Children's Advocacy Services

We know that talking to your children about Body Safety can be a difficult conversation, but we recommend introducing this topic with your children #earlyandoften. Please join us along with our partners from the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the St. Louis County Police Department, St. Louis Children's Hospital and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital for our Coordinated Community Response to Abuse Event on Monday, March 31st from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at our University of Missouri-Saint Louis Location (7800 Weinman Way 63121). The event kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with general remarks followed by breakout sessions. Don't worry if you arrive after 5:00 p.m., as the remarks will be repeated at 6:00 p.m. and breakout sessions will remain open until 7:00 p.m.! What: Coordinated Community Response to Abuse Event Where: 7800 Weinman Way, St. Louis, MO 63121 When: Monday, March 31st, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. #childadvocacy #inordertostopitwemusttalkaboutit #communityevent #stlouiscares

In the words of Pharrell, "Because I'm happy, clap along if you feel like a room without a roof!" High fives all around! So, why is today so joyful? According to the United Nations, the General Assembly calls for a more inclusive and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all people. Governments and international organizations are encouraged to invest in conditions that support happiness by upholding human rights and incorporating well-being and environmental considerations into policy frameworks, like the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. On July 12, 2012, March 20th was proclaimed the International Day of Happiness, emphasizing happiness and well-being as universal goals and their importance in public policy. Let’s celebrate happiness today and every day!

Now that we've discussed how to kickstart your day with a solid morning routine, let’s focus on how to unwind after a long day to ensure you get those 8-10 hours of sleep you need, according to the National Sleep Foundation Avoid Stimulants: To allow your mind and body to relax, steer clear of caffeine in the late afternoon and evening. Late-day or evening naps can also lessen your sleep drive, making it harder to fall asleep at night. Establish a Wind-Down Routine: Create a consistent routine that helps you relax and prepare for sleep each night. This could include meditation, listening to soothing music, dimming the lights, or reading a book. Try to commit to the same bedtime and wake-up time daily. It’s achievable with some reminders and a regular schedule. Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool for the best sleep quality. Put away those electronic devices. While it might seem difficult, using screens in bed can be stimulating, turning your sleeping space into a place for wakefulness instead of rest With these tips you could have a restful night of sleep!

To get good sleep at night, it’s important to start with a solid morning routine. According to the National Sleep Foundation, here are some tips to help you throughout the day: Light Exposure: Get outside for some sunlight or bright light as soon as you wake up. This boosts your daytime alertness and can help you get deeper sleep at night. Seriously, it’s a science thing! Exercise: Regular exercise is key to achieving better sleep. This can include playing sports or participating in other physical activities. Even if you’re not super active, just getting your blood flowing for about 30 minutes a day can make a difference. Consistent Mealtimes: Eating your meals at the same times each day can really help your sleep. I know it can be tough with a busy schedule, but try to stay consistent with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In fact, having a consistent routine overall is great for improving sleep.

Now, how can we effectively encourage healthy sleeping habits in teens? According to the National Sleep Foundation, here are some strategies to consider: Empower teens to share their values and goals, helping them recognize how healthy sleep can support their aspirations. Allow them the autonomy to focus on their own sleep health. Provide information that highlights the importance of sleep and informed decision-making. Share examples of how role models and high-achieving individuals prioritize sleep to perform at their best. Acknowledge the social context of teens' decisions about sleep. Understand how their peers perceive sleep and help them prioritize it in a way that enhances their social standing. Model healthy sleep practices within the family, showing its importance and making it a shared priority. By taking it one step at a time, everyone get to bed on time!

Join us on Friday, April 11th from 9am-12pm CST for this interactive training that explores the application for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for youth who have experienced the traumatic death of a significant person in their lives.?Training fee: $75.00. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gv8YfMs4 Please note: This training is not sufficient to be considered trained in TF-CBT, but rather is an integration of traumatic grief into the TF-CBT therapeutic model.?

Lack of sleep affects everything your focus, mood, and even your health according to the National Sleep Foundation , teens who consistently get the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep each night experience fewer depressive symptoms. This positive effect is likely linked to sleep's crucial role in regulating emotions and maintaining a stable mood. In contrast, regularly disrupted sleep can lead to mood swings, irritability, and heightened emotional reactivity. As adolescents navigate new behaviors requiring decision-making and impulse control, healthy sleep becomes essential. It not only improves behavior but also results in fewer accidents, reduced substance use, and a lower risk of reckless behaviors and health problems. Prioritizing sleep is key to fostering better well-being during these formative years.

March 9-15 is Sleep Awareness Week! Did you know teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, but most don’t even get 7? According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens have a natural body clock that affects when they feel tired and awake. During the teen years, that clock shifts, making it natural to stay up later at night and feel groggy in the morning. The problem? Early school start times don’t help. Studies show that since teens aren’t naturally tired early enough at night, they struggle to get enough sleep before having to wake up early. The NSF’s 2024 Sleep in America Poll even found that teens are half as likely to get 8-10 hours of sleep on school nights compared to weekends. It shows teens in the study were three times more likely to be unhappy with their sleep on school nights. Basically, the odds are stacked against us when it comes to sleep. No wonder we’re all exhausted.

Are you thinking about your 2025 professional goals? Are you a child trauma professional who delivers professional development? The TELC program can help up-skill your work in 2025! Join us for the Informational Call on Wednesday, March 12th from 1-2pm CST, virtually via Zoom to learn more. Register for the Informational Call here: https://lnkd.in/gqAN3eWP

?? Today, we recognize Self-Injury Awareness Day, a time to shed light on the challenges many face in silence. ?? The pressures of life and overwhelming thoughts can be difficult to navigate, making awareness and understanding crucial. According to a meta-analysis involving 597,548 adolescents, the lifetime prevalence of self-harm among teens is 16.9%. Additionally, self-injury often coexists with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and conduct disorders. Raising awareness helps break the stigma surrounding self-injury and ensures those struggling receive the support they need. If you or someone you know is experiencing self-harm, help is available. Learn more at BetterHelp. Remember, you matter always! ??