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April2023

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People of Louisiana – Military (April 2023)

 

Louisiana Veterans
Honor Medal

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal

 

The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal was created to honor, recognize and thank Louisiana Veterans for their honorable military service. Medals are available to all honorably discharged Louisiana Veterans and to the family of those killed in action.

The Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal is available with a blue ribbon for honorable discharge, a purple ribbon for Purple Heart recipients, a black ribbon for Prisoners of War, and a yellow ribbon for killed in action.

To apply for your Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal, please complete an application by filling out our form online. You will also be required to submit a copy of your DD214 or discharge papers with your application.

Click here to apply.

 

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Teach MAM – Keep Calm and Finish Strong

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teach MAM

 

Teach MAM: An Exciting Partnership to Strengthen Arts Education Across Louisiana

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TEACH MAM

Keep Calm and Finish Strong

Written by Carolyn Scalfano

Teach MAM Art Ambassador

Welcome to April! As the flowers bloom and we celebrate the Week of the Young Child, educators nationwide prepare for state-mandated testing. State-mandated testing impacts not only teachers, as we stress to “spray and pray” all the many concepts, standards, and approaches to problem-solving across curriculums, but it also impacts the students. Therefore, I feel that it is our responsibility as educators to prepare kids mentally and support students as they deal with the anxiety that comes with this impending cumulative test.  

One way to lighten the mental load is by allowing students an outlet. An example would be a brain break where students stretch, go outside, do some yoga, or read a book aloud to the kids. In addition, we must continue allowing students an opportunity for self-expression, whether journaling, drawing, singing, dancing, or just facilitating a conversation with the class to check in about their feelings.

As I ponder the past school year, I realize we have all accomplished so much. From the faculty and staff at our schools to the hard-working students, all the way up to the top. We have overcome the devastating impacts that the pandemic had on learning. In addition, the Louisiana First Foundation Teach MAM initiative has impacted the state of Louisiana this year in many ways. Not only are we networking across parishes, but we are advocating for the arts in more areas and more ways.  

The field of education is not for the faint of heart. With a new acronym created almost every month and extra workload and time sitting in trainings disguised as the solution to the latest exciting buzzwords, the bottom line is that teaching is a challenging and sometimes thankless job. Yet there seems to be a rainbow on the horizon, and I am here to remind you of that. The arts are not going anywhere. There’s no state-of-the-art research-based intel needed here. The fact is that music, movement, performing arts, creative writing, and visual arts are in every single one of us. From athletes to choir members to that one kid that just needs to scribble because they love how it makes them feel, everyone can relate to the arts in some capacity. Finding which avenues resonate with you provides a means of expressing one’s characteristics. It also builds community and connects us through our common interests and talents. Keep this in mind as we embark on this home stretch together. Even if administrators are required to cut back on the time students have in electives so they can cram more core content into the day, remember that you are teaching to the whole child. Every human needs a break, a respite, and opportunities to de-stress. I encourage you to remember the bigger picture and prioritize finding time for yourself and your students to decompress as we finish the year. The good news is that summer is inevitably approaching! Never forget your value. Remember your impact. Let that reminder boost your confidence and give you the fortitude necessary to finish this year strong.

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About Carolyn Lenora Scalfano

Carolyn Lenora Scalfano is the Visual Arts teacher at Pineville Elementary in Rapides Parish. She also serves as the school’s representative for the Good Food Project of Central Louisiana, in which the school’s gardens provide fresh produce distributed to Food Bank clients or local non-profits that serve food to the needy.

Carolyn’s passion for aesthetics led her to study architecture at Louisiana State University’s College of Art and Design. After professional insight and mentorship by college faculty, she was encouraged to pursue a studio art degree. Inspired by the arts community in Lafayette, LA, she transferred to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to earn her Bachelors of Fine Art with a concentration in painting.

After graduating from the UL program, Carolyn worked as an illustrator and landscape designer for LAND Architecture in Lafayette, LA.

As a professional working artist, Carolyn was represented in 2008 by Ariodante Gallery in New Orleans, LA. She showcased a solo exhibition and was featured on their website, selling multiple works to buyers nationwide.  In 2010 her paintings were featured in a two-person show, Another Time, at the Acadiana Center for the Arts.  More recently, she participated in the 2019 exhibition, Pace 20: Twenty Years of Teaching Artists, in the Acadiana Center for the Arts’ main gallery with works by the seventy Primary Artistic Creative Experiences (PACE) teaching artists.

As a PACE teaching artist, her role was to design arts integration lessons for students grades PK-3 in the Title 1 Schools of Lafayette Parish. Having spent years collaborating in the classroom, she eventually pursued and received her teaching certification in Elementary Education from Louisiana.  

Currently, Carolyn is Pineville Elementary’s resident Visual Arts Teacher. She designs her art lessons around individual conversations she has with each of the teachers she works with at Pineville Elementary. They collaborate to develop relevant projects to the students and integrate art into the other subjects to present the curriculum in a new and exciting way.  

Carolyn is on the Pineville Elementary Lighthouse Team for the Leader in Me, which is rooted in teaching the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Being in charge of the Leadership Environment includes managing the physical look of the school (what people see), the common language (what people hear), and the emotional environment (what people feel).   This planning includes organizing numerous collaborative art installations where all PES members, including faculty, staff, and students alike, create original art pieces displayed throughout the campus. The underlying goal is that the students feel ownership of the building by seeing their artwork displayed throughout the school.

