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News from the field of Child and Youth Care

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OCTOBER 2014

31 OCTOBER 2014

Nearly a third of kids in protective custody
in Newfoundland and Labrador are Aboriginal

Even though Labrador’s two Innu and five Inuit communities make up less than one per cent of the province’s population nearly a third of all children in care of the state are from there.

Labrador’s two Innu communities of Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, with a combined population of 2,101 residents, account for 20 per cent of all children in protective custody in the province, according to documents obtained by APTN National News under the province’s Freedom of Information Act.

The five Nunatsiavut communities make up the 8.5 per cent for a total of 28.5 per cent of Aboriginal children in custody of the province.

Justine Noah, a grandmother and former tribal police officer in Natuashish, said she has seen many children removed from their families by Child Youth and Family Services (CYFS) in her lifetime. In her community, nearly 60 per cetn have received at least one visit from a social worker.

Noah is especially concerned about newborns being removed directly from the hospital, a controversial practice she said she’s seeing more often. “They’re going to lose their language. They wouldn’t understand about their culture and they would lose a lot of traditional skills that they should have learned in the beginning and who they really are and where they are coming from,” said Noah.

Natuashish Chief Gregory Rich said too many times children are removed without the province notifying band and council. “A lot of members in Natuashish have experienced when this department acts on its own without notifying us [the leadership], without telling us this is what’s going to happen,” said Rich. “We have started this process of communication with them but there’s still more work that needs to be done in order to make this work. We want to be part of this decision making and right now we’re not.”

Sandy Collins, Newfoundland and Labrador’s minister of CYFS, agreed that there is a problem with communications between the department and Labrador’s Aboriginal peoples. “I’m not saying that we are where we need to be but we’ve certainly made great progress in the last number of years in particular since the creation of this department,” said Collins. “A greater focus has been given and since establishing relationships with the communities but there’s still challenges absolutely still challenges.”

Collins points to new staff working in Labrador, as well as community liaisons are helping to improve the department’s relationship with Labrador Innu and Inuit. “There’s still a ways to go and I think it’s through working together so I mentioned the planning circle,” said Collins. “It’s initiatives such as that where we both sit down and everybody’s at the one table and the communication line is more open and I think that’s how we’ll arrive at the place we’ll need to be.”

Cindy Blackstock, of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, agreed with Noah, saying it is vitally important for the survival of unique Indigenous cultures that the family bonds remain intact. “One of the things that was lost in colonization is the ability to dream for our kids futures. Now other people dream for their futures. You can’t heal communities if they are losing their kids,” said Blackstock.

She said that Newfoundland and Labrador receive the least federal funding possible for child welfare in Aboriginal communities. She said Aboriginal children are over represented in state care across the country. For instance, on any given day in British Columbia there are about 1,000 children in care of the province. Over half are Aborginal.

Rich said that communication problems, both in terms of language barriers between social workers and community members and between Innu leadership and CYFS have exacerbated an already difficult situation.

Alcoholism, family violence, child neglect and gas sniffing once ravaged the Mushua Innu in their former community of Davis Inlet. Now, 12 years after moving to their new home of Natuashish many of the problems that plagued them have followed. Even though a ban on alcohol has seriously cut down the amount of drinking in the community of 939 people and gas sniffing is down among the youth, the community still has a long way to go.

Many people in Natuashish do not trust CYFS.

With over half the population under the age of 15 getting visits from social workers and one in five in protective custody, social workers have become feared. Most community members do not understand the social work system, or speak a common language with social workers. People just know their families are being split up.

Rich, who is also a foster parent himself, believes that if CYFS worked more closely with the Innu there, the department could become a positive force in the community, instead of something to be feared. “I think this department can help the Innu members become a healthy community,” said Rich. “I ‘ve known some families in the community that they sober up because of the action that Child Youth Family services took, and I was very pleased how the department work with this particular family with those family that I’m talking about have been sober for many years now.”

According to Rich, if social workers communicated more with families and the community leadership, he believes that alternative arrangement to protective custody and the courts could be arranged.

Which is exactly what Nunatsiavut, Labrador’s Inuit, have been doing within their claims area.

