Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers

We would like to wish our LCYTC Project Specialist, Mrs. Linsey Courville, a very happy birthday! We appreciate you for all that you do and hope you enjoy your day!

This week, Executive Director Krystle Mitchell along with Director of Care Coordination Jasmine Gardner from LACAC, and Director of the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Monica Taylor of Governor Jeff Landry's Office of Programs and Planning had the excellent opportunity to participate in the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police conference held in Alexandria, Louisiana. It was an exciting and enriching experience that allowed us to connect with police chiefs and explore potential collaborations for the future. Here are a few pictures from our time together with Mr. Fabian Blauche' Executive Director of the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Chief Clark of Grambling Police Department, Chief Lawrence of Zachary Police Department, Chief Dunn of Baker Police Department, Chief J Brent Breaux Cankton Police Department, Chief Madison Sr. of Clayton Police Department, Chief Martin of St. Martinville Police Department, Captain Thibodeaux of Henderson Police Department, Chief Clarence Hall of Ferriday Police Department, and so many more! We are grateful for the opportunity to connect and look forward to a continued partnership!

It's National Forensic Interviewers Week! This dedicated week is meant to honor and acknowledge the crucial work of Forensic Interviewers and the meaningful impact they have on the lives of countless children they interact with on a daily basis. In the past year, a total of 5,991 children were compassionately interviewed by one of the 48 forensic interviewers at the Louisiana Children's Advocacy Centers. We sincerely appreciate the selfless dedication and sacrifices they make each day for the well-being of the children and families they serve. Today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and express our sincere thanks for the invaluable contributions they make.

LACAC is thrilled to announce Dianna Singleton as our newest team member!

Dianna L. Singleton will serve as the Program Director for the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers. In this role, Dianna supports the Executive Director in managing daily operations and programming for LACAC. She also works to empower CACs across the state to better serve victims and their families, increase access to quality training, develop statewide resources, and support CACs to achieve and maintain national accreditation standards.

Dianna is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and began serving youth in need by volunteering with Capital Area CASA in 2017. By 2018, she gave in to the call she felt to switch career paths and enrolled in school to pursue Social Work. She received her bachelor's degree in social work in 2021 from Brescia University's Marilyn Younger Conley School of Social Work. Dianna was fortunate for the opportunity to intern at the Baton Rouge Children's Advocacy Center while she was pursuing her degree. She was brought on as a team member where she worked as a Victim Support Advocate for three years, providing support and resources to child victims and their families. Dianna is very passionate about the work that Children's Advocacy Centers do, and about supporting the centers in any way possible.

In her personal time, Dianna enjoys spending time with family, close friends, and her dogs. She also enjoys crafting, traveling (anywhere, but especially vacations to Disney World), and likes to dabble in gardening.

Welcome to the team, Dianna!

During the 2024/2025 legislative session, the Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers, in collaboration with Matthew Belser, ADA of the 21st District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association, and Representative Kim Landry Coates, embarked on a partnership to formulate legislation to safeguard the rights of child victims. On June 18, 2024, Governor Jeff Landry endorsed HB 443, now designated as Act No. 654. This legislation aims to amend and reenact R.S. 44:4.1(B)(8) and (39) and to enact R.S. 15:440.7 and 440.8, alongside Children's Code Articles 328.1 and 328.2. The primary objectives of this act are to address records of protected persons, establish procedures for the issuance of subpoenas for videos of protected persons, incorporate an exception to the Public Records Law, and manage relevant associated matters.

Act 654 addresses the admissibility of forensic interviews in civil, family, and administrative proceedings, as well as the aspects of discovery and confidentiality. Previously, forensic interviews carried out at Children’s Advocacy Centers were being subpoenaed in civil cases, particularly those pertaining to custody and placement proceedings. This contravenes the fundamental purpose of forensic interviews as outlined in the Louisiana Children’s Code. Furthermore, in certain instances, these cases were disseminated to the media or presented in open court, thus infringing upon the rights of children and breaching their confidentiality.

The passing of this legislation, a momentous milestone, marks a significant step in securing justice and support for child victims of interpersonal violence. Its success, a beacon of hope, underscores the effectiveness of uniting efforts from various stakeholders to produce outstanding and positive outcomes for the most vulnerable members of our society. Special thanks to all CACs who attended the signing, including Baton Rouge Children's Advocacy Center, Gingerbread House, Child Advocacy Services CASA and CAC, Children's Advocacy Network, and Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center!

