Episode 15 -•Becoming a CASA; How YOU Can Support Abused Children in the Foster Care System
Explicit content warning
09/11/24 • 66 min
In this episode of the Halfway to Dead podcast, host Jen Lovell discusses the importance of supporting children who have suffered abuse and neglect and are in the foster care system. She interviews Kristen Jackson, the Executive Director of the Child Network, who explains two programs: the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) and the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The CAC provides forensic interviews for children who have been abused, while CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. The episode emphasizes the need for community support and collaboration to ensure the well-being of these children. The conversation highlights the need for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers in the foster care system. Currently, only about 50% of the children in the CASA program have a volunteer, and nationwide there are approximately 400,000 children waiting for a CASA worker. The conversation emphasizes the importance of CASA volunteers in providing support and advocacy for children in the system, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard. It also discusses other ways to support these programs even if you are unable to become a CASA... such as donating, volunteering for fundraising events, and voting for the right politicians and judges in your local area that support and prioritize funding for CAC and CASA programs.
About Our Guest
Kristin Jackson has served as the Executive Director of Child Network since 2011. She first joined Child Network in 2005 as the Family Advocate for the Children’s Advocacy Center and then transitioned to the CAC’s Forensic Interviewer in 2007. Kristin also co-chairs the 21st Judicial Circuit Child Abuse Prevention Committee and is a member of Kiwanis.
"I believe everyone deserves a happy childhood free from abuse and neglect and I am grateful to play a part in ensuring this is the case for our community's children.." -Kristin Jackson
Contact Kristin at: [email protected]
Links to Resources Mentioned
If your local to Jen's area: Child Network
https://www.childnetwork.org/https://il-childnetwork.evintosolutions.com/volunteerapplicationTo find a CASA program near you:
https://nationalcasagal.org/our-work/programs/To report abuse:
1-800-25-ABUSE
Advocate For Legislation:
https://nationalcasagal.org/advocate-for-children/advocate-for-legislation/
Halfway To Dead Podcast
email: [email protected]
In this episode of the Halfway to Dead podcast, host Jen Lovell discusses the importance of supporting children who have suffered abuse and neglect and are in the foster care system. She interviews Kristen Jackson, the Executive Director of the Child Network, who explains two programs: the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) and the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The CAC provides forensic interviews for children who have been abused, while CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. The episode emphasizes the need for community support and collaboration to ensure the well-being of these children. The conversation highlights the need for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers in the foster care system. Currently, only about 50% of the children in the CASA program have a volunteer, and nationwide there are approximately 400,000 children waiting for a CASA worker. The conversation emphasizes the importance of CASA volunteers in providing support and advocacy for children in the system, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard. It also discusses other ways to support these programs even if you are unable to become a CASA... such as donating, volunteering for fundraising events, and voting for the right politicians and judges in your local area that support and prioritize funding for CAC and CASA programs.
About Our Guest
Kristin Jackson has served as the Executive Director of Child Network since 2011. She first joined Child Network in 2005 as the Family Advocate for the Children’s Advocacy Center and then transitioned to the CAC’s Forensic Interviewer in 2007. Kristin also co-chairs the 21st Judicial Circuit Child Abuse Prevention Committee and is a member of Kiwanis.
"I believe everyone deserves a happy childhood free from abuse and neglect and I am grateful to play a part in ensuring this is the case for our community's children.." -Kristin Jackson
Contact Kristin at: [email protected]
Links to Resources Mentioned
If your local to Jen's area: Child Network
https://www.childnetwork.org/https://il-childnetwork.evintosolutions.com/volunteerapplicationTo find a CASA program near you:
https://nationalcasagal.org/our-work/programs/To report abuse:
1-800-25-ABUSE
Advocate For Legislation:
https://nationalcasagal.org/advocate-for-children/advocate-for-legislation/
Halfway To Dead Podcast
email: [email protected]
Previous Episode
Episode 14 -•Exploring the Healing Power of Animal Reiki with Kelly McCully
Calling all animal lovers!!! In this episode Jen interviews Kelly McCully, a certified animal Reiki practitioner. They discuss the benefits of animal Reiki, the differences between human and animal Reiki, and the importance of consent in working with animals. Kelly shares her experiences working with animals and how Reiki can promote healing and relaxation. Jen & Kelly also walk you through what a session looks like and what happened during Jen’s Reiki session with her dog, Duke. The conversation also touches on end-of-life care for animals and the deep connection between humans and animals. Reiki can provide benefits for both animals and humans, including relief from physical and emotional issues, promoting balance, and strengthening the connection between human and animal. Animal Reiki can be used with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, reptiles, and farm animals. Kelly also bravely shares what big life event led her to start down the path of her own personal spiritual journey and ultimately her animal reiki practice.
Kelly is a Usui Reiki Level 3 Reiki Master and Certified Animal Reiki Master Teacher. She is dedicated to exploring the connection between animals and humans through the power of energy healing. Kelly combines her understanding of animal behavior with Reiki to promote relaxation, healing, and harmony for her clients. She is the founder of Purple Paws Animal Reiki: Reiki for Animals and Their Humans.
Let’s Connect!
Kelly McCully
https://purplepawsreiki.com/
Halfway To Dead Podcast
email: [email protected]
Next Episode
Episode 16 -The Hidden Struggles of Veterinarians: Unveiling the Emotional Toll and Urgent Need for Compassion
In this podcast we often talk about how part of our midlife spiritual journey is learning to become better f@cking people...this is one of those episodes. Ever wondered why our dedicated veterinarians face such extreme pressures that lead to a high suicide rate? Join me, Jen Lovell, along with my son, Dr. Tyler Lovell, as we unpack the heart-wrenching realities of the veterinary profession. You'll learn about the emotional and psychological tolls, and the unrealistic expectations placed on these compassionate professionals. We aim to debunk the myth that vets just cuddle with cute animals all day and instead reveal the intense pressures and heartbreaking situations they endure, hoping to foster a more compassionate understanding among pet owners.
Throughout our discussion, we delve into the challenges vets face with difficult pet owners, especially in emergency situations. Dr. Lovell shares personal stories from his experience, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout and maintain emotional resilience. We'll also discuss the role of pet insurance in easing financial burdens and how better communication and understanding can improve outcomes for pets and their caregivers. This conversation is a call to action for improved empathy and support systems within the veterinary community.
Lastly, we explore broader issues in veterinary care, from dealing with drug-intoxicated pets to managing pet owner's financial constraints and misunderstandings. Through real-life examples, Dr. Lovell underscores the need for proactive measures like regular health check-ups and spaying/neutering to ensure pet well-being. By the end of this episode, we hope to inspire a more supportive attitude towards those who dedicate their lives to caring for our beloved animals. Tune in for a candid and enlightening conversation that seeks not just to inform, but to make a real difference in the lives of vets and pet owners alike.
Dr. Tyler Lovell is an emergency veterinarian at one of the largest multispecialty clinics in Los Angeles California. When he’s not saving animal’s lives, he enjoys hanging out with his partner Frankie and their two cats, Tito & Princess. He also has an amazing mom with a sweet ass podcast.(haha)
Links to Resources Mentioned
Not One More Vet
https://www.nomv.org/
Pet Insurance:
Trupanion
https://www.trupanion.com/
Pet’s Best
https://www.petsbest.com/
Lemonade
https://www.lemonade.com/
Spot
https://spotpet.com/
Which dog breed is best for you?
https://www.akc.org/breed-selector-tool/
https://dogfix.com/quiz/whats-the-best-dog-breed-for-me/question/1/
Halfway To Dead Podcast
email: [email protected]
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