The Voices of Child Advocates of Fort Bend JULY 2023

The ofVOICES

CEO

CEO

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from the ceo

Our theme for this month’s newsletter is about “Normalcy.” For so many of our children, their lives have been shattered from abuse and neglect, their trust in adults questioned, their connections with everything familiar broken and their stability shaken. Trauma from the initial abuse or neglect can be layered with further trauma from being removed from family and placed in foster care. Life’s “normal” routine has been disrupted and they question their feelings of safety and security from those who they relied on. Our job at Child Advocates of Fort Bend is first to understand the trauma these children are experiencing. We meet them where they are and help them to navigate what comes next in their lives. Our forensic interviewers provide a safe place where children are listened to and validated. We work to re-instill “felt safety” on their terms, create connections with positive, adults, help them create a network of support and

engagement, and provide tools, resources, training and therapy so that in the midst of the chaos, they can feel “normal.” Our Friends Auxiliary ensures that children have a brandnew backpack on the first day of school. Our therapy dogs provide comfort and reassurance that they are valued. Our mental health team provides counseling to help children recover so that they can again experience joy, trust and feel empowered. Our CASA Advocates meet with teachers, doctors, family members and foster parents to identify children’s needs and respond. The journey these children are on is anything but normal, but at Child Advocates of Fort Bend we make every effort to provide every service to have these children feel safe and “normal”, just like their friends, just like everyone else. As one of our children said to her abuser in her Victim Impact Statement, “Something very bad happened to me, but I will not let it define me ” What a strong young woman she continued next page

Thanks for tuning in to our July edition of VOICES. Summer has arrived. . .

was. Our goal is for every child to feel that strength, that confidence and that healing so that they can move beyond their abuse and just be “normal.”

July is a time for celebration of our country’s independence and all that Summer has to offer. At Child Advocates of Fort Bend, we are in the thick of our Summer activities including celebrations, educational workshops for our children, trainings for volunteers, community presentations and hosting donor events. This mix of celebrating our children and youth for all they have accomplished while providing enrichment, education and skill building to them so they can be successful when they age out of care echoes this theme of celebration and independence Here are just a few ways that we do this Our Annual Commencement Party was June 17 where we celebrated 14 high school seniors with cheers and applause for achieving this major milestone, particularly given the many hurdles and challenges that they have had to overcome

Our WINGS Summer Programs in June and July focus on teaching Lifeskills to prepare youth who will age out of the foster care system with tools and resources so that they will be prepared for adult living and successful when they are independent and WINGS Campus Crawl which exposes youth to colleges, universities and vocational schools across the state so they can break the generational cycle of abuse. For our elementary and middle-school children, our NEST Back To School workshop the first week in August will offer enrichment courses focused on STEM subjects and interactive experiences to prepare our 6-13 year olds so they will be prepared to start the new school year and achieve success in both academics and social emotional health

For the Children's Sake,

Ruthanne Mefford, CEO

Commencement celebration for WINGS youth who graduated from high school

Ensuring Child Safety: Effective Sexual Abuse Prevention During Sleepovers, Visiting Friends, and Family

By Jheri Walters

Child safety is of paramount importance, and it is crucial for parents, guardians, and caregivers to take proactive measures to prevent sexual abuse during sleepovers, visits to friends, and family gatherings. By implementing effective strategies, we can create safer environments for children and protect them from potential harm. This article explores key steps and practices to enhance sexual abuse prevention in these scenarios.

Establish Open Communication Channels

Open communication is essential to ensure the safety of children. Encourage children to freely share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment. Regularly engage in

conversations about boundaries, body autonomy, and inappropriate behaviors, emphasizing that they can approach a trusted adult if they encounter any uncomfortable situations. This communication fosters trust and provides an opportunity for early intervention if necessary.

Thoroughly Vet "Trusted" Adults

When children engage in activities outside the home, it is essential to ensure their safety by vetting the adults involved. Before allowing sleepovers or visits, thoroughly assess the character, background, and reputation of the responsible adults. Trusted family members or close friends who have demonstrated

responsible behavior and prioritize child safety are preferable options. Establish clear expectations regarding supervision and appropriate behaviors during such occasions.

Teach Empowerment and Boundaries

Empowering children with knowledge about personal boundaries and consent is crucial for their safety. Educate them about appropriate and inappropriate touches, emphasizing that they have the right to say " no " and that their boundaries should be respected. Teach children that their bodies belong to them and that they should report any uncomfortable situations immediately. Encourage assertiveness and

provide guidance on how to respond if someone tries to violate their boundaries.

By implementing these effective strategies, we can enhance sexual abuse prevention during sleepovers, visits to friends, and family gatherings. Open communication, vetting responsible adults, and teaching children about empowerment and boundaries are key to ensuring child safety. It is the collective responsibility of parents, caregivers, and communities to create safe environments where children can thrive without fear of abuse. Let us work together to protect our children and provide them with the security they deserve.