We are incredibly grateful to our Governor, Representative Coates, and our legislators for enacting and upholding policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable population. We would also like to sincerely thank ADA Matthew Belser for his valuable time and unwavering dedication to advancing this legislation. The commitment to protecting those in need has significantly and positively impacted our state, and we sincerely appreciate the ongoing efforts. For more information on Children's Advocacy Centers, please visit our website at www.lacacs.org

Have you placed your bid yet? If not, you can still bid on several "New Orleans Flavor" silent auction items. Click the link below to participate in the auction; you can bid from your phone.

https://us.givergy.com/apsac2024/?controller=lots&category=All%20Lots

Did you know that the Jefferson CAC is partnering with us to host a raffle for a pair of Taylor Swift VIP Eras tickets? Click the link below to learn more information and purchase your raffle tickets. Only 300 tickets were printed, so don't miss out on this opportunity! The drawing will be held on June 14th.

https://us.givergy.com/apsac2024/?controller=raffles&action=showRaffle&id=1

**Taylor Swift - Eras Tour - VIP Diamond** | Powered by Givergy **Savor the ultimate VIP experience** with two exclusive tickets to Taylor Swift's 2024 Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium on Monday, August 19th. Glide thr

Are you searching for a fun summer getaway, stunning jewelry, beautiful art, or ways to stay cool during the summer? Look no further! LACAC and APSAC are joining forces to hold a silent auction during the 2024 Colloquium. Even if you can't attend the conference, you can still participate in the auction online! Just scan the QR Code below to visit the auction site.

Your participation in our silent auction until Wednesday, June 12, 2024, can make a significant difference. Your contribution will directly support us in offering technical assistance and aid to the 14 Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state, enabling us to safeguard and provide for our most vulnerable children.

Don't let this opportunity slip away! Show your support for the Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers by participating in the silent auction. Your bid could be the one that makes a difference!

This week, the LACAC staff and several CACs from Louisiana, including Gingerbread House, Children's Advocacy Network, Child Advocacy Services CASA and CAC, Children's Advocacy Center-Hope House, Baton Rouge Children's Advocacy Center, Children's Hospital New Orleans had the invaluable opportunity to attend the National Children's Alliance Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. This conference was a significant milestone in the professional development of the leaders in the CAC movement. During the conference, we had the privilege to educate our members of Congress about the profound impact of children’s advocacy centers in Louisiana. We shared that over 7,000 children received trauma-informed services from one of the 14 CACs in Louisiana, all free of charge. Meeting with the generous staffers of Congressman Clay Higgins, Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Bill Cassidy, and Senator John Kennedy was an honor and privilege. We were especially grateful for the opportunity to meet with Senator Cassidy and Representative Higgins in person! We deeply appreciate their support and willingness to learn more about the needs of the children and families they serve.

While at the conference, we had the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable Mr. Steve Tujague from the In Jesus’ Name Foundation. NCA recognized Mr. Tujague for his outstanding contributions to the children of Louisiana and presented him with the 2024 Community Philanthropy Leadership Award. We are profoundly grateful for the considerable and meaningful contributions made by Mr. Tujague. His unwavering commitment and steadfast dedication have made a significant impact. We are also grateful to NCA for recognizing Mr. Tujague.

Finally, we had the opportunity to connect with our peers from all over the country and with numerous staff members from Louisiana. We all had many new experiences that we will always treasure. The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers continues to be committed to our state's children. This conference served as a reminder that we can achieve great things for children and families when we unite! Here are a few pictures from the conference.

We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to our Finance Director, Mrs. Miranda Cirtwell! We appreciate you for all that you do and hope you enjoy your day!

The Louisiana Alliance of Children’s Advocacy Centers expresses its deep gratitude to Mr. Steve Tujague of the In Jesus Name (IJN) Foundation for his consistent and invaluable support of children and families in Louisiana. We are truly grateful for his outstanding commitment and dedication to the cause, which has been honored by the National Children’s Alliance. Everyone join us in congratulating Mr. Tujague!

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Steve Tujague of the IJN Foundation (In Jesus' Name) who has recently received national recognition for his efforts in fighting child abuse - both locally and statewide! Mr. Tujague was selected to receive the Community Philanthropy Leadership Award from the National Children's Alliance, the force behind Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs). Selected from numerous nominations across 1,100 CACs nationwide, Mr. Tujague is one of only eight award recipients to be honored at this year’s NCA Leadership Conference in Washington D.C.

Over the last seven years, Mr. Tujague has contributed over $1.5 million to CACs across Louisiana and the state chapter – all given In Jesus’ Name. More than $1.15 million of that contribution was given to Hope House. Mr. Tujague's efforts have resulted in incredible growth, development, and most importantly, positive outcomes of justice and recovery for child abuse victims across the state, and particularly the Northshore. He truly radiates the love of Jesus in all he does, and his efforts will have generational impact on the families of child abuse victims we serve.

