This chance is increased by lack of education, single hood and divorce.
• Every 11 seconds of every school day, a high school student drops out
• Every 32 seconds, a baby is born into poverty in the United States
• Every 1 second of every school day, a student is suspended
• Every 18 seconds, a baby is born to an unmarried mother

The Good News

• More education means more money
• High School Dropout $20.6k
• HS Graduate $30.6k
• College Dropout $32.3k
• Associates Degree $39.7k
• Bachelor's Degree $56.7k
• Master's Degree $73.7k
• Professional degree $127.8k
• Doctorate Degree $103.5
• Children of poor parents are less likely to remain poor if educated
• With a college education, children from failies in the bottom income quintile (less than $40,000) are:
• nearly 3 times less likely to stay in the bottom quintile
• nearly 3 times more likely to make $117,000 or higher

Click here to view a larger pdf image

Anything we can do to advocate for the kids educational needs is going to help them later in life. Talk to those teachers, stay in contact. Sometimes this is the forgotten piece of the puzzle that can really make a difference.

Arts Education - What value does it have for youth?

My passions mix! Helping kids and my love of art. It has been proven that:

• Musical involvement promotes better math skills
• Involvement in the arts is linked with better academics
• Arts organizations encourage personal growth
• Theater participation helps social tolerance
• Arts education enacts several cognitive changes
• Underprivileged youth are more affected by involvement in all forms of the arts
• The arts provide new challenges for students already considered successful

Click here to access pdf file for better viewing

So encourage those youngsters to paint, draw, play an instrument or get into theater. I know painting makes my heart happy, I didn't realize it also helped children learn!

Thank You Indiana

I found a really good article written by Mike Tikkanen (author of Invisible Children). The article is entitled Thank You Indiana It starts out with:

"I was impressed with the tenacity and commitment of Indiana’s foster and adoptive parents in the face of this state’s mean spirited children’s politics.

The evening before my talk I listened to story after story of the “fluid” nature of Department of Child Services policy, families not being allowed to question decisions or policy for fear of being blackballed, and what it’s like to watch long established, workable policies disappear to be replaced by whimsy and bullying."

This is a really good read for anyone who is concerned with the changes being made that are NOT in the children's best interest. You can read the entire article by following the link Thank You Indiana 

In Indiana, we’re all ‘mandated reporters’

LETTERS: Nov. 15, 2011

Posted: Monday, November 14, 2011 6:16 pm
In Indiana, we’re all ‘mandated reporters’
To the Editor:
With all of the news about Penn State and their involvement in the alleged sexual abuse scandal and who and what should have been reported, I feel it is important to share what Indiana’s law is regarding mandated reporting. Under Indiana law, any individual who has a reason to believe a child is a victim of abuse or neglect, has a duty to make a report. With this premise, every citizen in Indiana is considered a “mandated reporter.” Professional reporters, such as staff members in a medical facility, school employees and any social service agency or facility are legally obligated by their profession to report alleged child abuse or neglect. Further, according to IC 31-33-5-2, “if an individual is required to make a report under this article in the individual’s capacity as a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school facility or agency, the individual shall immediately notify the individual in charge of the institution, school facility or agency, or the designated agent of the individual in charge of the institution, school, facility or agency.”
However, unlike Pennsylvania, Indiana’s law does not relieve an individual of the responsibility to report even if they have notified the individual in charge of the institution, school, facility or agency. IC 31-33-5-3 states “this chapter does not relieve an individual of the obligation to report on the individual’s own behalf, unless a report has already been made to the best of the individual’s belief.” More simply stated if an individual has reported suspected abuse to the person in charge of the institution, such as Coach Paterno is reported to have done, in Indiana, the individual needs to know a subsequent report was made to the Department of Child Service or Law Enforcement personnel, or make the report themselves.
In Indiana, all reports of suspected abuse and neglect are handled through a centralized hotline operated by the Department of Child Services. The hotline is staffed with professionally trained Intake Specialists who take reports of abuse and neglect. The Intake Specialist will document all information provided during a call and will then send a typed report to the Hotline Supervisor for review, with a recommendation to either assign the case for assessment or to screen out the report. If the Supervisor agrees with the recommendation to assign for assessment, the report is then electronically transmitted to the local Department of Child Services in the county where the abuse or neglect is claimed to have occurred. It will then be assigned to a Family Case Manager to initiate and conduct an assessment of the allegations. If the Intake Specialist makes a recommendation that a report be “screened out” this means they do not believe that the allegations meet the statutory definition of child abuse or neglect. All “screen outs” must be reviewed and approved by the Hotline Supervisors.
When making a report, you may make the report anonymously, although it is helpful to DCS if you give your information so if there is any follow up to the assessment, they can contact you as needed for further information. Essentially you will be asked to provide information about what happened, who was involved and where it occurred, as well as any injuries that were sustained. Even if you cannot provide all of the information, do not let that stop you from reporting suspected abuse or neglect. As concerned citizens or mandated reporters, it is not our job to determine conclusively if abuse or neglect is occurring, but to report suspicions of abuse or neglect to the professionals who can assess and provide services as needed.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call the Indiana Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Your call can make the difference in a child and family receiving services to insure they are safe and healthy.