Her collaboration with the Good Food Project entails creating organic school gardens in which students do all maintenance.  By working in the garden, the children learn hands-on about developing agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.

 

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Anti-Human Trafficking: The Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Louisiana

 

The Free Coalition to End
Human Trafficking in 
Northwest Louisiana

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The Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Louisiana

 

Written by Laurie McGehee

Probation Department Manager, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services
Executive Director, The Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Louisiana

As the battle against human trafficking rages on, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services, Caddo Parish Juvenile Court, and The Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Louisiana are honored to participate in this fight. The efforts that began in 2012, over ten years ago, are still in place today and are even more equipped to identify, intervene, and respond to persons at high risk for human trafficking, confirmed victims, and survivors of human trafficking. We have not traversed this journey alone. With the cooperation and collaboration of many community partners, we have developed programming and interventions that have proven successful in working with youth who have been trafficked or are at high risk.   

In 2012, The Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Northwest Louisiana was created. Since that creation, the coalition has expanded its mission and partnered with other coalitions and human trafficking task forces around the state. It is now known as The Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Louisiana. Two of our partners, The Greater New Orleans Human Task Force and the Human Trafficking Task Force of Northwest Louisiana, have made this expansion possible by opening up their networks and collaborating with the FREE Coalition. In addition, the FREE Coalition and Caddo Parish Juvenile Services have been honored to be a part of the Governor’s Anti-Human Trafficking Commission and Advisory Council, which has expanded the resources and the reach of The FREE Coalition.

In 2014, we began to see a rise in the number of girls coming into our Detention Center that we suspected were being trafficked. In collaboration with community partners, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services developed the first Multi-Disciplinary Team specific to human trafficking in the State of Louisiana, and it has been amazing to see this model replicated around the State with the creation of the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative and the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. Additionally, in 2015, with the assistance and approval of the Caddo Parish Commission and Administration, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services expanded the Intensive Probation Unit to add two specially trained female Probation Officers to supervise victims of human trafficking who are also involved in the Juvenile Justice System. This Specialized Intensive Unit, or SIU, has expanded to include youth at high risk for trafficking.  

After these dreams became a reality and we witnessed positive outcomes, we wanted to create and implement a Specialized Court Section for victims of human trafficking that were Court involved. In 2018, Judge Ree J. Casey-Jones consented to serve as the Judge for this Specialized Court. In 2019, our team traveled to Los Angeles to observe and learn from the STAR Court Program in Compton. We met with Judge Katherine Pratt and Probation staff members to begin planning the program. Equipped with amazing knowledge and resource ideas, we returned to Shreveport, Louisiana, and our STAR Court at Caddo Parish Juvenile Court was born. Since then, we have served over 40 youth in this program, each receiving comprehensive and trauma-competent services.

Over the years, our collaboration and community resources have grown exponentially. We have expanded to include the Parishes of Bossier, Webster, and DeSoto in our Multi-Disciplinary Team staffing. Our local Police Departments, Sheriff’s Departments, and City Marshall’s Offices have been entirely on board with our efforts. Our local Child Advocacy Center, The Gingerbread House, has been an invaluable resource. Service Providers such as Purchased: Not for Sale, Project Celebration, the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana, and Volunteers for Youth Justice have provided programming for our youth in our Court system. CASA, the Department of Family Services, the Office of Juvenile Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have been exceptional partners. All these agencies have also collaborated with us to plan and present the South Central U.S. Human Trafficking Conference, free of charge, in June of each year. This year’s conference promises to be excellent, with a diverse group of speakers providing various breakout sessions. This year’s conference is on June 15th and 16th at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. Over the years, The Community Foundation, The Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund, Willis-Knighton Health System, Brentwood Hospital, and the Pelican Center have all supported this conference financially.   

One of the most notable events to occur in Northwest Louisiana in the area of human trafficking prevention has been the efforts of the School Boards in both Bossier and Caddo Parishes. Both of these school boards have made it a policy that every one of their employees is trained in human trafficking awareness every two years. From the school bus drivers who may be the first to see a victim in the community to teachers and administrators, this has been invaluable in educating persons in the school system to identify and report both youth at high risk for trafficking and those that are being trafficked.  

In conclusion, we believe education is the key to ending human trafficking. Caddo Parish Juvenile Services and The FREE Coalition are proud to have presented training on human trafficking all over our state and even in other states to raise awareness of this entity we call modern-day slavery. Raising awareness that anyone, even adults, can be victims of trafficking is crucial.

The Annual Governor’s Conference on Juvenile Justice in March of this year requested a presentation on human trafficking awareness and its intersections with the juvenile justice system. Just this week, we will be presenting information at a Teen Summit at Southwood High School in Shreveport to educate young people about human trafficking and how they can recognize if a friend is at risk or being trafficked, what to do, and how to keep themselves safe.  

We will continue our efforts in human trafficking prevention, education, identification, intervention, and advocacy until human trafficking no longer exists in our State or anywhere in our world.  

