The Voices of Child Advocates of Fort Bend May 2023

The ofVOICES

from the ceo

We've been busy and have so much to share with you this month

Happy Spring!

With gardens coming alive with new blooms and the end of the school year just a few weeks away, Spring is a time of new beginnings. At Child Advocates of Fort Bend, we have so much to share with you in this issue of VOICES – new staff members, new roles, a new class of CASA/CAC Volunteers and new training offerings to keep you up to date on the latest learnings in the field of child abuse awareness and treatment. This month, we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month as well as National Foster Care Month. The two are intertwined in many ways so let me start off with sharing some statistics.

First, let’s look at the children served by CASA. Of the nearly 400,000 children and youth in foster care in the US, up to 80% of children in foster care have significant mental health issues, compared with approximately 18% – 22% of the general population. Because of the complex traumas faced by children

and youth in foster care, foster alumni experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a rate nearly five times higher than the general adult population. Yet mental and behavioral health is the largest unmet health need for these children and teens. In terms of treatment, youth in foster care are prescribed psychotropic medications at a much higher rate (13% – 52%) than youth in the general population (4%) and may stay on these medications for long periods of time which can exacerbate their symptoms.

Second, let’s look at children who have experienced sexual abuse. These children are served by our CAC. The impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on early brain development is well established. The period from birth to adulthood is one of intense brain development, wiring and rewiring. CSA has been shown to result in changes in the hippocampus, amygdala, pre-frontal cortex and corpus callosum. These neurological changes may in turn result in behavioral, continued next page

psychological and physical diagnoses. Studies have found that 78% of women and 82% of men who reported CSA met diagnostic criteria for at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder. In a recent metaanalysis with over 3.1 million participants around the world, there was a significant association between CSA and a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, sleep disorders and suicide attempts. Numerous studies show that at any given time, 20% - 40% of psychiatric patients carry with them a history and burden of CSA. Patients reporting a history of CSA were significantly more likely to have attempted suicide than those with no such history. In addition, there was also an association between CSA and medical symptoms including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and seizures.

But there is help. And this is where Child Advocates of Fort Bend comes in.

For children in foster care, investing in culturally appropriate mental health supports that recognize an individual’s identity, culture and lived experience may improve the effectiveness of services and supports and improve long-term outcomes. The ability to meaningfully address the mental health needs of children in foster care requires a holistic approach that focuses broadly on their well-being within the context of family, home, school, work and community. Stable, nurturing placements have positive impacts on children and youth’s resilience and long-term wellbeing.

Maintaining relationships with relatives and kin can increase stability, reduce trauma and help children maintain a sense of family, belonging and identity. Our Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and focus on family connections and placements have demonstrated that children who have experienced abuse can overcome the traditional negative outcomes and go on to live healthy, productive lives.

For children who have experienced CSA, the research shows that early disclosure of the abuse by children and early therapeutic intervention can increase brain plasticity and can mask the effects of trauma on the hippocampus and prevent further neuronal damage. Our mental health and therapy program is highly specialized to address these needs by using evidence-based trauma therapies so that children recover and heal. There are many stories and examples inside this month’s newsletter of the people and approaches we are using at Child Advocates of Fort Bend to help children thrive. Enjoy your reading and thank you as always for your continuing support.

For the Children's Sake,

Ruthanne Mefford, CEO

May is. . .

National Foster Care Month

By Stevie Irby and Aly Ferrante

May is National Foster Care Month. With that, we acknowledge the thousands of children in foster care hoping to find permanency and all of the placements, organizations and professionals working day in and day out to make that hope a reality. Whether children are in foster homes, adoptive homes, residential treatment centers or placed with family members or fictive kin, there are critical overarching needs at each. All targeted support services, resources, community involvement and collaborative relationships must be trauma-informed, individualized and culturally responsive. Each of these are needed to ensure that we are collectively meeting the needs of each individual child and family involved with the child welfare system to

ultimately bridge gaps, strengthen families, and achieve permanency.

