Risk Factors for and Signs of Pediatric Abuse
Kentucky leads the nation in cases of child maltreatment. This educational session covers the prevalence of, risk factors for and types of maltreatment, as well as cultural considerations. There is also discussion of signs and symptoms of abuse to help CASA volunteers identify problems. This training was led by Mary Wethington, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN. […]
Caring for Kids Who Have Suffered Physical Abuse
This virtual volunteer training was held by CASA of Lexington on June 25, 2020, and featured Dr. Jacqueline Sugarman and forensic interviewer Kristin Jenkins. It provides an overview of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, the process of forensic interviews of children when there are allegations of sexual abuse, the importance of case history […]
Caring for Children Who Have Suffered Sexual Abuse
This virtual volunteer training was held by CASA of Lexington on June 25, 2020, and featured Dr. Jacqueline Sugarman and forensic interviewer Kristin Jenkins. It provides an overview of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the Bluegrass, the process of forensic interviews of children when there are allegations of sexual abuse, the importance of case history […]
Understanding the Court Process
This virtual volunteer training was held by CASA of Lexington on May 14, 2020, and featured Joe Schuler and Tiffany Yahr with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It summarizes many steps of the court process from an initial petition through return to parents, placement with family members or possible termination of parental rights […]
Understanding Pregnancy and Substance Misuse
Babies born to mothers struggling with addiction is an unfortunate reality in today’s world. As a CASA volunteer, you may be appointed to a case involving a child who was born to a mother with a substance use disorder; or a parent on your existing case might get pregnant while still using drugs. “Understanding Drug […]
Advocating for Children with Sensory Processing Disorders
The training led by Rebecca Duvall Scott and Hannah Ragan includes: The presenter’s will also discuss their book, “Sensational Kids, Sensational Families: Hope for Sensory Processing Differences” and explain why they are helping to raise awareness about SPD. The training will conclude with an open discussion session, when participants can ask questions and drive the […]
ACEs Across the Lifespan
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and household challenges stemming from child abuse and neglect can result in poor health outcomes and decreased well-being across the life span. This training explores the kinds of adverse experiences that can culminate in changes to the structure and function of a child’s brain, which may influence negative health outcomes across […]
Using Your Therapeutic Communication Toolbox
This one-hour training teaches you about the benefits of therapeutic communication. It is led by Allie Barnett, Executive Director of Justin’s Place, a therapeutic farm serving children with diagnoses of Down Syndrome and autism. Therapeutic communication is an excellent tool for individuals in every environment. It can help CASA volunteers diffuse challenging situations, comfort people […]
How to Succeed as a CASA Volunteer in an Imperfect Court System
Many times the legal system takes our kids’ cases in directions that immensely frustrate us as CASA volunteers. We know that they are not in the children’s “best interest” by any means. But the overburdened social work system, or the legal and constitutional framework of the court system may compel results that we discussed in […]
CASA Book Club: The Car Thief
CASA of Lexington’s September 2021 continuing education was a book club discussion and training with Vicki Reed, author of the acclaimed novel, The Car Thief. In addition to a discussion of “The Car Thief” with Vicki, she shares her program, Lessons From The Car Thief, which highlights some of the educational aspects of her book, including […]