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About Laurie McGehee

Laurie McGehee is a thirty-eight-year veteran of the Juvenile Justice System and has served the Juvenile Court for Caddo Parish in many different capacities. She is presently the Probation Department Manager for Caddo Parish Juvenile Services. She has served in this capacity for almost fifteen years. She is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer in Restorative and Evidence Based Probation, Human Trafficking, Trauma, and Adolescent Development. She has been instrumental in developing many of the Court’s specialized programs, such as the Juvenile Drug Court and Mental Health Court. She developed the first Multi-disciplinary Team and Specialized Intensive Probation Unit (SIU) in the State of Louisiana to address human trafficking with Court involved youth. The Multi-disciplinary Team has been recognized by the National Association of County Officials (NACo) and by the Caddo Parish Commission for their preventative work in human trafficking. She also developed the first Specialized Court for victims of human trafficking called STAR Court. Laurie is a Certified Court Administrator and Trainer for Probation Officers through the National Juvenile Court Services Association and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. She serves as Secretary for the Board of Directors for Volunteers for Youth Justice and serves on Governor John Bel Edwards’ Human Trafficking Commission and Advisory Council. In 2008, she was the first recipient of the YWCA Women Who Mean Business Award. In 2014, she received the State of Louisiana Don E. Wydra Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. She was recently inducted into Bossier City’s Bossier High School Hall of Fame. Laurie lives and works in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is the proud Mom of one son, Corey, and daughter-in-law, Payton, and the proud grandmother of grandson, Copper, granddaughter, Colette, and grand dogs, Roux and Gidget.  

 

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Women’s Health – The Benefits of Breastfeeding

 

Women’s Health

WOMEN'S HEALTH BLOG April 2023

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

Written by Ashley Farge, MD, IBCLC

 

Birth is an exciting time for parents and full of emotion, but it is also full of change and new decisions. One decision parents may ponder is determining the best way to feed the baby. Over 80% of women in the United States initiate breastfeeding in the hospital after delivery. Breastfeeding or expressed breast milk feeding, although challenging at times, has abundant benefits for both mothers and babies.

The benefits of breastfeeding or giving expressed breast milk are vast and have both short- and long-term impacts. One of the most fascinating things about breast milk is that it constantly changes to provide the baby with exactly what they need. In addition, breast milk is full of antibodies from the mother’s immune system that protect the infant from illnesses, including ear infections, diarrhea, lower respiratory tract infections, and even everyday colds that the baby is exposed to at home and daycare. 

This effect is additive; the longer infants receive breastmilk, the lower their infection risk. Fewer infections not only mean a healthy baby but, for working mothers and families, fewer missed work days. Receiving any amount of breast milk is also protective against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the unexplained death of an otherwise well infant that is usually related to sleep. Some benefits last well beyond when a baby feeds at the breast or receives expressed breastmilk and stays with the child throughout their lifetime. These include a lower risk of asthma, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, and even leukemia.

Breastfeeding not only benefits infants; there are also many wonderful benefits for mothers. It causes the release of oxytocin in a woman’s brain. This amazing hormone, known as the love hormone, promotes bonding between mothers and their babies. Some studies show that, for some women, this can be protective against post-partum depression. This same hormone also causes uterine contractions while breastfeeding, which can shorten the time of normal vaginal bleeding post-partum. Long-term benefits of breastfeeding for women include a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes. Like infants, the longer the duration of breastfeeding, the lower the risk.

Convenience is another great benefit of breastfeeding. A mother can breastfeed anytime, anywhere, at no cost, and the milk is always at the perfect temperature. Supplies like electric breast pumps, which are used to express breast milk, are covered by insurance and can be obtained with paperwork and some assistance from a doctor. In addition, breast pumps are often beneficial for working mothers who desire to continue expressing milk for their babies once they return to work.

Because of these numerous benefits and their additive effects, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastmilk feeding for the first six months and continued breastmilk feeding for two years or longer as mother and baby desire. It is well-recognized that this is challenging, especially for first-time mothers. Some early challenges are difficulty with latch, pain, or concern about having enough milk, but these can usually be remedied with assistance from lactation specialists. For some women, the support to continue breastfeeding can be a challenge. Many birth hospitals and community organizations have free groups to provide peer-to-peer support and education for breastfeeding mothers. What women need to realize is that these trials are common and expected. If mothers can stick with it for the first few weeks, many of these challenges can be overcome and managed, and they will see a beautiful relationship blossoming with their babies. This breastfeeding relationship not only more closely bonds mother and baby, but it sets them both on a path for a healthier future.  

Ashley Farge, MD, IBCLC
LSUHSC School of Medicine
New Orleans, LA
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
LA AAP Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinator

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About Ashley Farge

Ashley Farge is a native of New Orleans, LA. 

She is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and practices general pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital Academic Pediatric Clinic. She attended medical school at LSU and completed her residency at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. She practiced for several years in Louisville, Kentucky, before returning home to Louisiana. Since 2019 she has incorporated breastfeeding medicine, and lactation consults into her practice, and in 2023 she became an International Board Certified Lactation Counselor (IBCLC). She also serves as a Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinator for the Louisiana American Academy of Pediatrics chapter. In this role, she uses her expertise to educate pediatricians on best practices in caring for breastfeeding mothers and babies and to advocate for more breastfeeding support in our state.