As a former foster parent, Trauma & Wellbeing Manager Alli Waterwall emphasized the need for support and resources. “Children in foster care have so many needs as a result from their trauma. These needs not only impact the lives of each child, but the homes they are in as well. Providing individualized support for each child as well as their caregivers and family unit is necessary to help children heal from their trauma and relearn how to trust and connect with those in their lives. Support within the child welfare system, as well as within the community makes all the difference.”

At Child Advocates of Fort Bend, our Advocates work collaboratively with CPS, caregivers, parents, schools, mental health providers, attorneys, fictive kin and connections to ensure we are meeting the needs of the “whole-child” along with their caregivers. This close collaboration can help identify gaps and put action steps and resources in place to prevent placements from breaking down and prevent children from experiencing further trauma caused by multiple placement changes. On a broader spectrum, our very own Fort Bend County community has a number of collaborations that provide support for children in care and their placements. Some of these resources include:

Behavioral Health Services which works to increase awareness, services and supports to address the complex needs of persons with behavioral health disorders

Post adoption services such as Arms Wide which provides wraparound support for families who have adopted children out of the child welfare system

Texana which provides behavioral healthcare and developmental disabilities services

The Fort Bend TBRI Collaborative which provides bi-monthly Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Caregiver Training within the community to equip caregivers and professionals with tools for working with children who have experienced trauma

Respite Care Programs that can provide caregivers with short-term child care services that can offer temporary relief and improve family stability

Foster Care Liaisons that are available at every district to offer support and guidance for families with children involved with the child welfare system

No matter what type of placement a child in the foster care system is in, the need for support remains. Together with the many hearts of service in our community and beyond, CAFB focuses on bridging the gaps and strengthening the voices of our community’s most vulnerable as well as those who care for them in the hope to achieve the permanency they desperately need and deserve.

L E G I S L A T I V E U P D A T E

The 88th Legislative Session is in full swing at the Texas State Capitol. Two bills under consideration would expand CASA services. These bills are under consideration but we thought we would give you a preview. HB2794 and SB2109 are identical Texas CASA champion bills which amend the Texas Family Code to allow CASA programs to use their current state funding to serve on Court Ordered Services (COS) cases. Currently the law limits CASA’s state funding for only cases involving children who are already in foster care. This prevents CASA from providing critical support for children and families to remain safely together outside of the formal foster care system. This champion bill could utilize CASA volunteers and programs in different ways to prevent children from entering foster care and experiencing the trauma of being removed from their home.

According to the KIDS COUNT Data Center, policymakers, researchers and other experts agree that when children must be removed from their homes and placed into foster care, they are more likely to thrive if placed with families- ideally with relatives or close friends who can provide continuity with a child’s school, community and cultural identity, or with nonrelative foster familiesrather than in group homes or institutions.

To stay up to date on Champion Bills, High Priority Bills and Bills Supported by Texas CASA please visit:

88th Legislative Session Bill Tracker - Texas

SELF-CARE ISN'T SELFISH

By Jheri Walters

We talk a lot about Secondary Trauma here at Child Advocates of Fort Bend. The definition is listed as “Secondary trauma is experienced indirectly through hearing details or witnessing the aftermath of a trauma experienced by another person. Those who work in helping professions (e.g., social workers, professional counsellors, first responders, and police officers) and the loved ones of trauma survivors are at a greater risk of experiencing secondary trauma or secondary trauma stress.”

Choosing Therapy.com goes to to say “Those who experience STS will have at least some of the symptoms that are commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A small proportion of these individuals will experience full-blown PTSD as a result of secondary trauma exposure. ”

This is where self-care comes into play. Self-care is so important, and yet it's something that we often neglect. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we forget to take care of ourselves; however, if we are not intentional about self-care, showing up for others in our lives can be challenging.

A primary benefit of self-care is that it supports our mental health. It helps us to relax and de-stress and can be a great way to improve our mood and be more present. It can also help to boost our energy levels and allow us to sleep better. Taking time out for ourselves can be something small or simple. If you need help figuring out where to start, that's okay. Below are a few self-care activities you can add to your monthly schedule!

primary benefit of self-care is that it supports our mental health It helps us to relax and de-stress and can be a great way to improve our mood and be more present It can also help to boost our energy levels and allow us to sleep better Taking time out for ourselves can be something small or simple. If you need help figuring out where to start, that's okay.

