The mission statement of Child Advocacy Services (CAS) seeks to “give voice, healing and security to children.”
CAS is a private nonprofit umbrella agency that provides services offering advocacy, clinical services, and prevention education for children and families in St. Charles Parish, as well as nine other parishes in Southeast Louisiana.
Angela Golden, CAS Prevention Services Coordinator, said that when she began her career in child advocacy work, she was among those who believed issues of child abuse and assault were largely isolated incidents. She warns that it’s the furthest thing from the truth.
“I thought how everyone typically thinks, ‘This doesn’t happen often’ or ‘Things like Penn State are isolated incidents’ but that just isn’t the case. Incidents of abuse and neglect happen every day,” Golden said. “As community members, we can both be bystanders and watch injustices happen or we can become involved and protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
Golden said the cause is especially important to her because she has four nephews and two nieces, and she wants to see not only them but all children protected in the best possible way.
“I want that for every child, not just someone I am related to,” Golden said. “Our agency is doing its part to educate and inform the community and I am glad to be a part of this cause. My primary responsibility is to educate the community on effective ways to protect our children as well as give children the encouragement to stand up for themselves.”
Golden added the best way to accomplish those goals is through forming partnerships within the local community while participating in events that participating in events that help empower and unify families.
She said the organization’s partnership with United Way allows it to offer many of its prevention education services and resources free to the public, including as Recognize React Report, Shaken Baby Syndrome: 101 and Prepared, Not Scared.
Recognize, React Report covers the protection of children and prevention of child abuse. Shaken Baby Syndrome 101 is a resource tool containing a magnet for parents which offers education on the symptoms, triggers, coping techniques and consequences associated with shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma. And Prepared, Not Scared is a parent’s recourse for helping children understand emotions associated with hurricanes.
Some programs offered by in St. Charles Parish include the Court Appointed Special Advocates, which provides a voice for children as they navigate through the court system to help them reach a safe and permanent home; The Children’s Advocacy Center conducts forensic interviews in a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have disclosed sexual or physical abuse. Additional advocacy, resources, and prevention education are offered; and Prevention Education Training is offered to assist adults and children in their need to prevent child abuse and neglect. CAS conducts presentations to promote the safety and health of children and families.
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