NEWS AND PRESS RELEASES

Adoption Program Honored

• By GERARD SHIELDS
• Advocate Washington bureau
• Published: Oct 5, 2009

U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., participated in two days of events last week celebrating the Angels In Adoption program.

The events honored about 130 people from around the nation, including five from Louisiana, for their work on adoption and foster-care issues. The five from Louisiana were Barbara Thompson of Zachary, Ada Burson of New Orleans, Lisa Gould of Minden, Edith Morris of New Orleans and Irene Williams of Harvey.

“Each has worked diligently to make a difference in their community by advocating for children and adoptive parents,” Landrieu, who is co-chairman of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, said in a statement..

U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., praised Williams, whom he nominated for the recognition.

“She’s made helping these kids a priority in her life and has welcomed a number of children in need into her home and heart,” Vitter said in a statement.

Dr. Phil Foundation Awards $10,000 To Children’s Bureau Of New Orleans

New Orleans (June 3, 2009) Children’s Bureau of New Orleans received a generous donation from the Dr. Phil Foundation in the amount of $10,000. This contribution will be used to support Children’s Bureau’s Project LAST, a program that provides community-based, counseling services to grieving and traumatized children and youth.

This generous donation from the Dr. Phil Foundation comes at a time when the need for Project LAST’ services are at an all time high. Recent surveys have shown that not only are the rates of depression and anxiety high among children post-Katrina, but that these rates are not improving. In addition, New Orleans continues to be ranked as the most violent city in the United States, a ranking that has very negative consequences for our children’s mental health. The majority of families who receive services through Project LAST are reporting multiple traumas, and this Agency has also seen an increase in the number of children reporting suicidal thoughts.

The Dr. Phil Foundation was formed in 2003 by Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw. Dr. Phil is the best-selling author and host of the daytime television series Dr. Phil. The Dr. Phil Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization, committed to supporting organizations and programs that address the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual needs of children and families. Children’s Bureau is proud to join Dr. Phil to fight the “silent epidemics” in America – those problems that cripple our society in subtle but undeniable ways. Children’s Bureau was featured on the Dr. Phil show on May 25th, 2009.

Children’s Bureau of New Orleans has served our community since 1892, and is proud to have the support of such a prestigious foundation as the Dr. Phil Foundation. In the words of Dr. Phil, “Everybody should have the opportunity to do and be everything they can be.”

Children's Bureau of New Orleans Receives Generous Holiday Gift from Conventioneers $3,000 Million Dollar Round Table Donation made on behalf of Convention Center Staff

Media Alert
For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jessica Butera, MDRT Communications Manager - 847-692-6378; jbutera@mdrt.org

Rosalie Mortillaro, New Orleans Morial Convention Center - 504-582-3027; rmortillaro@mccno.com

Children's Bureau of New Orleans Receives Generous Holiday Gift from Conventioneers

$3,000 Million Dollar Round Table Donation made on behalf of Convention Center Staff

What: Today all the staff from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will present a $3,000 donation from the Million Dollar Round Table
(MDRT) to The Children's Bureau of New Orleans.

Where: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Lobby A (Julia St. entrance) 900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-582-3023

When: Today, Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 4:30 p.m.

Who: Yvette Genova, Event Coordinator, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Paulette Carter, MPH, LCSW, President/CEO, Children's Bureau of New Orleans

Julian H. Good Jr., CLU, ChFC, MDRT Second Vice President and 25-year MDRT member from New Orleans

Why: The donation is a result of the convention center staff's commitment to providing excellent service. In June 2005, MDRT, an international association of the world's best insurance and financial services professionals, hosted its Annual Meeting at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. More than 9,000 MDRT members from 63 countries attended the meeting, and MDRT wanted to show its appreciation for the hard work and hospitality on behalf of the convention center's staff by offering a gratuity to the convention center staff. It is the policy, however, of the convention center not to accept gratuities, but MDRT still wanted their outstanding efforts to be recognized. So, in cooperation with the convention center staff, the Children's Bureau of New Orleans has been selected to receive a monetary gift on behalf of the convention center from MDRT.

"This donation demonstrates not only the convention center's commitment to its clients, but also to the community of New Orleans," said 25-year MDRT member and MDRT Second Vice President Julian H. Good Jr., CLU, ChFC, of New Orleans. "It took some time to finalize the plans for this donation as Hurricane Katrina hit shortly after our meeting and everyone was in need, so I am glad to see this donation finally come to fruition."

The convention center's staff and MDRT chose the Children's Bureau of New Orleans because of their long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for New Orleans children and their families.

