During this intense time of uncertainty, stress, and trauma related to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial trauma, program leaders and staff can benefit from processing experiences and sharing strategies to support understanding, connectedness, and hope. This recorded Community of Practice convened a group of infant and early childhood systems of care program and staff as well as experts from the field. Collectively, they explored the ways in which the complex and racial trauma of these times affect the children and families they serve, as well as their programs and organizations. Together, they discussed strategies and shared resources designed to help programs address trauma and inequities while building resiliency in context of the pandemic and preparing to return to ECE settings and work. They also examined tools aimed at multiple levels (individual, child and family, program, and systems). In this session, Jessica Dym Bartlett from Child Trends discussed some recently developed … [Read more...] about Trauma-Informed Care for Complex & Racial Trauma Community of Practice for Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Systems of Care
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Implementing trauma-informed approaches at the state level to promote resilience in infants, toddlers, young children & their families
One of the foundational elements of early childhood systems of care is building resilient communities by mitigating exposure to trauma and early adversity experienced by families with infants, toddlers, and young children. In this recorded webinar, Jennifer Drake-Croft describes a systems-wide approach to mitigate trauma and early adversity through training and other workforce supports available to infant, toddler, and early childhood staff at all levels of the system. Jenn discusses how Building Strong Brains Tennessee emerged with support from the executive branch, the TN legislature, and stakeholders across sectors. Together, participants considered how the work in TN can inform efforts to 1) bring together broad public and political will for programs, policies, and strategies that prevent exposure to early adversity; 2) implement appropriate initial and ongoing supports to sustain a trauma-informed infant, toddler, and early childhood workforce; and 3) be mindful of compassion … [Read more...] about Implementing trauma-informed approaches at the state level to promote resilience in infants, toddlers, young children & their families
System of Care Finance and Sustainability Planning: Tools, Templates, and Strategies
This interactive webinar highlighted new resources for supporting System of Care finance and sustainability planning efforts. Participants also engaged in discussions regarding strategies for addressing equity and partnering with families, youth, and young adults in developing a finance and sustainability plan. … [Read more...] about System of Care Finance and Sustainability Planning: Tools, Templates, and Strategies
Fostering Anti-racism and Equity in Mental Health Services and Systems
Diversity is not a quick fix for achieving equity. Recruiting more diversity into an organization whose culture, practices, and principles are embedded in racism is damaging and dangerous. This is equivalent to planting roses in nutrient-poor soil; some may grow, but not to their fullest potential. Authentic and continuous conversations about racism, biases, microaggressions, privilege, and how they are experienced by staff and clients must be at the forefront of this work. In order to achieve and sustain equity, organizational leaders must identify inequities, address their root causes, and follow through on accountability measures. Action is key! … [Read more...] about Fostering Anti-racism and Equity in Mental Health Services and Systems
Fostering Equity in Community Wellness and Peer Support Programs
As leaders in community wellness and peer support services, we each have a responsibility to ensure that we are building and sustaining diverse and culturally responsive relationships that enhance the well-being of the individuals and families we serve. We each navigate the world with our "backpacks" filled with various cultures, customs, history, childhood and adult stories, traumas, and experiences, which shape how we enter spaces and interact with others. However, if we do not take the time to unpack and self-reflect, we can easily find ourselves contributing to the problems instead of the solutions. This interactive learning exchange helped participants increase their self-awareness and gain critical skills to assist them throughout their equity journey. … [Read more...] about Fostering Equity in Community Wellness and Peer Support Programs