 

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Louisiana Fosters – Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month

 

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Prevent Child Abuse
Louisiana

 

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana

The state affiliate of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) has returned to Louisiana! The office is now housed under VIA LINK, a non-profit organization focused on providing crisis support, connecting people to resources and services, and providing data and trend information to ensure policies and programs meet community needs.

VIA LINK’s Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana (PCAL) department aims to provide 24/7 emotional support for families, a connection to parenting resources, advocacy for children and families, and education for those who care for Louisiana’s children. An essential role of PCAL is advocacy, outreach, and education. Our goal is to prevent child abuse by supporting the needs of parents, children, and entire families. We also create and offer educational presentations and training for parents and professionals who work in supporting Louisiana children.

PCAL is pleased to share an excellent service for parents available statewide 24/7. By calling the Louisiana Parent Line, parents have immediate access to specialists who can offer emotional support, de-escalation, crisis intervention, information and referrals, and plans for coping. These calls provide parents a safe space to express their frustrations, ask parenting questions, and get support. The number to call is 833-LA-Child, or text 225-424-1533. With April designated as National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, PCAL and VIA LINK will be supporting CAP month by encouraging our community to participate in the following activities:Be a part of the virtual pinwheel garden in support of PCAL’s mission by visiting www.preventchildabuse.org

  • Make a pinwheel in support of child abuse prevention and display it in front of your home or business. See our online posts and website for details on creating a pinwheel.
  • VIA LINK is hosting a free, virtual Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) presentation on April 17th. For more information about this Lunch and Learn, please email screspo@vialink.org

  • Watch for posts throughout the month on social media to raise awareness about prevention and visit our website and follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/VIALINK211

For more information, contact Sherrard Crespo, LCSW Director of Outreach and PCAL, at screspo@vialink.org.

 

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April Adoption Feature

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Each month we feature children and teens available for adoption in Louisiana. For April, we’d like to introduce you to Linda and Camden from the Lafayette Region. 

 

About Linda-Age 16 

Linda is a fun-loving teenager with a huge smile. She likes playing and watching sports and other outdoor events like bike riding and swimming. Linda plays the snare drum in her school’s marching band. Linda does well academically and is proud of her academic achievements. She needs someone who will push and encourage her to meet her greatest potential. She needs a role model who cares about making her a part of their lives. Linda can express her needs, is very smart and creative. She has big dreams for her future and desires to travel the world one day. What Linda desires most is what most of us take for granted—a forever family and a home of her own.

 

About Camden-Age 15 

Camden is a very polite and respectful young man who is very friendly and will talk your ears off. He enjoys playing video games, with his favorite being Five Nights at Freddy’s. He is very artistic and creative and loves to research various topics. Camden enjoys school and is working very hard to reach his full academic potential. He is searching for a forever family that will mentor, support, and encourage him in achieving his goals. Are you that family? 

If you are considering adopting or fostering a child, take that first step by attending a free, virtual orientation session. For more information about becoming a foster/adoptive parent and the training available, visit our website. You can also call your regional office or email DCFS.HomeDevelopment@la.gov with your name and parish of residence for more information.

 

Visit the Louisiana Fosters Website

 

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People of Louisiana – Schools (April 2023)

 

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JORDYN VICKNAIR

St. Charles Parish Public Schools
Destrehan High School
2023 Louisiana New Teacher of the Year 

Lessons of a
First-Year Teacher

 
 
 
 
 

JORDYN VICKNAIR

Lessons of a First-Year Teacher

With summer approaching, I find myself reflecting upon the school year and thinking about lessons learned. My name is Jordyn Vicknair, and as you may have concluded from the title, I am a new teacher. I taught my first year in Ascension Parish and moved to start my second year of teaching in St. Charles Parish. In such an impactful profession, the pressure to perform is high, especially for a new teacher. As new teachers, we often think about what we expect teachers to be – what we should say, what we should wear, what we should have in our classrooms, what we should be feeling, etc. This endless list of expectations is impossible to master in one year. So the big question is how can we, as teachers, bring more of ourselves into the classroom daily to be the best we can be for our students and ourselves? I want to share with all of you the most important lesson I have learned during my short time as an educator: be yourself. 

As cliche as it sounds, the most significant way to remain happy, motivated, and excited about work is to ensure we are bringing our authentic selves to school, not a fake imitation of who we feel others expect from us. School breaks are nice, and with the amount of work we put in to ensure our students are successful, they are well-deserved. What happens when we start to feel like we are only ever our true selves on the weekends or on breaks? It can sometimes feel like our teacher personalities are entirely separate from who we are outside the classroom. We spend our time being who we think our students need us to be. This exhaustion of trying to deliver an Oscar-worthy performance every day can have the opposite effect and may lead to resentment. I have found this year that the only teacher our students need is us, the real us, and I’ve been so much happier and less stressed since. Here are some ways I have found to bring ourselves into our classrooms to be the best version of ourselves. 

