The Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board met on Tuesday to discuss important initiatives for Louisiana’s children and youth.

The meeting opened with presentations from Loren Carrier, Founder of Hope for Opelousas, who shared how their community-based programs support local youth and families, and Mark Augustine of Health for Our Kids, who spoke passionately about improving children’s health and wellness across our state.

Connie Bellone, Chair of the Behavioral Health Subcommittee, provided an update on services for children in grades K–12, with a focus on expanding access to care and resources.

Members also heard from Storm Ehlers of the Louisiana Supreme Court about the upcoming Solutions Summit on Truancy, which will unite leaders and stakeholders from across Louisiana to address the urgent issue of school attendance.

Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board held its meeting with updates from key partners supporting Louisiana’s children and families. Captain Bruce Williams shared The Salvation Army’s community work, Dr. Jennifer Herricks discussed vaccine outreach, and Dr. Amanda Shackelford highlighted youth development through LYFE. Jolie V. Williamson presented the Cross-Agency Support for Children and Families Proclamation and Solutions Summit planning, including the June 12 Kickoff and the upcoming September event focused on well-being and attendance. Thank you to all who joined us in advancing this important work. 

Jolie V. Williamson, Director of Children’s Programs and Executive Director of the Children’s Cabinet held a Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board Meeting last week. The meeting highlighted updates on Whole Health Louisiana, state literacy efforts and education initiatives, and the Children's and Youth Planning Boards. It ended with a sneak peek at the upcoming legislative session. Thank you to all who were involved in making this meeting a success! 

Jolie V. Williamson, Director of Children’s Programs and Executive Director of Children's Cabinet hosted the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board Meeting on July 30th. Key updates were provided by Michelle Gros on the Vulnerable Youth Subcommittee, Joshua Campbell discussed the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Calcasieu Parish and specific data showing the correlation between the implementation of the MARC Center and the decrease in juvenile detention. Ursula Anderson, Executive Director of The Louisiana Children's Trust Fund presented the LCTF Five Year State Plan and upcoming Children's Caucus. The meeting also featured executive committee votes, discussions on forming a new subcommittee, Partners in Protecting Children, and opportunities for public comment and discussion of various topics, such as the Children Youth and Planning Boards (CYPB). 

At the May 28 meeting of the Louisiana Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board, members received key updates on support services for families and vulnerable youth across the state. Presentations included the latest ALICE report from the Louisiana Association of United Ways, highlighting the challenges faced by working families, and an overview of 211 and 988 services by VIA LINK and Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana. Subcommittees also shared updates on behavioral health in schools, early childhood sustainability efforts, and strategies to support ungovernable youth. A new subcommittee, “Partners in Protecting Children,” will be created per recent legislation. Executive votes were tabled until the next meeting on July 30.

The Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board had their 2nd meeting of the year. Director of Children’s Programs/ Executive Director of Children’s Cabinet Jolie V. Williamson welcomed advisory board members with updates on upcoming events: The Child Abuse Prevention Conference, Monthly Speaker Series, the 5 year Plan, Children’s Caucus, the children’s coloring book that will focus on stranger danger, bully self-defense techniques, as well as smart phone and social media safety.

Guest Speakers included: Shawnell Ware, LCWS-BACS, behavioral health strategy specialist; Storm Ehlers, JD and ReShonn Saul with the Louisiana Supreme Court, CASA/FINS/CIP Programs. Positive and productive conversations took place between Programs and Agencies represented and a new work group was formed to look into the data and successes of current Children and Youth Planning Boards around the state. 

The Louisiana Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board held their first meeting of the year. Agencies represented included, DCFS, HEAL, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, LDH, SU, FHA Acadiana, Tulane, LA School Based Alliance, LA CASA, OJJ, Louisiana AAP, DOA, LDOE, Policy Institute of LA, Catholic Charities, 100 Black Men, NASW, FFLIC, LAMARC, VIA LINK/PCAL, Common Thread, Unbound Now, Healthy Blue, CCAL, Medicine Louisiana, and the LA Children’s Ombudsman.

There were guest speakers from various Programs including Debbie Solcher and Holly Tupper from BCFS Health and Human Service-LA/ Unbound, Curtis Nelson of OJJ with Louisiana Multi Agency Resource Center (LAMARC), and PCAL Director Sherrard Crespo of VIA LINK/PCAL.

 Topics of discussion ranged from human trafficking prevention, early intervention in juvenile justice, as well as mental health resources and Prevention of Child Abuse in Louisiana Resources.