Karen Branch, LSW

Executive Director

Montgomery County Youth 

Service Bureau

This letter was printed in the Journal Review. I thought I would share with those who don't take the paper. Nice letter Karen. Thanks for reminding us we can't turn a blind eye to these children. Our call may be the one call that gets them the help they need. What kind of world would it be if we all turned a blind eye to those in need?

"You may say that I'm a dreamer, But I'm not the only one...."

Child Abuse - What Every Young Person & Teen Needs to Know

This info comes from a brochure from Prevention Of Child Abuse - Indiana Chapter. There is some really good info you might want to share with the teenagers in your life.

When parents or other adult caretakers deliberately harm a young person, it is child abuse. This harm can happen physically through hitting, beating, punching, and slapping or it can happen sexually when an adult or older person has sexual contact with a young person. Harm can also come to a young person when the need for food, clothes, a place to live, medical care or supervision are ignored by parents or the adult taking care of the young person. This is called neglect.

Another form of child abuse is called emotional abuse. A parent emotionally abuses his or her child when the parent rarely has anything good to say to the child, refuses to speak to the child for days, or threatens to hurt the child.

No! Child abuse can happen to young people from infants to teenagers. Sometimes it seems like teenagers should be able to fight back, but it's hard to stand up to an adult hitting or coming on sexually, especially when that adult is the teen's own parent. Cruel words from a parent hurt teens as much as they hurt a child.

Discipline is correcting the behavior of a child and showing the child how to behave in a m ore acceptable way. It does not have to be physical. Child abuse is deliberately injuring a child in a physical, sexual or verbal way.

People who abuse children are not necessarily crazy or monsters. They are usually people who don't feel good about themselves, are angry at the world and take it out on children. Very often, people who abuse children were themselves abused when they were little. Gronups hurt them when they were young, so now, as adults, they are doing the same thing.

Child abusers come from all races and religions. Some are rich, some are poor. They may be doctors, teachers, lanorers or have any other kind of job. Most are parents who abuse their own children or abuse other children.

Child abuse is a tough thing for a young person to talk about. It is confusing, embarrasing and frightening. There are laws to protect young people against child abuse but until the abuse is reported, no one may know the young person needs help. the most important thing to do is tell someone about the abuse.

• Child abuse can be reported directly to the police or to Child protective Services.
• Adults who work with young people like teachers, youth workers or ministers, can also get help needed for young people who are being abused.
• Know that it is never the child's fault for any abuse.
• Read about child abuse and negelct so you can help yourself and others.
• Encourage friends to seek help if they need it.
• Be aware that child abuse and neglect can happen to anyone.

PAY ATTENTION to your feelings. Know what makes you feel happy, sad, scared, angry, etc. Know yourself and do things that make you feel good about yourself. When you are self-confident, it is harder for someone else to take advantage of you.

GET TO KNOW a person before you agree to go anywhere alone with that person. Be sure someone else knows where you are going and when you should get back.

BE AWARE AND ALERT about people and places. If you feel unsure, get away and ask for help from someone you trust.