Furthermore, Mr. Tujague was instrumental in saving the state’s CAC chapter while advocating for state legislative funding for all CACs in Louisiana. Prior to 2021, Louisiana was one of seven states in the country lacking state legislative support, despite being statutorily defined and mandated. Mr. Tujague worked with state leaders to secure funding for child abuse and trafficking victims - a 28-year dream for Louisiana's CACs.

Mr. Tujague will be honored at an award ceremony in Washington D.C. on June 3rd as part of the 2024 NCA Leadership Conference. The event will be live-streamed for those who would like to tune in!

For complete details on Mr. Tujague's efforts and the upcoming award ceremony, visit https://www.cachopehouse.org/post/steve-tujague-national-award.

🌟 Celebrating Hope and Healing: Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center 🌟

As we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month, let's recognize the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center — a place where hope resides and healing begins. Since opening their doors in 2002, the "Yellow House" has become a symbol of comfort and support for countless children and families.

Their mission is clear and impactful: working collaboratively with their multi-disciplinary team and community to ensure accessible, trauma-informed care and to champion safety, healing, and justice for all children and their families.

The Baton Rouge CAC, accredited by the National Children's Alliance, brings together a highly trained team that meets weekly to address child abuse reports, embodying the very essence of dedication and care.

Let us honor the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center for their commitment to creating a world where children are free from harm. The work they do not only changes lives in the present but also paves the way for a safer future for our children.

Everyone

🌟 Celebrating Progress: Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center 🌟

April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we're honored to highlight the pioneering work of Louisiana's first Children's Advocacy Center: the Jefferson CAC.

The Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center has grown from its modest beginnings into a landmark of hope and healing in our state. Now, as the John M. Mamoulides Jefferson Children’s Advocacy Center, it offers unparalleled support in a 5,000 square foot facility, providing on-site forensic medical exams, advocacy, and mental health services for the first time in Jefferson Parish history.

In 2023 alone, the Jefferson CAC has served 334 children, a significant increase that underscores the critical need for their services. With a 100% commitment to trauma-informed care and the inclusion of language interpretation services, they ensure no barrier stands between a child and the help they deserve.

Their outreach extends beyond immediate services to offer professional training and development, equipping our community's first responders and mandated reporters with the tools to recognize and respond to child abuse.

Let's commend the Jefferson Children's Advocacy Center for 32 years of unwavering dedication to our children's safety and well-being.

🔵 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 🔵

In our continued commitment to honor the heroes who stand at the forefront of child protection, we're proud to spotlight the Children's Advocacy Center of Northeast Louisiana.

Their mission is a beacon: promoting safe, healthy environments through steadfast advocacy, counseling, education, and prevention. The CAC of Northeast Louisiana brings unity and efficiency to the healing process for child and mentally challenged adult victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or violence.

By streamlining the collaboration among various agencies, they ensure that victims only need to share their experiences once, in a supportive environment, reducing the risk of additional trauma. Their dedicated team is transforming the way our community cares for its most vulnerable, proving every day that from unity comes strength and healing.

Let's celebrate the courage and compassion of the CAC of Northeast Louisiana – their work not only changes lives, it lifts up the entire community.

Everyone

💙 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 💙

Today, we shine the spotlight on the remarkable team at Terrebonne Children’s Advocacy Center. Their unwavering dedication to protecting the children of our community is an inspiration to us all.

At Terrebonne CAC, the commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for children who have experienced abuse is evident in every aspect of their work. Their team of caring professionals offers comprehensive services, standing as a stronghold of hope and healing for the most vulnerable among us.

This month, as we work together to prevent child abuse and increase awareness, let’s celebrate the vital role Terrebonne CAC plays. Their passion for ensuring every child has access to justice and care empowers not just the individuals they serve but also strengthens the fabric of our entire community.

Join us in applauding Terrebonne Children’s Advocacy Center for their contributions to safeguarding the innocence and promoting the welfare of every child.

🎗️ Child Abuse Prevention Month Feature 🎗️

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, we're highlighting the vital work of The Children's Advocacy Center at Children's Hospital New Orleans.

For decades, this center has been a pillar of support, providing state-of-the-art medical evaluations to over 1,000 children a year in their nurturing cottage by Audubon Park. Their commitment goes beyond treatment; they're a hub for education, prevention, and training that uplifts the entire community.

Their specially trained team offers not just medical excellence but a gentle reassurance to every child and family that walks through their doors. By providing their services at no cost within their main campus, they stand as a testament to the mission that every child deserves the highest standard of care regardless of financial circumstances.