  1. Share parts of yourself with your students. One way to connect with our students while also connecting with our inner selves is to share details and aspects of ourselves that are important to us. This can be as simple as sharing our weekend plans, favorite foods, and sports teams with students. Allowing a small amount of time for non-content conversation is vital in building relationships with your students. Once we let them see us as people, they’ll be more willing to participate in class discussions knowing that we’re human, too. We shouldn’t be afraid to add personal touches to our space like we would if we had an office job, such as pictures of our family, friends, and pets. We will feel more connected to “weekend us” when we bring more of them into work.
  1. Professional dress does not have to be boring. Think of your favorite things to throw on when you get home or on Saturdays. Is it your old tie-dye t-shirt from college? Is it a pair of fuzzy polka-dot socks? What about the flare jeans from Goodwill that people claim went out of style decades ago? We should always try bringing appropriate elements of this style into our Monday-Friday wardrobe. Instead of a rotation of neutral blouses, we can try adding our favorite bright colors and prints. We can wear our favorite T-shirt on casual days with a nice blazer or a pair of slacks. Clothes are so important in expressing ourselves. Let’s allow our students to see more of who we are by wearing things that make us feel happy. I find myself happier when I keep my attire appropriate while not conforming to what I imagine a teacher should be dressed like.
  1. Your classroom is your second home; make it comfortable. If you’re anything like I was in my first year, you probably spent just as many, if not more, hours in your classroom than you did in your bedroom. Bringing personal touches to our classroom can help to make it a place our students and we want to spend time in. This doesn’t have to break the bank either. I have found some amazing pieces for my room at discounts, thrift stores, or even from veteran teachers looking to do some spring cleaning. My favorite items include lamps, rugs, motivational posters made in Canva, picture frames, desk knick-knacks, and even plants. Of course, these things range from neon green to bright orange for me, but it can be anything we feel represents us best. 
  1. Implement your favorite things into your lessons. One advantage we have being new teachers is a relatability to students who grew up in similar times as we did. Often, some of our favorite things are also our students’ favorite things! On many occasions, I have implemented pop culture references into my math lessons. I’ve used TikTok for a Geometry project, a karaoke microphone from Five Below to act out scenarios, and I’ve even had students submit songs for a classroom playlist that we use during independent work. These are all things I love outside of the classroom, and by bringing them into my lessons, I’ve felt more connected to myself. This may look like making connections to our favorite books or movies. Maybe it looks like bringing art into a math lesson or sports into a science lesson. It’s just a bonus that these connections to the outside world will also help put the content into perspective for your students.
  1. Make time for the things you love, even during the week. Trust me, on countless occasions I have been so consumed with writing lessons and grading papers that I’ve neglected the people and things I love. Where does it say we can only hang out with friends on Friday nights? Where does it say we can only go to the movies on the weekend? Spoiler alert – no one’s said that. The best way to prevent the so-called “inevitable” teacher burnout is to do things that bring you daily joy. This could be as simple as visiting a new restaurant after school, calling our relatives on our commute home, or reading a book by our favorite author. Breaking the work – home – work – home routine during the week will make the weekends feel like just another day. Finally, we can say goodbye to those Sunday scaries!

We experience so many firsts and learn so many things as new teachers. It can be exhausting to constantly put on a show of being the perfect teacher. We are called to this profession for many reasons; one is because of who we are without trying to be someone else. From now on, we should aim not to lose ourselves in the process of trying to be the ideal teacher. Our students will benefit immensely from a teacher who is honest and happy, so let’s take care of ourselves. As excited as I am to enter summer as “me,” I’ll be sure to enter the next school year as “me,” too. 

Jordyn Vicknair
St. Charles Parish Public Schools
Destrehan High School
2023 Louisiana New Teacher of the Year 
@mathteacherslay on Instagram and TikTok

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Feature: Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month

 

Recognizing 
Child Abuse 
Prevention Month

by Krystle Hilliard-Mitchell

 

 

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Recognizing Child Abuse
Prevention Month

By Krystle Hilliard-Mitchell

Executive Director
Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC)

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse is a taboo topic that many do not care to discuss; however, with approximately five child deaths reported every day, we should recognize that this epidemic is taking over our communities and should be prepared to respond appropriately. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), as amended and reauthorized by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at a minimum, “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation (including sexual abuse as determined under section 111), or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm” (42 U.S.C. 5101 note, § 3).

When someone hears the term “child abuse,” they most commonly associate it with physical abuse; however, there are four types of abuse to include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and child neglect. Physical abuse is the deliberate intention to inflict pain. Wounds, bruises, burns, fractures, and sore muscles are signs of physical abuse, but abuse can also result from severe acts of discipline. Emotional abuse is behaviors toward the child that cause mental anguish (also called psychological abuse). Examples of emotional abuse are shouting often at the child, withholding kindness or affection, extended periods of silence, and harsh jokes at the expense of the child.

Child neglect is the most common type of child abuse and can be defined as parents or caregivers who are continually unavailable for the child. Neglect occurs even if the parent is physically present but unavailable or refuses to care for the child or meet their needs. Sexual abuse is defined as touching a child in a sexual manner, or having sexual relations with the child is sexual abuse and includes any behavior toward the child for sexual stimulation. This type of abuse is characterized by fondling, forced sexual acts, and indecent physical exposure. In the United States, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday.

Though these stats are alarming, we are so thankful to have 15 Children’s Advocacy Centers in the state of Louisiana to assist child victims of abuse. Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are community-based, child-friendly, and trauma-informed organizations that coordinate a multidisciplinary response to child maltreatment allegations. CACs deliver a best practice model that brings together child protective services investigators, law enforcement, forensic interviewers, prosecutors, family advocates, and medical and mental health professionals to provide a coordinated, comprehensive response to victims and their caregivers. Simply put, CACs are a safe haven for child victims and their non-offending caregivers as they assist them on their road to healing and justice. The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC) is the state association dedicated to supporting each CAC and ensuring that every victim of child abuse in Louisiana has access to the services they need to experience justice and healing.

