Thanks to a generous Women's Giving Circle Grant, CASA of Jefferson County recently took a significant step forward in enhancing support for children in the foster care system.
In a significant commitment to ongoing professional development, fifteen active members of CASA recently completed an in-depth, three-session training
This vital initiative saw CASA collaborate with the esteemed Stacey M. Cornett, LISW-S, IMH-E, a Certified Trauma Competent professional, PMH-C, and certified in Phase 1 of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. A dedicated group of 15 active Court Appointed Special Advocates, alongside key workers from the local Department of Child Services (DCS), gathered to participate in a comprehensive training session designed to deepen understanding of the profound impact of trauma on vulnerable children.
Participants gained crucial insights into "An Overview of Relational Trauma for Adults Helping Children in the Foster Care System," emphasizing the unique challenges faced by children navigating the foster care system. The "Neurobiology of Trauma: What Caregivers Need to Know" segment illuminated the scientific underpinnings of trauma's effects on the developing brain, while "Interventions Supporting Children in Foster Care" provided practical, evidence-based strategies for effective support. This specialized education empowers both CASA volunteers and DCS professionals to provide more informed, empathetic, and effective advocacy and support. By understanding the neurobiological and relational aspects of trauma, professionals can better serve children, helping to mitigate the long-term effects of adverse experiences and foster resilience, ultimately paving the way for brighter futures for the children of Jefferson County.
The profound impact of the Women's Giving Circle (WGC) on our organization's mission cannot be overstated; their crucial support has enabled the development of some of our most comprehensive learning experiences, equipping our team with vital insights into the complex realities faced by vulnerable children. Recognizing the critical importance of this specialized knowledge, we always extend an invitation to other community agencies to join us, to learn alongside us in these transformative programs.
“It is paramount that all relevant community stakeholders achieve a shared, in-depth understanding of the detrimental, long-lasting impacts of child abuse and neglect. Furthermore, as privileged keepers of these children’s stories, it is not enough to simply understand the facts of their suffering; we must also deeply comprehend the outward behaviors they exhibit, discerning the underlying meanings and needs these expressions communicate.”
This shared educational journey ensures that CASA of Jefferson County can advocate more effectively, respond more thoughtfully, and ultimately, provide better support for those who need it most. We offer our profound gratitude to the Women's Giving Circle for their unwavering commitment to the mission of CASA and Ivy Tech Community College - Madison Campus for providing the space for making these critical initiatives possible.