MDRT has hosted four Annual Meetings in New Orleans, and also built a playground in 2005 at Trinity Christian Community Center in Hollygrove as a way to give thanks to the city for hosting them for their Annual Meeting.

Media/Interview Opportunities
All media are invited to attend the donation presentation and speak with all the staff from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center who will be present at the donation to the Children's Bureau of News Orleans, along with convention center board members, The Children's Bureau of New Orleans and members of MDRT.

About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an award winning staff and first class amenities, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOMCC) is the sixth largest convention center in the nation and a consistent Top 10 host of the largest number of conventions and tradeshows annually. A leading rainmaker of the city's hospitality industry, NOMCC event activity has produced $39.12 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $2.19 billion in new tax revenue.

About the Children's Bureau of New Orleans

Founded in 1892 by the Reverend Alfred E. Clay, Children's Bureau of New Orleans is a private, non-profit United Way partner agency offering a variety of services to children and families. It is committed to improving the quality of life for children and their families through innovative programs that focus on child welfare and rights. Children's Bureau helps families give children love, roots and ultimately wings. www.childrens-bureau.com.

About MDRT

MDRT is The Premier Association of Financial Professionals. Founded in 1927 and based in Park Ridge, Illinois, it is an international, independent association of more than 39,000, or less than 1 percent, of the world's best life insurance and financial services professionals. With membership from 87 nations and 491 different companies, MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT currently has 21 members in New Orleans and 216 members in the state of Louisiana. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of sales excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. www.mdrt.org.

Children’s Bureau Awards Alfred E. Clay Award To Ada Burson Children’s Bureau Of New Orleans

New Orleans (October 24, 2008) The Children’s Bureau of New Orleans announces the awarding of the Alfred E. Clay Award to Ada Burson, 39-year employee of the Children’s Bureau at the Agency’s Annual Meeting. In 1970, in honor of the founder of Children’s Bureau, the agency created the Alfred E. Clay Award to be presented to individuals providing extraordinary service and dedication to the children of our community and the agency. The award was presented by President/CEO Paulette Carter, Board Chairman Paul Schott, and Special Guest Bob Urann.

Ada Burson was hired by the Children’s Bureau on August 18, 1969. In her earlier years in the Agency, Ada held a variety of positions working with children and families. It was her deep devotion to children and her gift with families that she became in leader in the field on adoption in Louisiana. In 1984, Ada became the Coordinator for the Adoption, Foster Care, and Pregnancy Counseling Program. Ada was a founding member and later President of the Louisiana Coalition for Adoption. Her work with the LCFA led to two important amendments to the Louisiana Children’s Code which required birth parents to receive two hours of professional counseling prior to signing an act of surrender, and prospective adoptive parents undergoing a pre-placement home study.

Ada’s work with the Children’s Bureau was not limited to adoption. Through the years she has worked as the Clinical Director of the Great Expectations Program, Program and Clinical director of the Family Preservation Program, the creation of the RESPECT Program, and Interim President/CEO. Ada was also instrumental in the rebuilding of the Children’s Bureau after Hurricane Katrina, allowing the agency to begin delivering services again to the children of our community in October 2005. Currently, Ada is the Clinical Director of the Children’s Bureau.

Not only has Ada provided quality services to children and families, but she has also provided clinical supervision and training to many master’s level social workers who continue to serve children in Louisiana and throughout the country. When the staff was asked to raise their hands if they had been trained or hired by Ada, almost the entire staff raised their hands, including our President/CEO Paulette Carter.

On accepting the award, Ada Burson shared these sentiments, “The gift is to be able to do something you truly love, and to feel like you’ve truly made a difference in the lives of children. I do not think there is anything you can accomplish that is more important than that. I accept this on behalf of all the social workers out there who are doing this work everyday. This difficult, hard work with children who are hurting and in pain is work that so much needs to be done.”

CHLDREN’S BUREAU OF NEW ORLEANS RAISES $12,338 AT 17th ANNUAL DAY AT THE RACES

New Orleans (February 11, 2008) Children's Bureau of New Orleans held our 17 th Annual Day at the Races on January 19, 2008 at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course and Slots Clubhouse. It was a day of fast-paced racing action, including a race named for Children's Bureau of New Orleans. A buffet lunch was served, and a selection of complimentary wine was distributed to our corporate sponsors. In addition to the racing action we held a Prize Raffle, 50/50 Raffle, and a silent auction of two $500 travel vouchers generously provided by AirTran Airways.

This event was made possible by the tireless efforts of Bob Urann, and longtime event organizer Cathy Pavone .

