In an effective system of care, families are essential partners at the levels of service, management, and policymaking. As part of the process of engaging families, it is crucial to engage fathers and father figures in children’s mental health and related human services that have historically been framed as mother-and-child-serving systems. Researchers have learned that fathers have a critical role in children’s mental health, but need more support to fulfill their potential (L. Khan, 2017). In this recorded Community of Practice, fathers and grandfathers shared their advocacy journeys on behalf of their young children with (or potentially with) social-emotional and behavioral health needs. In addition, we heard from program and state leaders who have been fine-tuning approaches for engaging fathers and father figures from vulnerable communities in families and systems. Participants were supported in thinking through ways to embed and enhance father-friendly strategies at the agency … [Read more...] about Community of Practice – Engaging Fathers and Father Figures in Early Childhood Systems of Care: Engaging with Fathers and Father Figures from Special Populations
Video or Webinar
Infusing infant and early childhood mental health into systems of care
This recorded webinar features a brief overview presentation that describes considerations for building a continuum of services and supports around infant and early childhood mental health in order to expand early childhood systems of care. Drawing on the work of former and current SOC grantees, facilitators discussed strategies for expanding infant and early childhood SOCs, and covered a range of services and supports that could be expanded in building early childhood SOCs. These included promotion and prevention approaches that support social-emotional development, and more intensive supports and services for young children with (or at-risk for) mental health diagnoses. … [Read more...] about Infusing infant and early childhood mental health into systems of care
Supervision and Support of Youth and Parent Peer Support Providers – Best Practices and Lessons from the Field
This is a recording of an interactive presentation and discussion about effective supervision and support for the youth-peer and parent-peer workforce. Presenters shared models of supervision, best practices in supervisory approaches, and strategies to use when youth peer support providers and parent peer support providers are working with the same families. Participants received tools and templates used in the field, as well as additional helpful resources. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Learn about the scope of activities and roles for this unique workforce of youth and parent peer support providers.Gain a greater understanding of best practices in supervising youth and parent peer support providers, including effective supervisor approaches and coaching structures.Learn strategies from the field on how youth and parent peer support providers can work together to honor both the youth and parent voices within the family unit. … [Read more...] about Supervision and Support of Youth and Parent Peer Support Providers – Best Practices and Lessons from the Field
Advancing Our System of Care: Supporting Students, Teachers, and Parents as Schools Reopen
COVID-19 and the shift to remote learning have been stressful on students, their caregivers, and educators, but the transition back to in-person learning is also challenging. In this session, Dr. Bostic and Dr. Rakow from the WISE (Wellbeing In School Environments) Center were joined by Pat Hunt and Jane Walker, LCSW, of FREDLA (Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association). Together, they discussed practical and research-based strategies that educators, school leaders, and school staff can use in the classroom, at the school level, and with the broader school community. Participants learned concrete practices to welcome students back into an in-person learning environment, and how to re-establish a sense of safety, stability, and connection within schools. … [Read more...] about Advancing Our System of Care: Supporting Students, Teachers, and Parents as Schools Reopen
Reconnect, Reflect, and Renew Children’s Mental Health Conversation Series (SBS focus)
Part 3 of this recorded Facebook Live conversation series included a panel discussion on the impact of COVID-19 and the mental health challenges faced by a student and social worker. Each shared their unique mental health experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intent of this conversation was to give a snapshot of what young adults, educators, and mental health professionals have experienced, and shares ways school-based staff can provide support by Reflecting, Reconnecting, and Renewing toward holistic balance of our communities. … [Read more...] about Reconnect, Reflect, and Renew Children’s Mental Health Conversation Series (SBS focus)