MAKE A LIST of people you could talk to if you have a problem. Then if you or a friend has a problem, ask for help from one of those people!

That's it for today. I hope you have a great day!

Drug Court Set To Help Addicts

This article was printed in the Journal Review on October 28, 2011

Drug court set to help addicts

“We are fighting a war on drugs — not because it is winnable, but because it is fundable,” was one of the points made by Judge David Ault at this year’s Red Ribbon Community Leaders breakfast. This comment was made during his presentation on the role that drug courts can play in changing the way individuals involved in criminal activity and substance abuse are treated within the criminal justice system. “No addict can be punished out of their addiction,” Ault said.

Judge Ault was the keynote speaker at this year’s breakfast, which took place this past Tuesday. Over 40 members of the AHEAD Coalition, which sponsors the breakfast, and community members at large were present. The breakfast is an annual event during Red Ribbon Week to call attention to the drug prevention activities in Montgomery County. Red Ribbon Week, however, is a national event that began over a decade ago. The last week of October is set aside to recognize drug prevention and education efforts all across the United States. It is a commemorative event designed to honor DEA Agent Enrique Camarena who was killed in a drug investigation.

Ault described how he has witnessed the role of drugs change over his 20 years on the bench. In the early 1990s, he stated he had about 50 felony cases per year that mostly involved alcohol. By the year 2000, that number had doubled to 100 cases and more and more of them involved drugs. So far in 2011, he has processed over 200 cases and many of those involved multiple drugs and habitual offenders.

According to Ault, the drug court movement began in the late 1990s in a Florida courtroom where judges, prosecutors, and treatment providers tried to find a way to provide enhanced access to long term treatment for addicts while keeping them in the community as much as safely possible. Now, there are over 2,500 drug courts in the United States and 30 in Indiana.

For the past four years, Ault has led a collaborative team with representatives from the prosecutor’s office, public defender’s office, probation and court services departments, and treatment providers to develop a drug court model for use in Montgomery County. It has received a provisional certification from the Indiana Judicial Center and about three months ago, all the work paid off as the local program accepted its first participants.

The Montgomery County Drug Court has a specific list of eligibility criteria, which include: Individual must be a Montgomery County resident; Charges can include misdemeanor or felony charges related to drug possession or attempted possession (cannot be a Class A felony or a violent felony); No charges of drug dealing or manufacturing; and Individual must agree to guidelines of program, which include weekly court reviews, regular drug screens, and on-going employment.

Drug Court participants also have to agree to a two-year commitment in the program, which will help, see him/her through the ups and downs of addiction treatment. Participants work closely with case managers and treatment staff to help overcome substance issues as well as any other barriers that may be harming their ability to remain sober.

“The Drug Court approach makes it impossible for them to fail,” Ault said. “Despite their best efforts.”

According to Ault, the drug court model has the highest success rate of any program designed to help individuals with drug/alcohol addictions that are engaged in criminal activity. He cited achievements such as reductions in recidivism rates and tax payer expenses, fewer substance-related trips to the emergency rooms, fewer children removed from their parents, and a decrease in the amount of property loss as benefits that communities with drug courts have experienced.

“We ask that you show up, be honest, and work hard,” Ault said. In two years, he added, he hopes to bring the first round of program graduates back to the Red Ribbon breakfast to celebrate their success.

Jennifer Shook is the Coalition Coordinator for Advocates Helping to Educate Against Drugs. Her column appears Fridays in the Journal Review.

Child Advocates Chide Backslide In Children's Services

For those of you who didn't get to see the report on Channel 6 News at the beginning of November you can follow this link: More Indiana Children Die From Abuse, Neglect, Report Says

I was going to add a few excerpts from the article, but I decided to let you read the article and form your own opinion. My guess is the article will leave you feeling the same way I was feeling after I read it.

Thanks for all you do for "our kids".

You Think It Doesn't Concern You?

Mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "what food might this contain?" the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap.

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed this waring: "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathised, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers."

The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose."






So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mouse trap...alone...
That very night a sounds was heard throughout the house... the sound of a mousetrap catching it's prey.