During April, you will find blue pinwheel gardens planted throughout the community. In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the blue pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel represents the great childhood that every child deserves and the role we all play in providing a loving and supportive environment for the children in our lives. You will also hear of various activities such as social media campaigns, proclamation ceremonies, prevention education sessions, and more! To find a Child Abuse Prevention Month event near you, please visit the LACAC Facebook page, www.facebook/lacacs, or our website at www.lacacs.org.

Krystle Hilliard-Mitchell

Executive Director | Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC)

 

ABOUT LACAC
Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers’ mission is to promote and support Children’s Advocacy Centers in providing a coordinated multidisciplinary response to child victims of abuse through development, training and advocacy.

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Blog – April 2023

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BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS

National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking

April 2023

This time last year I launched the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking (NCPHST). I believe, at the time, I had no idea how far the reach would go and no idea how many people would join this fight.

On Sunday, April 3, 2022 our newly formed National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking hosted several first ladies and governors at an awareness event in New Orleans. We had close to 500 in attendance there to learn. We learned from those working to rescue and support people trapped in HST and heard from several survivors about the horrors of this crime. It was an incredible weekend and the journey began.

Since this singular event took place, much has happened.  Through the work of my office and the Governor’s office of Human Trafficking we have made great strides. Here are some accomplishments in just this one year.

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  • Because of the outreach of the event, over 2,800 key professionals including hospitality workers, EMTs, Emergency Room staff, and 911 operators were trained to recognize trafficking, report it, and understand the resources available to victims.
  • These trainings provided professionals, who are often the first in contact with trafficking victims (many underage), the knowledge and resources to act and refer the victims to appropriate resources.
  • As a direct result of the NCPHST event, the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention (OHTP) has conducted and/or partnered with agencies to host 35 human trafficking trainings throughout the state.
  • In addition to these trainings, the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention partnered with the Louisiana Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers to provide a statewide, multi-state care coordination workshop.

Also, 15 DARE Officers participated in a “Train-the-Trainer” session and will be responsible for ongoing training for more than 150 DARE Officers statewide to include age-appropriate lessons on grooming and trafficking to our children.

  • Overall, 3,290 professionals have been trained since the event took place, and we still receive requests for training.
  • We partnered with as many state agencies as we could to disseminate information. I have done several radio and print interviews. Cox Communications and LPB have run PSA’s on all of their affiliates throughout the state.
  • There were billboards on our highways, stickers with the national hotline on the backs of restroom stall doors, and very recently we have partnered with the trucking associations to have posters, bumper stickers, and pamphlets on our trucks and in truck stops.

My work in this area has grown at a rate I could not have predicted. But, the need for action in Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness is immediate and urgent. You can find information about our work in the past and organizations in your area you can help on our website here and information about NCPHST here.

I think of this verse from Isaiah 61:1-2, when I need encouragement to continue this sometimes difficult work. “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.”

I fully intend to continue working on this issue after our time in the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion is done. I hope you will join me in this fight – even if just in prayer.

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National Coalition for the
Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking

April 2023

LFF_Blog_2023_FirstLady

 

This time last year I launched the National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking (NCPHST). I believe, at the time, I had no idea how far the reach would go and no idea how many people would join this fight.

On Sunday, April 3, 2022 our newly formed National Coalition for the Prevention of Human Sex Trafficking hosted several first ladies and governors at an awareness event in New Orleans. We had close to 500 in attendance there to learn. We learned from those working to rescue and support people trapped in HST and heard from several survivors about the horrors of this crime. It was an incredible weekend and the journey began.

Since this singular event took place, much has happened.  Through the work of my office and the Governor’s office of Human Trafficking we have made great strides. Here are some accomplishments in just this one year.

  • Because of the outreach of the event, over 2,800 key professionals including hospitality workers, EMTs, Emergency Room staff, and 911 operators were trained to recognize trafficking, report it, and understand the resources available to victims.
  • These trainings provided professionals, who are often the first in contact with trafficking victims (many underage), the knowledge and resources to act and refer the victims to appropriate resources.
  • As a direct result of the NCPHST event, the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention (OHTP) has conducted and/or partnered with agencies to host 35 human trafficking trainings throughout the state.
  • In addition to these trainings, the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention partnered with the Louisiana Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers to provide a statewide, multi-state care coordination workshop.

Also, 15 DARE Officers participated in a “Train-the-Trainer” session and will be responsible for ongoing training for more than 150 DARE Officers statewide to include age-appropriate lessons on grooming and trafficking to our children.

  • Overall, 3,290 professionals have been trained since the event took place, and we still receive requests for training.
  • We partnered with as many state agencies as we could to disseminate information. I have done several radio and print interviews. Cox Communications and LPB have run PSA’s on all of their affiliates throughout the state.
  • There were billboards on our highways, stickers with the national hotline on the backs of restroom stall doors, and very recently we have partnered with the trucking associations to have posters, bumper stickers, and pamphlets on our trucks and in truck stops.