VALERO ENERGY FOUNDATION’S 2007 VALERO TEXAS OPEN BENEFIT FOR CHILDREN GULF CLASSIC AWARDS THE CHILDREN’S BUREAU OF NEW ORLEANS $10,000 IN RECOGNITION OF WORK WITH CHILDREN IN THE NEW ORLEANS AREA

New Orleans (February 11, 2008) The 2007 Valero Texas Open Benefit for Children Gulf Classic was held at award-winning Weston La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, TX from September 30 – October 7, 2007. The event raised 8 million in contributions to children’s charities in the communities where Valero has major operations. The beneficiaries are nominated by employees and then those nominees are evaluated by an all-employee committee. The Children’s Bureau of New Orleans was nominated by the employees of the Valero St. Charles Refinery, located in Norco, LA. At a special ceremony held at Belle Terre Country Club in Laplace, LA, on January 28, The Children’s Bureau received a donation of $10,000 in recognition of our agency’s work in providing mental health services to children and their families in the Greater New Orleans area, including no-cost grief and trauma services through its evidence-based Project LAST program.

Children’s Bureau Receives Support From All Over North America

New Orleans (February 6, 2008) Years after the country seems to have forgotten Hurricane Katrina and it’s aftermath, Children’s Bureau of New Orleans is still receiving support and help from all over North America. These donations reenergize our agency and uphold our belief that there are still those who deeply care about the rebuilding and revitalizing of New Orleans.

The Children’s Bureau of New Orleans has been fortunate to receive help and support from all over North America. We were first contacted by St. Timothy’s, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. A church member, Dr. Vicky Martin, discovered Children’s Bureau on a trip to New Orleans in late 2006. When she returned to Ottawa she formed the New Orleans Hope Team with other members of St. Timothy’s. Since then they have regularly donated funds for staff support activities. Children’s Bureau and the New Orleans Hope Team of St. Timothy’s regularly correspond with news of our cities.

Recently, the Daisy Girl Scout Troop #93 from Canal Fulton, Ohio recently donated a collection of children’s books picked out by the Daisies themselves. While learning about different celebrations in the United States, they decided to celebrate Mardi Gras and choose a charity from New Orleans to receive a donation. They enclosed a photograph of the Daisy Troop wearing their Mardi Gras costumes and holding the books they personally donated to the Children’s Bureau.

CHLDREN’S BUREAU OF NEW ORLEANS RAISES $11,419.89 AT FIRST ANNUAL KIDZ FEST AND PATRON PARTY

New Orleans (October 29, 2007) The first annual Kidz Fest was held on October 14, 2007 at the Piazza D’Italia, generously donated by Loews New Orleans Hotel. The event included prize games, food, children’s performers, and a rock climbing wall, all which were included in the ticket price of $5 for children and $10 for adults. Performing at the event was Adella Adella the Storyteller and Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys. Donations of food and beverages were made by Acme Oyster House, Ernst Café, Zeke’s Restaurant, Canseco’s Esplanade Market, Elmer’s Fine Foods, and Scott Management Team dba McDonald’s.

This event was held in conjunction with our Patron Party on October 12th held at the home of Anne Gauthier, member of the Children’s Bureau Board of Directors. The featured performer of the patron party was New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint. A live auction was held, featuring a Vespa, a silkscreen of George Rodrigue’s “Honesty,” many personal donations made by board member Elizabeth Roussel, and other items. The event was catered by Joel Catering, and bar service was provided by Jim Besselman of Ernst Café.

Both events were made possible by the sponsorship of Baptist Community Ministries, Wal-Mart, Capital One, Schering-Smith Charitable Trust, and Adams & Reese, LLP.

The inaugural Kidz Fest and Patron Party were a great success and we look forward to our 2nd Annual Kidz Fest in 2008.

CHILDREN’S BUREAU PRESIDENT/CEO PAULETTE CARTER, MPH, LCSW, ISSUES STATEMENT OF CURRENT PROGRESS OF CHILDREN’S BUREAU PROGRAMS

New Orleans (August 15, 2007) In the first half of 2007, nearly half of the families receiving services from Children’s Bureau reported having to cope with multiple traumatic events; a sharp increase from 2006, where one third of families reported experiencing multiple traumatic events.

Children’s Bureau has also experienced a 20% increase in families reporting violence-related trauma such as the murder of a loved one, witnessing shootings in their neighborhoods, domestic violence and/or being a victim of violence.