The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it. It was a venomous snake whose tail had been caught in the trap. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital.

When she returned home she still had a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup. So the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

But his wife's sickness continued. Friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them the farmer butchered the pig.

But, alas, the farmer's wife did not get well... she died. So many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them for the funeral luncheon.

And the mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.

So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and you think it doesn't concern you, remember....


When on of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all invloved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

Top 10 Facts about Early Brain Development

Jane and I attended a workshop hosted by Prevent Child Abuse Indiana. It was very interesting. I would like to share a handout we were given. Top 10 Facts about Early Brain Development After reading through this you will see how important it is that our little ones receive the best of care right from birth. It will also shed some light on the developmental delays that we see.

1.       The brain is the least developed organ at birth.

2.       Intelligence is not fixed at birth. Early experiences impact brain structures and therefore influence learning and future brain development.

3.       The brain becomes 75% wired by age 1.

4.       A baby’s brain doubles in weight from birth to age 3.

5.       Throughout life, the brain remains “plastic”, capable of learning.

6.       There are sensitive periods for brain development:

·         Vision: First 6 months of life. (Peaks at 8 months, matures at 2 years old)

·         Hearing: prenatal – 4 years. (4/5 weeks post-conception is very critical)

·         Social Attachment: 0-2 years

·         Language: 0-3 years

·         Motor Skills: 0-4 years

·         Math & Logic: 1-4 years

·         Musical Instruments/Piano: 3-12 years

·         Foreign Language: 0-10 years

7.       Stressful experiences, early neglect or abuse can cause emotional, psychological and behavioral problems.

8.       A primary caregiver has an obligation to form a child’s brain (literally, wire the brain), by providing stimulating and appropriate experiences and one-to-one interactions that incorporate the ABC’s of Learning:

·         Attention: By an adult first attending to a baby, the baby can develop the skill of focusing attention, thereby increasing learning capacity.

·          Bonding: Strong and caring relationships develop trust, security and love; insuring development of a healthy brain that can take advantage of more learning opportunities.

·         Communication: By frequently talking, reading and listening to your child, connections in the brain are developed that form the foundation of future learning.

9.       It is necessary for a baby to have at least 1-3 consistent parent/caregivers to develop strong bonding, which is the most critical factor for ensuring a healthy, normal brain.

10.   Quality Parenting/Caregiving is the most important experience for encouraging optimal brain development for each child.

Have a great week everyone :-)

Sample Interviews

While surfing the National CASA website I found some very helpful videos. We can always brush up on our interview skills. Part 1 asks you to take notes on things the volunteer does and says that contributes to (or detracts from) building rapport with the child. During Part 2 there will be helpful comments under the video. Click on the links below to view the interviews.

Sample Interview 4-year-old

Sample Interview 10-year-old


I hope this helps you in your next interview. Have a great day!

The Effects of Parental Substance Abuse on Children & Families

I found a really good article on Phoenix House's website. Phoenix House is a Center on Addiction and the Family.

Below is a excerpt from the article:

Despite the suffering these children endure, many blame themselves for their parent’s substance abuse. They believe it when their parents scream that they wouldn’t drink so much or use other drugs if the children didn’t fight, or rooms were kept clean or grades were better. Some children try to control the drinking or drug use by getting all A’s, or keeping the house spic and span, or getting along perfectly with their siblings. Others withdraw, hoping not to create any disturbance that might cause a parent to drink or use. Few realize that children cannot cause a parent to drink or use drugs, nor can they cure a parent’s substance problem.

Kids tend to think everything that is happening in their world is a direct result of something they have or have not done. So sad, but true. A lot of the children we help also worry about their parents. If they don't see them daily they wonder if they are ok. Are they healthy? Are they in jail? Are they alive? I was the CASA for a little girl. When I went to visit the first question she would ask me was, "Is my Mom ok? Where is she living?" She wouldn't relax until I assured her that Mom was healthy and had a place to live. She had assumed the caregiver role early in life. She was only 8!

Below is a link to the rest of the article. It might help you gain some insight into how those little minds think.