My work in this area has grown at a rate I could not have predicted. But, the need for action in Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness is immediate and urgent. You can find information about our work in the past and organizations in your area you can help on our website here and information about NCPHST here.

I think of this verse from Isaiah 61:1-2, when I need encouragement to continue this sometimes difficult work. “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.”

I fully intend to continue working on this issue after our time in the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion is done. I hope you will join me in this fight – even if just in prayer.

LFF_blog_signature
LFF_Blog_April2023_BibleVerse
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FEATURE

 Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month

Krystle Hilliard-Mitchell

Executive Director,
Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC)

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse is a taboo topic that many do not care to discuss; however, with approximately five child deaths reported every day, we should recognize that this epidemic is taking over our communities and should be prepared to respond appropriately. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), as amended and reauthorized by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at a minimum, “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation (including sexual abuse as determined under section 111), or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm” (42 U.S.C. 5101 note, § 3).

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When someone hears the term “child abuse,” they most commonly associate it with physical abuse; however, there are four types of abuse to include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and child neglect. Physical abuse is the deliberate intention to inflict pain. Wounds, bruises, burns, fractures, and sore muscles are signs of physical abuse, but abuse can also result from severe acts of discipline. Emotional abuse is behaviors toward the child that cause mental anguish (also called psychological abuse). Examples of emotional abuse are shouting often at the child, withholding kindness or affection, extended periods of silence, and harsh jokes at the expense of the child.

Child neglect is the most common type of child abuse and can be defined as parents or caregivers who are continually unavailable for the child. Neglect occurs even if the parent is physically present but unavailable or refuses to care for the child or meet their needs. Sexual abuse is defined as touching a child in a sexual manner, or having sexual relations with the child is sexual abuse and includes any behavior toward the child for sexual stimulation. This type of abuse is characterized by fondling, forced sexual acts, and indecent physical exposure. In the United States, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday.

Though these stats are alarming, we are so thankful to have 15 Children’s Advocacy Centers in the state of Louisiana to assist child victims of abuse. Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are community-based, child-friendly, and trauma-informed organizations that coordinate a multidisciplinary response to child maltreatment allegations. CACs deliver a best practice model that brings together child protective services investigators, law enforcement, forensic interviewers, prosecutors, family advocates, and medical and mental health professionals to provide a coordinated, comprehensive response to victims and their caregivers. Simply put, CACs are a safe haven for child victims and their non-offending caregivers as they assist them on their road to healing and justice. The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC) is the state association dedicated to supporting each CAC and ensuring that every victim of child abuse in Louisiana has access to the services they need to experience justice and healing.

During April, you will find blue pinwheel gardens planted throughout the community. In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the blue pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel represents the great childhood that every child deserves and the role we all play in providing a loving and supportive environment for the children in our lives. You will also hear of various activities such as social media campaigns, proclamation ceremonies, prevention education sessions, and more! To find a Child Abuse Prevention Month event near you, please visit the LACAC Facebook page, www.facebook/lacacs, or our website at www.lacacs.org.

Krystle Hilliard-Mitchel
Executive Director | Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC)

 

ABOUT LACAC
Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers’ mission is to promote and support Children’s Advocacy Centers in providing a coordinated multidisciplinary response to child victims of abuse through development, training and advocacy.

FEATURE

Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month

Krystle Hilliard-Mitchell

Executive Director,
Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC)

LFF_Blog_April2023_Feature

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse is a taboo topic that many do not care to discuss; however, with approximately five child deaths reported every day, we should recognize that this epidemic is taking over our communities and should be prepared to respond appropriately. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), as amended and reauthorized by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at a minimum, “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation (including sexual abuse as determined under section 111), or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm” (42 U.S.C. 5101 note, § 3).

When someone hears the term “child abuse,” they most commonly associate it with physical abuse; however, there are four types of abuse to include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and child neglect. Physical abuse is the deliberate intention to inflict pain. Wounds, bruises, burns, fractures, and sore muscles are signs of physical abuse, but abuse can also result from severe acts of discipline. Emotional abuse is behaviors toward the child that cause mental anguish (also called psychological abuse). Examples of emotional abuse are shouting often at the child, withholding kindness or affection, extended periods of silence, and harsh jokes at the expense of the child.

Child neglect is the most common type of child abuse and can be defined as parents or caregivers who are continually unavailable for the child. Neglect occurs even if the parent is physically present but unavailable or refuses to care for the child or meet their needs. Sexual abuse is defined as touching a child in a sexual manner, or having sexual relations with the child is sexual abuse and includes any behavior toward the child for sexual stimulation. This type of abuse is characterized by fondling, forced sexual acts, and indecent physical exposure. In the United States, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday.

Though these stats are alarming, we are so thankful to have 15 Children’s Advocacy Centers in the state of Louisiana to assist child victims of abuse. Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are community-based, child-friendly, and trauma-informed organizations that coordinate a multidisciplinary response to child maltreatment allegations. CACs deliver a best practice model that brings together child protective services investigators, law enforcement, forensic interviewers, prosecutors, family advocates, and medical and mental health professionals to provide a coordinated, comprehensive response to victims and their caregivers. Simply put, CACs are a safe haven for child victims and their non-offending caregivers as they assist them on their road to healing and justice. The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC) is the state association dedicated to supporting each CAC and ensuring that every victim of child abuse in Louisiana has access to the services they need to experience justice and healing.