LEARN MORE about how to prevent grooming from child sexual predators

Click here

Water Safety Thi S mmer

By Lindsey Castellanos

As the temperature rises this summer, we will all be looking for ways to cool off. Children need adults to help keep them safe around water. Drowning can happen quickly, in as little as 20 seconds for children. Another thing we must keep in mind is that drowning is often silent. Children in duress will not have the ability to scream and might be mistaken for just playing around in the water if adults are not watching carefully. Always be aware of any body of water near playgrounds, your home, or places you are visiting. Children can slip out of sight quickly and do not understand how quickly water depth or speed can change Review water safety with your child anytime you are going to be near water Designate an adult who will not be distracted with conversations, a phone or device, or under the influence of alcohol to supervise children

Keeping Your Kids Safe Online

By Courtney James

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the CAC began seeing an influx of cases where children were victims of crimes involving some type of technological device We believe that the reason for this is because children were using the internet to learn, socialize, and play During the summer months, children are typically back in that space They are out of school and more than likely, they are on their phones, iPads, tablets, laptops, etc Unfortunately, perpetrators are aware of this You may be wondering; how do I keep my child safe this summer? We recommend parents educate themselves, learn what features are on your child’s electronic device, look through the apps and games to see if it is helpful or harmful Take note if there is a “chat”

feature on the game and adjust settings to ensure your child won’t be communicating with strangers This may be difficult, especially for teens, but set boundaries for your child about when and where they can use their device It’s common for families to have a certain time at night where everyone turns in their devices which can protect your child from getting curious and starting conversations or downloading things that are inappropriate and possibly dangerous Last, have open conversations with your children Talk to them about why these boundaries and rules exist Establish an open and trustworthy line of communication so if your child is worried or has a question, they are confident they can come to you without judgement

Learn what features

on your child's electronic device , look through the apps and games to see if it is helpful or harmful

monthly spotlights

Training updates, donor spotlights and more!

Testifying Tips and Strategies Training

CAFB welcomed Margaret Bassett, LPC-S, Director of Applied Research and Innovation at the University of Texas at Austin-Steve Hicks School of Social Work as she provided a professional development training titled Fact or Expert – Testifying Tips and Strategies. This interactive training supported the knowledge and experience of our participants, expanded understanding of different roles in the legal system and provided opportunities to increase confidence when testifying. Margaret has over 30 years of practice experience in the field of interpersonal violence. She provides education and training on interpersonal violence, including expert witness in cases involving intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking and has testified as an expert witness in criminal, civil, military, state and federal legal systems Thank you Margaret for sharing your expertise with us!

Thank You Jack and Jill America

Jack and Jill of America, Inc is an organization of mothers dedicated to raising the next generation of African American leaders while enhancing the lives of all children They accomplish their mission through diverse programs focused on leadership development, cultural exposure, community service, legislative advocacy and philanthropic giving. To further that mission, the Sugar Land Chapter was chartered in 2008.

Their mission aligns perfectly with Child Advocates of Fort Bend, so we were honored when the Sugar Land Chapter of Jack and Jill of America chose CAFB to be the recent recipient of their A Night in Paris - L'Art de la Comedie Gala on April 1, 2023. Several key members stopped by our campus to

deliver a check close to $8,000 Key members include one of CAFB partners and their incoming President Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson

Today, Jack and Jill boasts more than 245 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members. Service projects, create a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development. Through lobbying, educational programming, dissemination of education materials, and the organization of community and charitable events, Jack and Jill has promoted the public awareness and interests of children including child development, child growth, child quality of life, childcare and the promotion of children’s rights.

Thank You Renova Appliance Center

Renova Appliance Center is a local family owned business serving the Greater Houston area with their appliance needs since 1988 They are generous in the community and have been helping CAFB since 2021 They were busy in April of 2023 hosting an appliance give-back event where 2% of sales would be donated back to CAFB Their

passion was so strong that Zline kitchen and bath products joined them and the results were a donation of over $5,600 This was in addition to their donation of a 24-bottle wine cooler for our Gala auction we feel so fortunate Be sure to visit them for your new appliance needs Thank you Renova Appliance Center and Zline!

Our mission and our values are central to the work that we do and every one of our staff members has a role in how we meet our mission. Meet some of our staff members and hear why they are a part of our team.

Are you interested in joining our team? We have openings Click here for more information or to apply today.

our needs

This month, we have immediate need for:

Gift Cards to places with groceries and gas - Walmart, Target, H-E-B, or VISA gift cards in any denomination

Fidget Toys used in court, during interviews in our CAC and during trainings and child visits

Blankets size 50" x 60"

Stuffed animals

Additional items can be found on our WISH LIST

Do YOU love to decorate for the holidays?

If you love to decorate and you are interested in having your home featured on the Home Tour or if you know of someone who would like to get more information about having their home featured on the Christmas Home Tour , we would love to talk to you

Please contact Tarina at TSheridan@cafb.org to chat!

FRIENDS Backpack Drive

This year schools will be back in mid-August. Friends is looking for individuals to purchase school supplies for one or more foster children served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend. The backpacks are purchased in bulk using FRIENDS yearly $40 membership donation.

If you can help fill a backpack with school supplies, please contact Brigit Engleman, bengleman@hotmail.com to receive a child's name, grade, and a supply list. Then check out the school supply bargains at your store!

If you can't shop for supplies but want to help, you can donate $75 per child.

Please send your donation with "School Supplies" on the memo line to: Alexis Jackson, FRIENDS Treasurer 7406 Forest Shadow Dr. Sugar Land, TX 77479

Supplies can be dropped off between July 10-14, 2023 at Lynn Halford's home in Greatwood, 1906 Silver Pond Court, SL 77479, 713 705-8441, halfordlynn@gmail.com or Brigit Engleman's home 914 San Marino, SL 77478 281 748-7987

August

August

- Anonymous - Anonymous

““What makes you different is ““What makes you different is what makes you beautiful." what makes you beautiful."