Below are a few self-care activities you can add to your monthly schedule!

One day without the use of social media (or news)

One day spent outdoors (walking, sitting outside, or biking)

One breakfast/lunch/dinner date with friends to check in on them.

One day spent doing acts of service (volunteering, tutoring, etc.)

One day spent learning something new (even if it isn't a necessity)

One self-care day dedicated to renewing your energy.

One day spent being a tourist in your city or neighboring cities.

So, challenge yourself to take a few days out of the month for self-care. Whatever you do, ensure you ' re intentional about taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

When we asked our staff what Self-care means to them and how they give themselves self-care, these were some of their answers.

Jheri Walters: Setting boundaries with myself to do things from a place of joy and sincerity. Not out of guilt.

Irene Wisner:

Pampering myself – getting a pedicure and manicure , coloring my hair , facial , etc.

Lizbeth Ocampo: Self-care to me means taking care of yourself; mentally, spiritually, and physically

Working out , massage, pampering myselfmani & pedi, nap, treat myself to something delicious!

Courtney James: My self-care includes going to the gym/staying active , spending time with my dog, and allowing myself to be lazy and lay on the couch and watch TV whenever that’s what my body/mind needs.

Lacy Starnes: I divide self-care into 3 buckets: stuff that makes my future self less stressed (i.e., meal prep, exercise , cleaning/organizing/planning type things), stuff that re-energizes me (i.e., mindfully enjoying time with my family, being outdoors , playing violin , more hobbytype activities), and recovery (i.e., extra sleep, treat meals , movie days, more indulgence-type things and basic needs). The trick is finding the balance between the three to stay functioning logistically, physically, and emotionally.

Luisa Bowers:

What I do varies on whether I am needing physical, emotional , spiritual or mental selfcare but includes any of the following: Adventures with family and friends , Gardening, Working out , Sleeping, Relaxing, Reading scripture, Learning something new.

Suzanne Slavin: I love to go down to Galveston on a weekend it’s those walks on the beach to reflect and rejuvenate with the sun out and the wind blowing. It’s definitely my happy place! That’s truly self care of my mind and spirit.

Carolyn Thesing: Self Care for me is “ me time”. Time to quilt and making time for Pilates.

Melissa Johnson: Being outside sitting on my front porch and watching the birds , squirrels, and butterflies listening to the sounds of nature and talking to God Taking a nice bubble bath , sipping wine , and listening to spa music Getting a massage, a manicure , and/or a pedicure

Ruthanne Mefford: For me , self-care is about getting away from routine with either quiet, alone time in a yoga class , a walk or gardening or the doing the complete opposite with fun , social time with family and friends over a great dinner and nice glass of wine.

Dana Mersiovsky: “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise , trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

My solace is the ocean. A walk on the beach , combing for sea glass and other treasures is #1 on my list for self care. Fishing is a close #2!

Jen Brown: Self-care for me is being aware of when I need time to recharge or get regulated again. The way I do this is based on what I need at that moment- sometimes it’s a snack , sometimes it’s a book or time outdoors.

Brenda Zavala:

A lot of times when we think of self-care we think we have to go and do something grandiose like a spa day or a getaway vacation but I have learned that self-care is allowing yourself to get that chocolate chip cookie you ’ ve been eyeing or even just sitting in the car for 5 minutes before heading into the house.

On the daily. I jam to music on my way to work and listen to my favorite song that is going to help pump me up for my day. Selfcare is also closing the door to my office for a few minutes to sit in silence as I mentally take care of myself for my next client.