Effects of Substance Abuse on Children and Families

Have a great day :-)

Happy Halloween

I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Halloween.

Don't eat too much candy!

Bonding and Attachment in Maltreated Children

So many times the children we advocate for have issues forming attachments due to their chaotic environment, neglect and abuse. To help you understand why this happens and how they can be helped I have posted a link to a very well written article.

Below is an excerpt from the article written by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.

What is bonding?

Simply stated, bonding is the process of forming an attachment. Just as bonding is the term used when gluing one object to another, bonding is using our emotional glue to become connected to another. Bonding, therefore, involves a set of behaviors that will help lead to an emotional connection (attachment).

Are bonding and attachment genetic?

The biological capacity to bond and form attachments is most certainly genetically determined. The drive to survive is basic in all species. Infants are defenseless and must depend upon a caregiving adult for survival. It is in the context of this primary dependence, and the maternal response to this dependence, that a relationship develops. This attachment is crucial for survival.

An emotionally and physically healthy mother will be drawn to her infant - she will feel a physical longing to smell, cuddle, rock, coo and gaze at her infant. In turn the infant will respond with snuggling, babbling, smiling, sucking and clinging. In most cases, the mother's behaviors bring pleasure, soothing and nourishment to the infant and the infant's behaviors bring pleasure and satisfaction to the mother. This reciprocal positive feedback loop, this maternal-infant dance, is where attachment develops.

Therefore, despite the genetic potential for bonding and attachment, it is the nature, quantity, pattern and intensity of early life experiences that express that genetic potential. Without predictable, responsive, nurturing and sensory-enriched caregiving, the infant's potential for normal bonding and attachments will be unrealized. The brain systems responsible for healthy emotional relationships will not develop in an optimal way without the right kinds of experiences at the right times of life.

Follow the link below to read the article in it's entirety.
Bonding and Attachment in Maltreated Children


Have a great day :-)

Book List from National CASA

The National CASA Association offers a book list to help improve and inspire your service to children. Program Services and Communications staffs teamed up to bring you this annotated list of more than 100 books, organized by topic.

I am an avid reader so this list was exciting to see. You will receive 3 training hours, towards your required 12 hours per year, for reading a book. This is only allowed once per year. That is not to say you couldn't read every book on the list. Winter is on it's way. Perfect snowy day activity. Curl up with a good book and a steaming cup of cocoa! Ok, I apologize, no one wants to thank about snow just yet! Don't forget you can check the Crawfordsville Public Library to see if they have any of these books on their shelves.

I hope each of you have a wonderful week. Happy Reading!

Click on the link below to view the book list.

Nation CASA Booklist



20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew

A few years ago I ran across a book that I found so informative. It is entitled "20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew". I am the mother of two adopted children and the birth mother of a son that I surrendered for adoption in 1976 and have been reunited with. You can imagine how this book spoke to me. As I was reading I asked my kids, who are now adults, if they felt the things I was reading were true. They all replied yes.

I only wish that I had this book as I was raising my children. This is a must read for anyone going through the adoption process. We tend to think that if we give a child a better life, and love them with all our hearts they will never have a problem growing up. After reading this book I realize my mistake in thinking like that.

Of course my kids are about the best kids on earth, but I do see areas I could have handled differently and where they have issues to this day as a result of being adopted or being surrendered for adoption.

Below you will find some quotes from the book.

"Birthdays may be difficult for me."

"I want you to take the initiative in opening conversations about my birth family."

"When I act out my fears in obnoxious ways, please hang in there with me."

"I am afraid you will abandon me."
As a CASA we have the opportunity to educate pre-adoptive families. Please suggest Adoptive Parents read this book. Their kids will thank you!

Swearing in the 8 new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers

The Honorable Judge Harry Siamas swears in 8 new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers at the CASA mock trial on Wednesday, October 12.  Those completing the training include (l-r):  Christie Leonard, Jessica Moore, Terri Griffin, Shari Lovold, Berta Chopite, Erica Greene, Dena McClamroch and Randy Deneau.  The Youth Service Bureau would like to thank these individuals for their commitment and dedication to CASA.