Camp JPAC

The application to Camp JPAC is now available on our web site at www.specialneedsnetwork.net. This year, we are making the application process easier than ever- you can either apply online or download and mail us a physical application. Space is limited, so act soon to ensure priority in our lottery system. Application period ends June 30. You will be notified of acceptance via email or phone by July 11.

Camp JPAC Math and Science Prgm

Help SHIELDS and Join the Health Campaign!

FREE Tdap boosters

Karen Bass Testifies About At-Risk Youth, Child Family Services

The Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing this week titled, “Improving Programs Designed to Protect At-Risk Youth." I testified before the Subcommittee about my experiences 20 years ago as the crack-cocaine drug epidemic created a spike in the number of children removed from the home because of parental substance abuse. Families under great strain were confronted by this trauma, and grandparents began caring for and raising grandchildren, causing newfound challenges on the child welfare system.

I had the opportunity to highlight some of our nation’s best practices in keeping families together, and I referenced our very own organization SHIELDS from South Los Angeles. Though we have come a long way in a short amount of time, the fact remains that there is still enormous work to do to improve our system to help at risk children and families. By providing help to families to prevent the spiral into abuse and neglect, we could avoid the substantial costs of foster care, the trauma of removal, and help families stay together.

SHIELDS celebrates Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official January 1, 1863, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas on June 19th 1865 with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

SHIELDS for Families celebrated Juneteenth together with performances, games and activities, dancing, food, fun, and fellowship! Thanks to client council, the activities committee, Francis Jennings, Selvin Peterman & Robert Alvarado (music), Marcus Holcombe (MC), Malcolm Cooper (Graphic Design/Programs) the clients and their families, and the staff for your hard work and participation to make this event a success. A special thank you to Panera Bread Company and Sprouts Farmers Markets for donating food for the event, to T1 – a SHIELDS youth who filmed and photographed most of the event for the Juneteenth video, and to Celestine Ezinkwo of CelestineRap for allowing the use of his song “Justice is Blind” as the soundtrack for the video.

Webinar To Discuss Ensuring Educational Opportunities for Youth in Placement

 

Webinar To Discuss Ensuring Educational Opportunities for Youth in Placement

On June 15, 2011, at 2 p.m. E.T., the National Reentry Resource Center will sponsor, “Education and the World of Work: Anchors to a Strong Juvenile Reentry Plan.”

This Webinar will highlight how strong educational programs in residential facilities can help youth find jobs, and describe how to ensure youth can find continuing education and vocational training in community-based settings. Registration is available online.

Resources:

For more information about the Webinar, visit www.nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/announcements/webinar-on-how-education-and-work-can-contribute-to-a-strong-juvenile-reentry-plan.

To register, go to https://justicecenter.webex.com/justicecenter/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=649853441

Qualified Experts for Evaluating Children's Competency

One voice can make all the difference! Alert Action Qualified Experts for Evaluating Children's Competency Take Action! Contact the Judicial Council so LCSW's are included! Currently, the Judicial Council of California is drafting rules stating the qualifications and appointment of experts who evaluate children when the court or minor's counsel raises the issue of competency to stand trial in any juvenile proceeding. This is in order to implement a bill passed last year, AB 2212 (Fuentes). Our concern is that the current regulations do not include LCSW's as qualified experts. The proposed rule specifies that the expert must be a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist with particular expertise in child development, forensic evaluation, competency standards, and interventions. The Judicial Council is looking for comments about this regulation by June 20th. They are specifically soliciting comments on whether the court should expand the list of accepted experts to other professionals such as social workers. It is imperative that we get as many comments in as possible. Please send the following letter to the Judicial Council and add your own personal comments if you have experience with this issue.