CAC Responds to Penn State Child Abuse Scandal

Child Advocacy Services CAC was recently contacted by WWL TV Channel 4 in New Orleans and WAFB Channel 9 in Baton Rouge to respond to the child abuse scandal at Penn State.  Director of Clinical Services Joelle Henderson and Clinical Services Coordinator Jessica Oddo were interviewed and explained the process for reporting child sexual abuse.  Click on the links below to see the video shown on the news or to read the articles.

www.wafb.com/story/16012667/louisiana-law-on-reporting-child-abuse

www.wwltv.com/news/local/Local-child-advocates-hope-Penn-State-case-is-wake-up-call-133652703.html

Local child advocates hope Penn State case is wake up call
Louisiana law on reporting child abuse

CAC Louisiana Recognizes 2011 Award Winners

CACLA honors five at special reception at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, LA October 18, 2011: The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Louisiana (CACLA) recently honored five exceptional individuals for their service and dedication to the welfare of abused and neglected children at a special CACLA Awards Night on October 17th. These CACLA Awards emphasize the positive influence and unwavering commitment of Children’s Advocacy Center staff members, community partners, and board members across the state. One such honoree was Joelle Henderson of Hammond who received CACLA’s 2011 Leadership Award.

Ms. Henderson currently serves as the Director of Clinical Services at the Child Advocacy Services (CAS) center in Hammond, LA. Since she began her work in 2006, she has personally provided over 1,050 forensic interviews. Thanks to her deep compassion and dedication to her work, she has been a tremendous contributor to the protection of hundreds of children. Her demeanor and drive make her an ideal co-worker and mentor. Bonnie Kreamer, Chief Financial Officer at the CAS, says, “She pushes herself and those around her to do their utmost to improve the lives of the children and families we serve.”

Nearly 200 attended this catered event at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, LA, which featured entertainment by local entertainers Tino Thomas and Eric Baskin. Dr. John Wyble, CACLA Chapter Coordinator, hosted the evening, and assisting in the presentation of the awards was Alexandra Hazlaris, CACLA Program Support Coordinator. Special thanks are extended to Secretary of State Tom Schedler for making it possible to hold the event at the Old State Capitol.

The following is a list of all the 2011 CAC Louisiana Awards recipients:

Community Partner Award – CHRISTUS Schumpert Health System & the Sisters of CHRISTUS Schumpert – Shreveport
Leadership Award – Joelle Henderson – Child Advocacy Services – Hammond
Board Member of the Year – Sandra C. Adams – Baton Rouge
Staff Member Award – Anne Cunningham – Hearts of Hope CAC - Lafayette
MDT Member Award – Monique Metoyer – Alexandria

CAS Offers Free Counseling

Free help for sexual assault victims is available through the new Sexual Assault Service Program.

“The case does not have to be reported to law enforcement for the victim to be eligible for services,” said District Attorney Scott Perrilloux.

“The services will be initially offered through the Livingston Office, but victims in Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena Parishes can receive services,” he said.

Funding for the program is coming through the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and requires a collaborative approach to offering services. Thus, Child Advocacy Services, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux’s Tri-Parishes Rape Crisis Program and the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault have joined forces in this initiative.

“The program will provide counseling and advocacy to primary and secondary victims of sexual assault regardless of age or gender,” said Rob Carlisle, CEO of Child Advocacy Services.

In the photo at right are LAFASA Training Coordinator Mariah Stidham, LAFASA Executive Director Judy Benitez, Financial Administrator Donna McArthur with the District Attorney’s Office, District Attorney Scott Perrilloux, Clinical Services Director Joelle Henderson with Child Advocacy Services, Tri-Parishes Rape Crisis Program Coordinator Lorett Swank, and CEO Rob Carlisle of Child Advocacy Services.

CAS Children's Advocacy Center in the News

Click on the articles below to see Child Advocacy Services CAC in the news.

Walker Police Department Thanks CAC for Assistance in Arrest