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
Basic Needs, Homelessness
Engaging Youth and Families in Residential Care – Strategies and Impact from Research and Lived Experience
Therapeutic residential care can be a lifesaving resource for children and youth with complex needs and their families. However, research has shown that youth and family engagement is lacking in these programs, and residential care centers are challenged in implementing youth and family driven care. This webinar will offer insight through research and lived experiences into the current status of residential care and suggest strategies to more effectively partner with the youth and families that receives these services. A panel of youth and parents who have experienced residential care will share what they found worked and did not work for their families as well as identify strategies and approaches that would be helpful. Recent studies of family engagement in residential care will also be highlighted to support implementation. … [Read more...] about Engaging Youth and Families in Residential Care – Strategies and Impact from Research and Lived Experience
Family Exchange – Kinship Care
Instances of parental substance use, mental illness, incarceration and death have led to an increasing number of children being placed in the care of people who are not their biological parents. These children arrive in the homes of their kinship caregivers with an uncommon set of challenges and needs. This webinar will explore the benefits of kinship care, the unique needs and experiences of kinship caregivers and ways in which family peer specialists offer critical emotional support, systems navigation and resource connection that cannot be found elsewhere. We will also discuss the pilot study in Maryland which has brought together the child welfare system, family peer support and the University of Maryland to evaluate kinship navigation as a best practice. … [Read more...] about Family Exchange – Kinship Care
Dismantling the Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline
The term “foster care-to-prison pipeline” refers to the pathways that make children and youth in the foster care system more likely than their peers to experience incarceration and justice system involvement. According to the Juvenile Law Center, 90% of youth with five or more foster placements will enter the justice system. In a separate study from the University of Chicago, over half of foster youth reported being arrested, spending the night in a correctional facility, or being convicted of a crime. Youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth, who are overrepresented in the foster care system, are disproportionately impacted by these outcomes. By engaging in courageous conversations, participants will learn how the foster care-to-prison pipeline impacts youth and families within systems of care. Further, participants will be inspired by the lived experience of presenters Yusef Preseley and Marquen Teetz, and will be called to action as the webinar asks them to imagine ways to dismantle the … [Read more...] about Dismantling the Foster Care-to-Prison Pipeline
Take Action with NTTAC: Affordable Housing
Hey y’all (I’m a Southerner, so, yes, I say y’all)! The NTTAC team and I have been talking a lot about shifting discussions, webinars, and resources into actions that make a positive community impact. Exciting stuff! We wanted to invite you – yes, you – into the conversation! This month, I'm kicking off a series that dives into the heart of mental health initiatives across the nation that are making a real impact on the lives of children and families. Let's start by looking at something close to my heart—the connection between mental health and affordable housing. Affordable Housing: A Personal Connection I came across a story that’s right here in my current hometown — Atlanta, GA. One landowner decided “…she doesn’t want to play the game; she wants her communities to win.” In collaboration with other stakeholders, she purchased and redesigned two apartment complexes with the mission to invest in people, not property. New playgrounds were built, childcare … [Read more...] about Take Action with NTTAC: Affordable Housing