“Children and families who have experienced multiple traumatic events are more likely to experience behavioral and/or emotional problems,” says Paulette Carter, President/CEO of Children’s Bureau. “Coupled with the severe shortage of mental health services in the area, many children and families in our area are struggling to cope with the traumas, and have nowhere to go for help.”

“The Children’s Bureau continues to have a waiting list of children and families who are requesting therapeutic services. We are working on funding to hire additional staff in order to eliminate the waiting list, but the volume of families requesting services keeps increasing,” says Carter.

“The agency has also seen an increase in the number of caregivers who are reporting a child who is expressing suicidal thoughts.”

Children’s Bureau of New Orleans is a child-focused mental health agency that has been serving children and families in the New Orleans area since 1892, and specializes in providing community-based, trauma-focused therapeutic services.

WHOLE FOODS RAISES $8,618.58 FOR CHILDREN’S BUREAU OF NEW ORLEANS’ PROJECT LAST DURING 5% DAY

New Orleans (July 16, 2007) The Children’s Bureau of New Orleans was chosen by Whole Foods Market as the designated non-profit agency for one of their 5% days. Four agencies a year are chosen in the area to receive 5% of all net sales. The Children’s Bureau 5% day was held on Tuesday, June 26th. The Whole Foods Markets in the Greater New Orleans area raised $8,618.58 for Children’s Bureau. Members of the Board of Directors and Children’s Bureau Staff were on hand to represent Children’s Bureau and distribute information about the agency.

Paulette Carter, Mph, Lcsw Appointed As President/Ceo Of Children’s Bureau Of New Orleans

New Orleans (February 22, 2007) Paulette Carter, MPH, LCSW, has been appointed President/CEO of Children’s Bureau of New Orleans. Mrs. Carter is responsible for overseeing the Agency’s core operation; she provides guidance and supervision to all program directors and management staff. Mrs. Carter has extensive grant and contract writing, with this vast experience she is developing relationships to ensure future credibility and funding of Agency programs. Ms. Carter will oversee the 115 year old agency’s innovative programs designed to enhance the quality of life for children and their families.

Mrs. Carter graduated from Tulane University, Newcomb, College in 1993 and received her Bachelor of Arts in History. In 1994 she completed the Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program from Tulane University, University College. Mrs. Carter received her Masters of Social Work in 1997 from Tulane University, School of Social Work and then went on to receive her Masters of Public Health in 1998 from Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Children after Hurricanes and Homicides: Local Experts Find Ways to Help

Press Release
Contact: Alison Salloum, Ph.D (504) 723-0594
Children's Bureau of New Orleans
Start date: Immediately

A recent study with children from Algiers Charter Schools shows that a therapeutic intervention used with children after homicide is also helpful for children experiencing traumatic stress, grief and loss after Hurricane Katrina.

Project LAST (Loss and Survival Team), a program of Children's Bureau of New Orleans, since 1990 has specialized in helping children who had loved ones murdered and/or who witnessed a homicide. LAST developed specific therapeutic services geared toward decreasing the pain and suffering of children experiencing grief, trauma, and loss. The program is nationally recognized and training sessions have been provided around the country. These therapeutic techniques to ease the stress are now being used with children after the storm. Dr. Alison Salloum, a Children's Bureau social worker who has worked with traumatized children in the New Orleans area said, "We know that our children are experiencing significant post-traumatic stress as a result of the hurricane, and some are at higher risk due to the combination of past traumas and losses and the added stress from the storm. The storm did not wash way past pain."

Whether children evacuated or stayed for the storm, most felt scared. Of the fifty six children who participated, 89% indicated that they were scared that they or someone they loved might get hurt or die due to Hurricane Katrina, and 88% indicated that when they think about everything that happened with the hurricane, it made them feel bad and upset. Half of the children who participated received group counseling and the other half received individual counseling. There were no differences between the two groups with both groups showing improvement. After completing the Project LAST ten-week school-based intervention, children reported experiencing less post-traumatic stress and depression. In fact 91% of children reported a decrease in post-traumatic stress symptoms. One twelve year old boy who stayed in the Superdome stated "It helped me express how I felt about Katrina and I felt better." This type of improvement can lead to better academic performance and more positive behavior. The program is being funded by The Institute of Mental Hygiene, a local foundation.

With such positive results, LAST will continue to offer services to children who are experiencing distress due to hurricanes, homicides, or any type of trauma. For more information contact the Children's Bureau at (504)525-2366.

Historic New Orleans Collection by Mark Cave

Although its approach to children's issues has changed over time, the mission of the Children's Bureau has remained the same - to improve the quality of life for children and their families. The organization has recently donated its archive to The Historic New Orleans Collection

Click here to read entire article (pdf)