Assisting a young person in securing employment extends far beyond resume writing, job searches, and interview preparation, especially when the young person is navigating mental health challenges. As providers, it’s often easy to develop priorities for young people based on what we think is best for their lives. However, disengagement (physically and emotionally) occurs when the young person does not share our priorities, which can be highly frustrating for the young person, their support system, the supporting staff members, and the employer.Where do we go from here? … A successful employment process requires authentic long-term professional relationships. It also requires an in-depth understanding of a young person’s past and how it impacts their present, in addition to understanding their triggers, fears, dreams, and goals. Effective communication, culturally engaging, and age-specific youth and young adult-led processes, procedures, and tools are critical to sustainable success. … [Read more...] about A Whole Person Approach to Youth & Young Adult Employment Services
Systems Collaboration
Changing the Narrative – Innovative Strategies for Mental Health and Wellbeing
This presentation will discuss "non-traditional" strategies and approaches for maintaining mental health and well-being outside of "traditional" clinical approaches, and they will provide insights for how one might implement those strategies in their own work/life. During the Q&A, audience members are encouraged to ask questions of the featured speakers about the presentation's topic or anything else related to their mental health services and work. … [Read more...] about Changing the Narrative – Innovative Strategies for Mental Health and Wellbeing
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
Words Matter Discussion Series – Equity
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. … [Read more...] about Words Matter Discussion Series – Equity
Dismantling Racism in the Peer Workforce and Creating Safe Spaces for BIPOC Peers
For decades, peer support has been part of the mental health system. That system—like others across the nation—was built on racism, and racism continues to impact peer support. Come learn how to begin addressing structural racism within the peer support workforce. Join two experts who will share their personal stories of navigating the peer movement through a BIPOC lens and examine how to create different avenues for peers who identify as BIPOC. You will hear what’s happening at the national level and in Washington State to create more spaces for BIPOC peers. … [Read more...] about Dismantling Racism in the Peer Workforce and Creating Safe Spaces for BIPOC Peers