CAFB's Self Care Alphabet CAFB's Self Care Alphabet

Adventures Bubble bath

Coloring my hair

Exercise

Fishing

Hobby time

Jogging

Dinner & nice wine

Gardening

Indulge

Kicking back with friends

Learing something new

Massage

Organize Pilates & Pampering

Nap

Quilting & quiet time

Relax

Scripture Unplug

Treat yourself

Violin playing Walking on the beach

Xtra time

Yoga

Zzzz's

Child Abuse Prevention Month Highlights

By Lindsey Castellanos

We were busy little bees around Child Advocates of Fort Bend for Child Abuse Prevention Month! The amazing thing is how far our education and message can reach when our community comes together! Kicking off the month with Light of Hope on March 31st at Wessendorff Park was a huge hit! The weather was perfect for a movie in the park, and we hosted 12 different partners that help support and strengthen families Those partnerships are important because the more resilience a family has to stress the better protected the children in that family can be

Staff and volunteers were honored to speak to students at Lamar Consolidated ISD Culver Elementary Our children’s presentations are a developmentally appropriate way for children to learn what safety looks like Children have a much different and more innocent perspective of the world That innocence is protected and safe guarded when children can recognize red flags behaviors and situations Children

can be empowered to speak up for themselves or friends in situations that may not be safe This is the first step to prevention! The 5 safety rules they learn in our programs allow them to apply those ideas to any type of unsafe situation with adults or other youth

Having a safe adult that knows how to respond to child abuse, neglect, red flags or disclosures is important as children find strength in their voice From the FBISD Whole Child Health Expo to speaking with Rotary of Fulshear to training adults in Darkness to Light: Steward of Children, Child Advocates of Fort Bend is spreading awareness and education to keep our children in Fort Bend County safer! We spoke to clinical staff at Access Health and many different parent groups through Head Start programs throughout the county

Our faith-based community is busy as well Congregations shared our education information through bookmarks filled with

facts and ways to respond t were able to “Walk the Walk Based and Community Eng awareness event at Long Acr this information going out, ea adults and children who atte will have more tools to make for the safety of all children

April is just the start! Child here Each of us has the oppor in preventing abuse for one ch epidemic thrives in secret T information and understandi support families and childr engage in a hard conversat questionable behavior or uns more we tell our children th them if they are hurt the m the problem

We are happy to come to sp about this important topic.

For a list of speaking topics or speaker click here.

monthly spotlights

Trauma Informed Care Conference- Volunteer Appreciation Month - Staff Updates - and more!

Trauma Informed Care Conference

THANK YOU!

On April 14 we hosted our annual Trauma Informed Care Conference at the Rosenberg Civic Center Close to one hundred professionals and community members from many aspects of child welfare work, education, and other areas came together to learn the importance of being trauma informed while working with and providing services to children and families We were thrilled to also welcome professionals from across Texas and grateful they joined us!

During the day, we also took a little time to stress the importance of self-care so we can be the best we can be while serving others

Special thanks to our presenters: Donna Anderson, Fort Bend Behavioral Health Services; Dr Jonathan C Blassingame, III & Dr Shankar Nandakumar, Baylor College of Medicine; Christa Mayfield, GoodSustained; Jessica Williams and Chadwick Sapenter

You all made our day AMAZING!

Welcome Sandra Meza - Therapist

Hello, my name is Sandra Meza and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate I graduated with both my bachelor’s in psychology and my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) I joined the CAFB team as a therapist because of my passion and dedication to helping children and their families heal I have a background in working with children in a variety of settings which include: inpatient and outpatient settings, public and private schools, community and childcare settings, and virtually

A few fun facts about me: I love coffee, cats, elephants, and nature, I have a 7-year-old niece, I’ve been skydiving twice (so far), I love traveling, and I hope to one day become a Registered Play Therapist

Welcome Lacy Starnes - Therapist

Lacy joined our Therapy Department at the CAC in April She worked with children and families in Dallas, TX for 8 years in a variety of settings This includes juvenile justice, CAC, hospital, and outpatient settings. She moved to Richmond 1 year ago after her husband of 4 years received a promotion within his company. She provided telehealth therapy in perinatal mental health for the past year while transitioning to Richmond and having a child herself, a baby boy who is now 7 months old She is excited to return to the CAC setting and is passionate about the treatment of trauma and problematic behavior in adolescents

Lacy enjoys being outside and grew up participating in water sports and camping She plays disc golf, hikes, and runs, and requires an inordinate amount of sunscreen. She has 2 large dogs - Catahoula mixes. She is a Dallas Cowboys and Rangers fan but don’t hold that against her. Her husband is a Green Bay Packers fan, so you can be mean to him. She loves music and knows how to play the violin but hasn’t actively played in a while

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

Congratulations Lindamarie!

