There is growing recognition that unaddressed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can greatly impact young people's development and their future well-being. However, what is less well-known is that racism, oppression, and historical trauma have an enormous impact on ACEs and how they perpetuate in families and communities. If we truly want to promote healing from ACEs now and prevent ACEs in the future, then we must address the root causes of ACEs, including racism and oppression. Please join us for an upcoming session that explores preventing ACEs from an equitable and antiracist lens. This panel is co-hosted with PACEsConnection and honors lived experience. Joining in this session will be a young adult with lived experience, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and a community organizer. Together, the panelists will bring their varying perspectives to discuss the connection between ACEs and oppression and effective strategies for taking action. The panelists will explore … [Read more...] about Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Where Do We Go From Here?
ACEs & Trauma
Addressing Racism in Youth Mental Health Services
Trending data continue to demonstrate disparities in mental health diagnoses, access to mental health services, and wellness outcomes for Black and Brown children, adolescents, emerging adults, and their families. One of the root causes of these disparities is racism. Racism has been embedded in the mental health system since the inception of mental health services and has significantly impacted engagement, diagnoses, treatment access, therapeutic options, and outcomes. As providers, clinicians, advocates, and administrators, we have choices. We can ignore these data, blame young people and their families, or take action by looking within and using our power to make a positive difference. If you are ready to take ACTION, please register and join this session! … [Read more...] about Addressing Racism in Youth Mental Health Services
Words Matter Discussion Series – Trauma
The adage of “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is not really true – Words can hurt, but they can also heal. Please join us for the Words Matter series where we engage in open and authentic discussions about the impact of common terminology used in child serving systems with those that are directly affected. Our goal is to illuminate how the terms we use can influence perception, approach, and practice, as well as explore alternative language as a means of intentionally shifting how we view and interact with youth, families, and each other. We talk often about our services and organizations being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive, but how does the word “trauma” land with young people and families who are most affected by it? … [Read more...] about Words Matter Discussion Series – Trauma
Shifting from Locking Youth Up to Lifting Youth Up – Family Peer Support Programs
Justice-involved youth can be powerful agents of change. Join us for a five-part community of practice focused on promoting the leadership of system-impacted young people. This strengths-based series will address racial trauma and racial disparities in juvenile justice systems across the nation. Designed for leaders in the system of care, the series will help participants engage justice-involved youth in advocacy work, prioritize culturally responsive care for BIPOC youth, deepen their knowledge of community-based solutions, and implement effective peer support programs. … [Read more...] about Shifting from Locking Youth Up to Lifting Youth Up – Family Peer Support Programs
Shifting from Locking Youth Up to Lifting Youth Up – Peer Support in the Juvenile Justice System
Justice-involved youth can be powerful agents of change. Join us for a five-part community of practice focused on promoting the leadership of system-impacted young people. This strengths-based series will address racial trauma and racial disparities in juvenile justice systems across the nation. Designed for leaders in the system of care, the series will help participants engage justice-involved youth in advocacy work, prioritize culturally responsive care for BIPOC youth, deepen their knowledge of community-based solutions, and implement effective peer support programs. Each event in this series features guest speakers to spotlight the voices of those with lived experience. The March session is facilitated by Evelyn Clark with guest presenters Joshua Smith, Tyus Reed, Waynette Brock, and Muhamed Selavic. … [Read more...] about Shifting from Locking Youth Up to Lifting Youth Up – Peer Support in the Juvenile Justice System