Darlene Jevne's Publications

• Court Appointed Special Advocates Association, Darlene Jevne April, 2011 A successful education professional and current Director of St. Christopher Academy in Seattle, Washington, Darlene Jevne also participates in the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association. Founded in 1977 when a juvenile court judge in Seattle devised a plan to allow volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected children in the courtroom, the National CASA Association has since grown to include more than 1,000 offices across 49 states. According to its mission statement, the National CASA Association joins with state and local members to ensure safe and permanent homes for abused and neglected children by promoting court-appointed volunteer advocacy. At the local level, CASA programs contribute to the cause by identifying, educating, and supporting volunteers as they advocate for children in a legal setting. At the national level, the National CASA Association employs an experienced team of leaders and maintains a number of specific activities, such as technical assistance and the development of training programs. The National CASA Association also concentrates on volunteer recruitment and public awareness, coordinating national campaigns and reaching more than 150 million individuals through a wide variety of media outlets. Additionally, the National CASA Association administers an extensive network of resource development grants for local chapters, with the majority of funding coming from the Department of Justice. To accomplish its stated mission of supporting abused and neglected children in the courtroom and beyond, the National CASA Association works with families, schools, and communities to find optimum solutions for every child. Through its system of state organizations and local field offices, the National CASA Association works to provide children with the best advocacy services and most highly trained volunteers available. In addition to promoting racial equity at all levels, the National CASA Association also seeks to prepare children for the challenges of adulthood, foster support from communities, and recruit new volunteers. Since its inception, the National CASA Association has demonstrated a clear ability to have a positive impact on children suffering from abuse and neglect. According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, children participating in the CASA program are less than half as likely to spend time in long-term foster care, defined as three or more years. Similarly, children and parents with a CASA volunteer are far more likely to receive essential court-ordered services. To learn more about the National CASA Association or to find out how to get involved, visit the website at www.casaforchildren.org.

• St. Christopher Academy Director Darlene Jevne on Treatment Options for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Darlene Jevne June, 2011 Darlene Jevne possesses extensive experience working with children and teenagers who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, she provides background information on common treatment approaches for the condition. ADHD can be treated in a variety of ways. Some of the most common approaches include medication, behavioral training, psychotherapy, and carefully chosen strategies for parenting and education. A wide range of medications exist for ADHD, most of which fall into the stimulant category. This seems counterintuitive, but children with ADHD experience a calming effect when given these drugs. Other non-stimulant medications may also be used, depending on the child. No single medication works well for all children, and the dosage often needs to be adjusted periodically by a health professional in order to achieve optimal function. Some of the most common stimulant-type ADHD medications include amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, and dexmethylphenidate, which are manufactured in various combinations, dosages, and brand names. Not all of these medications are appropriate for children of all ages, and therefore, the pharmacological treatment plan for each child may change over time. Non-stimulant medications, including certain antidepressants, may also be employed, because of their effect on brain receptors for norepinephrine. Behavioral therapy for ADHD often focuses on providing consistency in daily life, helping children work through emotional difficulties, and setting goals. Therapists work with both parents and children to develop coping techniques. Teachers apply these same principles to design effective classroom strategies. One way in which parents can help their children deal with ADHD is by maintaining a highly predictable and consistent routine every day. This routine should include scheduled activities for every waking hour of the day, and all changes should be clearly communicated to the child well in advance. Children with ADHD respond well to goal-focused activities with clearly defined rewards and consequences. Teachers and parents will pair an attainable, short-term goal, such as completing the day’s homework, with a reward. If the child completes the activity, he or she receives the reward.

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