We are so proud to announce that our therapist, Lindamarie Olson, has completed and defended her dissertation. On February 17th, Dr. Olson presented her dissertation titled “Neurofeedback enhanced trauma treatment for adolescents in residential treatment” with family, friends, and CAFB staff present. Throughout her research, Dr. Olson did a deep dive into how trauma effects the brain and how utilizing the neurofeedback modality of treatment can help with lessening trauma symptoms. We at CAFB are so proud of her and the hard work that she has done thus far in her career. We know that her future is bright and are looking forward to being her cheerleaders as she continues to make an impact on the lives of children who have experienced traumatic events. Congratulations, Dr. Olson!

Volunteer Social at Enchanted Forest and Volunteer Appreciation Week

By Jennifer Brown

On Thursday, April 20th, CAFB hosted a Volunteer Social at Enchanted Forest. The evening was perfect for having a bite to eat, a drink in hand and getting to shop for flowers and plants all while honoring our amazing volunteers! The Enchanted Forest staff was incredibly generous to stay open late for us and allow us to gather in their gorgeous space.

In attendance were staff, board members, volunteers, and their families. It was a perfect night to celebrate and honor V l Th h h bl

Our volunteers show up to prepare the playrooms, clean the toys and provide a normal experience for a child waiting for therapy or an interview Our Volunteers stand in court on a child’s behalf and talk to the judge about what’s in the child’s best interest based on their visits and constant communication with the child and their family and caregivers They go to schools and talk to children and staff about how to stay safe, and how to speak up if they are in danger Our volunteers show up and answer our phones, open doors and welcome our guests

They ensure we can host fundraising events by gathering anything and everything we need, stuffing envelopes with invitations, creating beautiful centerpieces, wrapping gifts, showing up early to set up and later staying to help clean up

We simply could not do our jobs as staff at Child Advocates of Fort Bend without the volunteers There is no small job each and everything that is done to assist CAFB is important and incredibly helpful

It was a joy to look around and see the connections being made between volunteers, staff and board members Everyone in attendance was there because they want to serve others It was a great night and we are honored to celebrate our Volunteers.

FRIENDS Spring Party

By Melissa Johnson

FRIENDS is an auxiliary volunteer group supporting Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) On April 13th they hosted their annual membership social and fashion show In addition to socializing and hors d-oeuvres, guests enjoyed a style show by Fabulous You with special models Carol Thesing, Stevie Irby, Snehal Johnson, Renee Lukefahr, Deann Rueff, Joyce Levine, Pat Somers and Jordan Rice

FRIENDS Special Needs Fund underwrites the needs of children in the foster care system that CAFB and other providers are unable to offer – items that most people take for granted The fund has underwritten backpacks filled with school supplies, summer camp tuition, tutoring, caps and gowns for graduating seniors and computers for college students FRIENDS has more than 100 members and is managed by a Council which provides volunteer opportunities and social events throughout the year Annual membership dues are $40 per year Membership is open to anyone

The Voices of Child Advocates of Fort Bend

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 learn their connection to our miss

Saturday, April 29th CAFB held its 23rd Annual Gala for the Children This year ’ s theme was based on the novel by Roald Dahl – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

It’s about the story of Charlie Bucket, a kind and loving boy who lives in poverty with his family near the Wonka Chocolate Factory and who yearns for a better life One day, Willy Wonka announces a contest in which Golden Tickets have been placed in five random Wonka Bars and the winners will receive a full tour of the factory as well as a lifetime supply of chocolate. And one lucky winner will receive an additional prize at the end of the tour. Charlie’s kind spirit and positive outlook make him a favorite of Willy Wonka and he is invited to come live and work in the factory. But Charlie declines because he doesn’t want to leave his family behind, which is the most important thing in his life. With the passage of time, Willy Wonka finally comes to realize the value of family and he invites Charlie and his entire family to move into the Wonka Chocolate Factory all together.