During April, you will find blue pinwheel gardens planted throughout the community. In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the blue pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel represents the great childhood that every child deserves and the role we all play in providing a loving and supportive environment for the children in our lives. You will also hear of various activities such as social media campaigns, proclamation ceremonies, prevention education sessions, and more! To find a Child Abuse Prevention Month event near you, please visit the LACAC Facebook page, www.facebook/lacacs, or our website at www.lacacs.org.

Krystle Hilliard-Mitchell
Executive Director | Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers (LACAC)

 ABOUT LACAC
Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers’ mission is to promote and support Children’s Advocacy Centers in providing a coordinated multidisciplinary response to child victims of abuse through development, training and advocacy.

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LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION

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Keep Calm and Finish Strong

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Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month

Louisiana Foster's
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The Free Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Louisiana

Human Trafficking

GOVERNOR’S MANSION

This year we celebrate 60 years of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion!
These photos were taken at its groundbreaking in 1962.

Photos courtesy of Louisiana State Library Archives

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Visit the Governor's Mansion Store
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Women’s Health

THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING

by Ashley Farge, MD, IBCLC

LSUHSC School of Medicine
New Orleans, LA
Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
LA AAP Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinator

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Birth is an exciting time for parents and full of emotion, but it is also full of change and new decisions. One decision parents may ponder is determining the best way to feed the baby. Over 80% of women in the United States initiate breastfeeding in the hospital after delivery. Breastfeeding or expressed breast milk feeding, although challenging at times, has abundant benefits for both mothers and babies.

The benefits of breastfeeding or giving expressed breast milk are vast and have both short- and long-term impacts. One of the most fascinating things about breast milk is that it constantly changes to provide the baby with exactly what they need. In addition, breast milk is full of antibodies from the mother’s immune system that protect the infant from illnesses, including ear infections, diarrhea, lower respiratory tract infections, and even everyday colds that the baby is exposed to at home and daycare. This effect is additive; the longer infants receive breastmilk, the lower their infection risk. Fewer infections not only mean a healthy baby but, for working mothers and families, fewer missed work days. Receiving any amount of breast milk is also protective against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the unexplained death of an otherwise well infant that is usually related to sleep. Some benefits last well beyond when a baby feeds at the breast or receives expressed breastmilk and stays with the child throughout their lifetime. These include a lower risk of asthma, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, and even leukemia.

Breastfeeding not only benefits infants; there are also many wonderful benefits for mothers. It causes the release of oxytocin in a woman’s brain. This amazing hormone, known as the love hormone, promotes bonding between mothers and their babies. Some studies show that, for some women, this can be protective against post-partum depression. This same hormone also causes uterine contractions while breastfeeding, which can shorten the time of normal vaginal bleeding post-partum. Long-term benefits of breastfeeding for women include a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes. Like infants, the longer the duration of breastfeeding, the lower the risk.

Convenience is another great benefit of breastfeeding. A mother can breastfeed anytime, anywhere, at no cost, and the milk is always at the perfect temperature. Supplies like electric breast pumps, which are used to express breast milk, are covered by insurance and can be obtained with paperwork and some assistance from a doctor. In addition, breast pumps are often beneficial for working mothers who desire to continue expressing milk for their babies once they return to work.

Because of these numerous benefits and their additive effects, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastmilk feeding for the first six months and continued breastmilk feeding for two years or longer as mother and baby desire. It is well-recognized that this is challenging, especially for first-time mothers. Some early challenges are difficulty with latch, pain, or concern about having enough milk, but these can usually be remedied with assistance from lactation specialists. For some women, the support to continue breastfeeding can be a challenge. Many birth hospitals and community organizations have free groups to provide peer-to-peer support and education for breastfeeding mothers. What women need to realize is that these trials are common and expected. If mothers can stick with it for the first few weeks, many of these challenges can be overcome and managed, and they will see a beautiful relationship blossoming with their babies. This breastfeeding relationship not only more closely bonds mother and baby, but it sets them both on a path for a healthier future. 

Read More...
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People of
Louisiana

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Jordyn Vicknair <br> SCHOOLS

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SCHOOLS

Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal<br> MILITARY

Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal
MILITARY

SCHOOLS

Jordyn Vicknair

SCHOOLS
MILITARY

Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal

MILITARY

RECIPE

from the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion

Indulge in a Taste of Louisiana with this fresh strawberry pound cake recipe! 

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Memorable Verse

April 2023

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THE FIRST DOGS

April 2023

It’s a great day to stop and smell the roses!

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MEET OUR EDITOR

Delery Rice

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MEET OUR EDITOR

Delery Rice

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Delery has lived there all of her life except during undergraduate school and a brief stint in Seattle, WA. She is a mother to four boys, ranging in ages from 21 to 16, and they are the heart and soul of her life.

Delery earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and Master’s Degree from Louisiana State University. She completed a fellowship at Loyola University, New Orleans Institute of Politics, and currently attends Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. Her volunteer work has mostly evolved from issues that have affected her personally. Actively engaged in disability rights advocacy, Delery has testified numerous times in the Louisiana Legislature regarding issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities. She served as the chair of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, worked for seven years directing regional advocacy efforts and is a graduate of Louisiana’s Partners In Policymaking.