Child Advocates Newsletter

NEW THIS YEAR - Golf Classic Sponsorships now include an ad in the program book! Register your foursome, or take advantage of one of the naming opportunities by Wednesday, September 16th to be included in this year's book!

Other exciting benefits include:

Tee sign on the course
Company logo in The Legal Intelligencer Half Page ads
Two additional invitations to the cocktail party
Foursome photo for each golfer

All proceeds benefit our Project for Medically Needy Children

Click HERE for sponsorship opportunities

Questions? Contact Cate Galbally, 267-546-9216

Center for Excellence in Advocacy

(From left: Meghan Johnson and Laurie Ayler)

In August, staff from Child Advocates presented at two national conferences. On August 16th, Laurie Ayler and Meghan Johnson presented at the 41st Annual National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA) conference in Dallas, Texas on the topic of vicarious trauma and the need for professional self-care and supportive organizational practices.

On August 25th, Executive Director Frank Cervone was a highlighted speaker in the opening plenary session titled "100 Years/100 Tips: Great Moments Giving Rise to Great Tips" at the National Association of Counsel for Children's (NACC) 38th National Child Welfare, Juvenile, and Family Law Conference in Monterey, California.

In September, staff member Allie Dolan will participate in a teleconference sponsored by the American Bar Association's Section of Children's Rights Litigation Committee. The topic is "Addressing Compassion Fatigue: An Ethical Mandate" and will be held on September 30th with a group of lawyers, social workers, and therapists versed on the topic.

The Center for Excellence in Advocacy continues to have a busy schedule training a variety of child welfare, educational, health care and human services agencies throughout the five county region, with fall trainings scheduled at Silver Springs Martin Luther School, Central MH/MR, Chester County Youth Center, Wordsworth CUA, and Delaware County CASA.

Upcoming Trainings:

"How to Handle a Child Abuse Case" Volunteer Training

Wednesday, October 28th 8:30 - 4:30pm

CLE Conference Center
Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East, Suite 1010, Philadelphia, PA 19107

You can register HERE.

"Dependency Law Update 2015: A Review of Significant Appellate Decisions for Child Advocates Volunteer Attorneys"

Thursday, September 17th 8:30 - 10:30am (morning session)

*The morning session is geared toward Child Advocates Volunteer Attorneys. If space limitations arise, priority will be given to Child Advocates' Volunteer Attorneys.

Duane Morris LLP 30 South 17th St. Philadelphia, PA

You can register HERE.

"Dependency Law Update 2015: A Review of Significant Appellate Decisions"
September 17th 3:00 - 5:00pm (afternoon session)

Family Court of Philadelphia- 15th Floor Conference Room
1501 Arch St. Philadelphia, PA

You can register HERE.

ABA Section of Children's Rights Litigation Teleconference

"Addressing Compassion Fatigue: An Ethical Mandate"

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

To register for this free program: Click Here!

Thank You!

A special "thank you" to The Charter Foundation and to Thomson Reuters for generously funding our recent grant proposals in support of our work! We couldn't do it without your help in "changing the story" for our kids!

Meet The Staff

Meghan Johnson is the Program Manager for The Center for Excellence in Advocacy (CEA), our institute of learning.

CEA provides comprehensive training and resources for volunteer attorneys and other professionals who work in the child-welfare and criminal justice system. As the Program Manager, Meghan develops, coordinates and delivers cutting-edge training programs to help inform and improve the practice of those serving families whose lives have been impacted by the justice system. Since its launch 2 years ago, CEA has provided 256 trainings to over 8,073 participants. Topics include: How to Handle a Child Abuse Case; Special Education Law; Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting; Trauma Informed Advocacy; and Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care.

Meghan has always been interested in the intersection of public health and criminal justice. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Public Service at the University of Notre Dame and her master's degree in Public Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before joining Child Advocates in 2013, Meghan was the Program Coordinator for the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention team at the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, where she was responsible for training physicians on how to recognize and report suspected child abuse.

At Child Advocates, Meghan was immediately drawn to its perfect mix of direct service work and systemic advocacy. Her favorite aspect is the incredibly supportive environment and the chance to work with such a passionate and dedicated group.

When Meghan is not busy developing new ways to better advocate for children and helping those who serve them, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and baking delicious gluten-free treats. In addition, because promoting the practice of self-care is a huge part of the trainings, we asked Meghan how she takes care of herself. Meghan likes to stay fit both mentally and physically by participating in Zumba classes!

Thank you Meghan, for all that you do!

Our Appreciation

Thank you for reading our monthly newsletter. Stay connected on a regular basis by checking us out on social media (just click any of the buttons below!). Like us, follow us, and feel free to direct any questions or feedback to Tracy Buchholz. Thanks again for helping us change the story.