Foremost, this is a story about Pure Imagination -- that Charlie can “be free if he

truly wishes to be,” something that is woven through all the sweet delights that Charlie experiences as well as the more somber tones of Charlie’s search for happiness

A second theme is the Importance of Family and how even winning “the most fabulous prize one could wish for – a lifetime supply of chocolate” is not what Charlie wants if it means that he will have to be separated from his family

And finally, the theme of a happy ending with a permanent home closes the story when Willy Wonka grants Charlie his wish to have a safe, happy place to live in the chocolate factory together with his family and “ so shines a good deed,” remarks Willy Wonka.

At Child Advocates of Fort Bend, these themes punctuate the work we do. Imagination is at the core of our work. We imagine a better life for every child who has suffered abuse or neglect. From despair, we imagine hope. From pain, we imagine healing. From tragedy and heartbreak, we imagine recovery and triumph.

We give special thanks to these generous sponsors for their support of this impactful event.

Golden Ticket: OCuSOFT, Inc., Exchange Club of Sugar Land; Willy Wonka: Lynne & Aaron Spiwak; Auction Paddle: Rangeland Energy; Bar & Napkin: ChampionX; Centerpiece: The Hrebenar Family; Photo Booth: KW Southwest; Program: NOV; Sponsorship Kit: fun abounds; Auction Take Home Bag: Onyx Supply Solutions; Charlie: Johnson Development, Emerson Automation Solutions, Deann & Mark Rueff; Signature Cocktail: Jill & Sandy Curtis; Dinner & Dessert: Manmeet & Paul Likhari; Valet: Sewell Audi Sugar Land; Gift Card Pull: Monica & Xavier Maza; Oompa Loompa: BGE, Inc., CivilCorp, LLC, Early McClintic & McMillan, LLP, OakBend Medical Center, Monica & Dan Rayburn; Registration: Drs. Guillermo and Anne Marie Ponce de Leon; Mission Banner: Eileen Gallagher Akerson, Dr. Betty Baitland, Frost Bank, Chiang Law Firm PLLC, Douds/King/McClellan/Somers, Dr. David Lanagan & Dr. Angela McCain, Tracy Walker State Farm; Video: Amegy Bank; Live Auction: Sugar Lakes Family Practice; Wonka Bar: Alings Chinese Bistro, Rick DeToto & Jamie Reyna, District Attorney Brian Middleton, Exchange Club of Fort Bend, Valerie & Sam Golden, Grove Realty, Ingram Family, J. P. Morgan, Suzy Morton & Dell Toelkes, Olson/Tuma, Apurva & Mona Parikh, Roald’s Dahls, SiEnviro, Chip & Cindy Sutton, The Thankful Ones, Tricia Turner Properties

We give special thanks to these generous individuals and companies for their extra volunteer or financial support which helped the event run smoothly.

All Star Storage, Cookie Joe Arthur, Aulson Inlay LLC, Michelle Cano, Calvary Episcopal School, Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School, Denise Echelberger, FASTSIGNS, Mary Favre, Michele Fisher, Liz Furman, Susie Goff, Jessica Gregory, Houston Federal Credit Union, Jessica Kij, Penni & Mark Lapeyrouse, Linda Lee, Longaker Foundation, Vickie Looney, Deborah Maltman, Beverly & Rick Martinez, Jill Paquette, Lori Renfrow, Nancy Schultz, Jeff and Dawn Shank, Pat Somers, Frankie Steele, TMD Financial Services LLC, Lin Wooten

See photos from this event

our needs our needs

This month, we have immediate need for:

Blankets

Stuffed animals

Pop it toys

Additional items can be found on our WISH LIST

save these dates

May 9

May

TBRI

May 18

Darkness to Light Training

May 23

TBRI Empowering Principles 10am - 4pm More info

MAY 23

Sip & Stroll

9:30am

“Thank you for being there for me and my family."

“Thank you for being there for me and my family."

- Mikah (child) - Mikah (child)