Let's applaud their unwavering dedication to the well-being of children in Louisiana and southern Mississippi. Your efforts bring light to those in need. 💙

Yesterday evening, the Terrebonne Children's Advocacy Center and the 32nd Judicial District Attorney's office came together to support victims of crime during National Crime Victims Rights Week. The event was a beautiful reminder of the importance of standing up for those who have been wronged, and an opportunity to plant pinwheels and release bubbles in honor of victims. We are grateful to Bernadette Pickett and the entire staff at the Terrebonne CAC for their tireless efforts in making their community a safer and more just place for children and families in need.

🌟 Child Abuse Prevention Month Spotlight 🌟

This month, as we raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention, we are proud to shine a light on the incredible work being done at Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center in Ruston, Louisiana.

Pine Hills CAC stands as a beacon of hope and support for children and families navigating the challenges of abuse investigations. Their compassionate team works tirelessly to provide healing and resources, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to start a new chapter of safety and care.

Their services, including forensic interviews, family advocacy, and prevention education, are offered free of charge. They embody the belief that no child should be turned away because of a family's inability to pay.

Join us in celebrating the dedication of Pine Hills Children's Advocacy Center to protect and heal the youngest members of our community. Your work inspires us all! 💙

Everyone

🌟 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! Today, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible work being done at Plaquemines Children's CARE Center.

ℹ️ Plaquemines CARE Center is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Their team of professionals work tirelessly to ensure that every child receives the care and support they deserve.

We're proud to spotlight the amazing work being done at the Plaquemines Community CARE Centers Foundation, Inc. CARE Centers Foundation, Inc. This dedicated team is a beacon of hope in Plaquemines Parish, ensuring that every child, family, and community member receives the support they need.

🔹 Recently accredited by the National Children's Alliance in 2023!
🔹 Witnessed a 14% increase in forensic interviews in just one year!
🔹 Living by their vision: "One child, one family at a time!"
🔹 Expanding reach with 13 satellite locations and teletherapy services!

📢 Join us in celebrating the important work of Plaquemines CARE Center and all the amazing staff who are committed to protecting children in our community. Together, we can make a difference and help prevent child abuse.

🌈👫 Everyone

🌟 Celebrating Strength and Support during Child Abuse Prevention Month 🌟

April marks a month dedicated to acknowledging and raising awareness for the prevention of child abuse, a cause close to our hearts. The Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers is proud to share a significant milestone in this collective journey of support and healing.

In 2023 alone, our network of centers across Louisiana provided a remarkable 9,687 family advocacy sessions. This number represents more than just a statistic; it embodies countless hours of compassionate support, resources, and guidance given to families in need.

To our community, partners, and dedicated team: Your unwavering support makes this impactful work possible. Let's take this moment to reflect on the strides we've made and renew our commitment to protecting our children and strengthening our families. Together, we’re not just advocates for change; we are guardians of hope.

Your support is our strength. 💪🌈

Everyone

🔵🌟 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 🌟🔵

This month, we turn the spotlight on the vital work of Child Advocacy Services (CAS) in Hammond, LA, a beacon of hope that has been giving children a Voice, Healing, and Security since 1997.

🐾 Meet Whirly, the newest four-legged advocate at CAS! 🐾

As we celebrate the courage of young survivors, we also celebrate the compassionate service of our furry friends. Whirly, taking over from the beloved Hayward, is here to provide comfort to children as they navigate the forensic interview process and court appearances.

At CAS, children find a safe space to tell their story, supported by a team that stands for advocacy, clinical services, prevention education, and a commitment to improving the lives of the youngest among us.

Join us in honoring CAS's 25 years of service and their dedication to a world where all children are free from harm. Because every child deserves a happy, healthy, and safe childhood. 💙

Everyone

🔵🟢 Celebrating Change-Makers During Child Abuse Prevention Month 🟢🔵

This April, we continue to honor the pillars of support in our community with a special spotlight on Family & Youth Counseling Agency (Family & Youth), serving Southwest Louisiana with unyielding commitment and compassion.

Since 1970, Family & Youth has been a catalyst for transformative change, offering a beacon of hope to those in need. Their mission resonates deeply with our own: to provide affordable and professional support through advocacy, counseling, and education.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In just the past year, Family & Youth provided 592 essential services to children impacted by sexual and severe physical abuse through the Children's Advocacy Center, a Division of Family & Youth.

Their collaborative efforts with the Shannon Cox Counseling Center exemplify a community united. Together, they ensure that counseling services are accessible at no cost to victims seen at CAC, affirming that every child and family affected by trauma receives the comprehensive assistance they need.

