Advance the Dream for Children!

Today, 50 years after the March on Washington, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made as a society. Since 1963, we have made strides towards what is in the best interest of our children in the following ways:

· (1973) Marian Wright Edelman founds the Children's Defense Fund, a leading national organization that lobbies for children's rights and welfare.

· (1974) The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act is passed, creating the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect.

· (1975) National Network for Youth- Founded as the only national membership organization focused solely on the needs of homeless, runaway and disconnected youth.

· (Late 1970s) The rise of the feminist movement launches "previously hidden and taboo issues," including child sex abuse and incest, onto the national stage.

· (1981) Seven years after its establishment by Congress, the National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect publishes its first study on the incidence of child abuse and neglect, including sexual abuse.

· (1982) The Supreme Court considers the issue of child pornography for the first time in Ferber v. New York.

· (1987) The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children is founded.

· (1990) The Supreme Court allows victims of child sex abuse to testify in court through one-way closed circuit video. This decision makes it easier for childhood victims to testify while avoiding the personal trauma of having to directly face their abusers.

· (1993) Congress passes the National Child Protection Act.

· (1997) Congress passes the Adoption and Safe Families Act, which for the first time requires criminal background checks of any prospective foster or adoptive parent who is receiving federal assistance.

· (1999) The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act details what a website operator must include in a privacy policy, when and how to seek verifiable consent from a parent or guardian, and what responsibilities an operator has to protect children's privacy and safety online including restrictions on marketing to those under 13.

· (2005) The National Sex Offender Public Registry launches.

· (2008) Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008- The act would require certain standards and enforcement provisions to prevent child abuse and neglect in residential programs, and for other purposes.

How will you continue to “advance the dream” for our children?

New Law: Who is a mandated reporter for child abuse?

A mandated reporter is anyone who frequently works with children. These professionals can include coaches, clergy, educational professionals, as well as social workers. The new law, which came into effect August 1^st, states that these individuals are mandated reporters even when they are not serving in their profession.

Although occupation is an indicator of whether or not one is a mandated reporter, there are specific times when everyone is required by law to act in this capacity. These times include when an adult witnesses the sexual abuse of a child, and when any person knows of a homicide, rape or sexual abuse of a child. Because it is a legal obligation, is it important to report, even if the adult is not completely sure that the child is experiencing sexual or physical abuse.

In order to report abuse of a child by their caregiver, call 855-4LAKIDS. If the alleged offender is not the child’s caregiver, then it is important to contact the local non-emergency law enforcement number. Within five days of giving an oral report, a written report must be made and submitted via fax.

Failure to report can result in imprisonment, fines or both. It is better to report, even if unsure, then to not report at all. Reporting in good faith will protect the identity of the reporter, and will also protect them from any civic or criminal liability.

For more information on mandated reporters and for a full training from the Department of Children and Family Services, click here!!

Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken Baby Syndrom

Last Thursday, Dr. Neha Mehta gave a presentation on Abusive Head Trauma to members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team. Dr. Mehta, who is the medical director of the Audrey Hepburn CARE Center, Children’s Hospital, New Orleans, presented to members of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Gretna Police Department, Department of Children and Family Services and the District Attorney’s office. The presentation was designed to help the audience understand what Abusive Head Trauma is, how to investigate abusive head trauma and what the role of the clinical pediatrician is.

Abusive Head Trauma, also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, occurs when a caregiver shakes, or otherwise physically abuses a baby out of frustration. Abusive Head Trauma diagnosis relies heavily on whether or not the provided history is consistent with the type of injury a baby has, and whether or not the injury was the result of an accident.

Because the injuries resulting from Abusive Head Trauma can be subtle, it is important to be aware of the signs. For example, there is no such thing as a “killer couch.” If a child is brought to a doctor with bruising or injury in places such as the genitals or trunk and the caregiver says that the infant “fell off a couch,” there is cause for speculation. Typically, if a child is too young to “cruise,” then they are too young to “bruise.”

Thanks so much to Dr. Mehta for her presentation!

For more information on AHT/SBS, click here!

$5,000 Awarded to the Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center

Jefferson Parish Council Awards $5,000 to the Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center

From left to right (Wayne Zimmerman, JCAC Board President; Omalee Gordon, JCAC Board Secretary; Yvonne James, JCAC Office Manager; Brittney Bergeron, JCAC Forensic Interviewer; Erika Dupepe, JCAC Executive Director; Ashley Sturz, JCAC AmeriCorps VISTA; Mark Spears, Councilman and JCAC Advisory Board Member; Gail Pesses, JCAC Board Vice President; Chris Trosclair, JCAC Board Treasurer)

The Jefferson CAC would like to express its deepest appreciation to the entire Jefferson Parish Council, and Councilmember/Advisory Board Member Mark Spears, for the recent resolution award of $5000!  Thanks to their support of our organization and work we do, this money will be used to assist us in continuing to provide the best services possible for Jefferson Parish’s children.