Trauma and the Brain: An Overactive Amygdala

Not all scars are visible. Childhood trauma affects the brain, impairing both the brain’s function and structure. While these hurts may seem invisible, they are not. The effects of trauma on the brain are noticeable to those who look for the signs and symptoms in children. Our June blog posts explore how trauma affects the…

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Foster Care: Call to Faith Communities

The purpose of foster care is to give children a reprieve from what was an unsafe living condition, moving them into what the Department of Social Services has deemed to be a safe environment. The word ‘foster’ is synonymous with ‘stand-in’ or ‘substitute.’ So ideally, while this ‘fostering’ happens, long term solutions are being formulated…

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Foster Care: Reading for Adults

The purpose of foster care is to give children a reprieve from what was an unsafe living condition, moving them into what the Department of Social Services has deemed to be a safe environment. The word ‘foster’ is synonymous with ‘stand-in’ or ‘substitute.’ So ideally, while this ‘fostering’ happens, long term solutions are being formulated…

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Foster Care: Resources for Teens

The purpose of foster care is to give children a reprieve from what was an unsafe living condition, moving them into what the Department of Social Services has deemed to be a safe environment. The word ‘foster’ is synonymous with ‘stand-in’ or ‘substitute.’ So ideally, while this ‘fostering’ happens, long term solutions are being formulated…

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Foster Care: Tools for Children

The purpose of foster care is to give children a reprieve from what was an unsafe living condition, moving them into what the Department of Social Services has deemed to be a safe environment. The word ‘foster’ is synonymous with ‘stand-in’ or ‘substitute.’ So ideally, while this ‘fostering’ happens, long term solutions are being formulated…

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Stress Can Cause Adverse Childhood Experiences

Stress on a family can come from different sources and take many forms. Some stress is internal to the family, such as domestic violence. Other stressors are external. Sources outside of the home could be situations like unemployment or poverty. Regardless of the source, stress is a risk factor for child abuse and neglect.  It…

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Adults with Adverse Childhood Experiences

In order to help prevent adverse experiences for the children in our lives, it’s important that we address and heal from any trauma we, ourselves, may have experienced. This is true for all adults caring for children – parents, mentors, CASA volunteers, etc. After all, it’s difficult to offer safety and security when we, ourselves,…

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Prevent & Heal: Adverse Childhood Experiences

Our brains are absolutely amazing organs. They begin developing in utero and by the time a child is born, their brain is already a quarter of the size of an adult brain. The brain then doubles in size before a child’s first birthday and continues to develop at a rapid pace. By kindergarten, a child’s…

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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can take place within three realms: All three types of ACEs create toxic stress, which can hinder a child’s development. If left unaddressed, toxic stress limits resiliency and negatively impacts future health and well-being.  This April, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are focusing our discussion of ACEs to those that…

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Courtroom Perspectives: Judge Soukup

As COURT Appointed Special Advocates, the courtroom is essential to our work. This is where a Judge initially appoints us to serve a child. It is also where we then bring forth information and observations that assist the Judge in making weighty decisions on behalf of that child. This month, we welcome “guest bloggers” to…

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