🌟 As we advocate for Child Abuse Prevention this month, let’s applaud Family & Youth for their enduring dedication to healing and empowerment. Together, we're not just preventing child abuse, we're nurturing the growth of resilient communities.

Join us in supporting their invaluable work and the difference they make every day.

Everyone

🌟 Child Abuse Prevention Month Spotlight 🌟

This April, as we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month, we at the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers want to highlight the crucial work being done through the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative (LCYTC).

🛑 |

📊 Our Year In Review for 2023 demonstrates a steadfast commitment to fighting child trafficking and supporting at-risk children and youth. We’re proud to share some key achievements:

✨ 667 children confirmed or suspected to have been affected by trafficking were supported through Care Coordination.

✨ 270 at-risk children and youth received targeted assistance to steer them towards a safer path.

✨ With 1,032 coordination meetings held, we ensured that every child's needs are met through collaboration and expert care.

We are committed to nurturing, protecting, and empowering every child that walks through our doors. The LCYTC's "Collaborative" approach, supported by the Governor's Office and under the auspices of Act 662, is making a real difference.

💙 To everyone who has supported our cause: your dedication is changing lives. Let's keep the momentum going! Share this message to spread awareness and join us in creating a safer future for our children.

🔗 Learn more about our work and how you can help: www.LACACS.org

Everyone

🔵🟡 Child Abuse Prevention Month Spotlight 🟡🔵

This month, as we come together to raise awareness and work towards preventing child abuse, the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers would like to shine a light on one of our incredible member centers: Hearts of Hope Center for Sexual Trauma.

🌟 Hearts of Hope plays a crucial role in our shared mission to protect the most vulnerable in our community. As Acadiana's sole sexual trauma center, they stand at the forefront of offering hope, healing, and support. From overseeing all sexual assault reporting to managing cases for both children and adult victims, their dedication is unwavering.

💙 With a mission centered on putting children first and providing services marked by inclusivity, respect, and transparency, Hearts of Hope is an embodiment of what it means to make a positive impact. Their staff are trained in trauma-informed and evidence-based practices, ensuring that every individual is met with the utmost care and expertise.

Hearts of Hope is comprise three entities (Children's Advocacy Center, Sexual Abuse Response Center and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) with one vision: ending sexual violence. This Child Abuse Prevention Month, let's commend Hearts of Hope for their tireless work and relentless pursuit of a safer future for all.

🤝 Join us in supporting Hearts of Hope and all they do to make it happen! Everyone

Today, advocates from the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Centers planted over 151 pinwheels at the Louisiana Governor's Mansion. Each pinwheel planted represents 50 children served at a Child Advocacy Center in Louisiana.

Each number is a life that they have touched, a story of resilience, and a step towards a safer future. 💙

🔵🎗️ Child Advocacy Day in Louisiana - April 11th, 2024 🎗️🔵

We are thrilled to announce that Senator Mike Fesi and Representative Kimberly L. Coates have officially designated April 11th as Child Advocacy Center Day in Louisiana!

Join us at the Capitol Rotunda in Baton Rouge from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a day of education, empowerment, and engagement. This is a unique opportunity for legislators and community members to meet with the staff of the Louisiana Alliance of Children's Advocacy Center and learn about our critical work in protecting and supporting the young victims of abuse.

👫 Your presence matters as we raise awareness and foster collaborations for the welfare of our children. We invite you to show your support by wearing blue, the color of child abuse prevention. Let’s stand together for a cause that touches the heart of our community.

Lunch will be provided, so come nourish your body and spirit as we work to make a difference in the lives of children across our state.

🌟 Spotlight on Success: Celebrating Child Abuse Prevention Month 🌟

April marks a month of awareness, advocacy, and action. In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, we shine a light on the remarkable efforts of the Children's Advocacy Network in Alexandria, LA.

🔵 Mission Driven:
Dedicated to healing and advocacy, the Children's Advocacy Network champions the cause of abused and neglected children across Central Louisiana. Their unwavering mission: to help, heal, and champion young lives.

🌟 2023 Milestone:
This past year, the network has reached a new milestone by conducting 608 forensic interviews, offering a voice and a pathway to healing for children in Central Louisiana.

🤝 Team Effort:
None of this would be possible without the passionate professionals working tirelessly across eight parishes, alongside multi-disciplinary team partners.

Together, we celebrate the resilience, the dedication, and the hope instilled by the Children's Advocacy Network. Let's continue to stand united in preventing child abuse and providing safe havens for our children.