The Nunatsiavut government has been working with CYFS when homes have been flagged as “unsuitable for children,” Michelle Kinney, Nunatsiavut’s Deputy Health Minister told APTN. Nunatsiavut works in tandem with CYFS to find what is known as kinship services, in which children are placed in the care of a relative said Kinney.

The rates of children in custody and receiving protective intervention in Nunatsiavut is much lower than in the Innu communities, but still much higher than the provincial average.

Of the from the Nunatsiavut communities, nearly 12 per cent of children under the age of 15 are in protective custody and nearly one in three in those communities have at least had a visit from a social worker. “Without having to go through the courts, which places CYFS in an adversarial role with the families, we help locate suitable homes within the children’s families,” said Kinney. “This helps the children maintain a relationship with their families and culture. It has cut down on the number of children staying in custody outside of Nunatsiavut for extended periods of time.”

Ossie Michelin, APTN National News
29 October 2014

http://aptn.ca/news/2014/10/29/nearly-third-kids-protective-custody-newfoundland-labrador-come-aboriginal-communities/

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29 OCTOBER 2014

UK

Voluntary groups could be used to run youth services in bid to cut costs

Voluntary groups could be drafted in to help run some youth services in a bid to cut costs.

Dudley Council is to slash £200,000 from the budget and youth worker positions are at risk. Children's services boss Councillor Tim Crumpton said the council was looking at how voluntary groups could take on services such as helping young people with disabilities.

Councils across the region have slashed their budgets for youth services. Walsall Council announced last week that it would be getting rid of £2million from its budget which will lead to a cut in services, while children's centres in the borough will also close. Some 30 youth centres in Wolverhampton closed down earlier this year due to council cuts.

Councillor Crumpton's comments came after a crowd of protesters gathered outside Dudley Council House as part of a campaign against the proposed cuts to the borough's youth services. Representatives from unions Unite, Unison and GMB were part of those present on Friday as well as volunteers who work at various youth services in the area.

Dan Millard, a Unite rep, said: "We have taken and suffered these cuts for four years now. This is the final straw. They are talking about getting rid of universal services and all that will remain is one centre so every other place will lose out. Over 1,000 young people will not have access to these services anymore. The bottom line is that we do not want any cuts at all."

The proposals could see cuts of up to £200,000 from youth services and the loss of around 50 per cent of part time youth workers.

The protesters said that by lobbying the council in protest they hoped to reopen a dialogue to see how else the cuts could be implemented.

Cathy Bayton, Unison Dudley branch chair, said: "We really are hoping to reopen a dialogue by showing the positive impact that the youth services provides to young people in the borough. There is a currently a lot of discussion about anti-social behaviour and cuts to the youth services in the area will impact that."

Councillor Crumpton, added: "Officers from this council have been around the country to see how other authorities, who are in a similar state to us, are handling their cuts. Eventually it is hoped the volunteer sector will be able to bid to provide services in areas such as dealing with anti-social behaviour and youth crime, helping young people with disabilities and providing support to children who have been sexually exploited.

"I spoke to the protesters, many of whom I know, and I have a lot of sympathy for them. I will be talking to them further, as well as regular users of youth services, about what we can do to offset any problems they may have."

Press release
28 October 2014

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/10/28/voluntary-groups-could-be-used-to-run-youth-services-in-bid-to-cut-costs/

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27 OCTOBER 2014

Type 1 diabetes rates rising among white youth

The rate of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among non-Hispanic white youth increased significantly over an 8-year period, a study published October 23, 2014, in Diabetes reports.

According to data from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth registry, the T1DM diagnosis rate rose from 24.4 per 100,000 youth in 2002 to 27.4 per 100,000 in 2009. The study data comprised more than 2 million children and adolescents from throughout the United States, including 5842 non-Hispanic white youth newly diagnosed with T1DM during the 8-year period.

The researchers found more pronounced increases in diabetes incidence among children aged 5 to 9 years and smaller increases among those aged 10 to 19 years, though there was no increase among children aged 4 and younger.

The rate of increase in T1DM incidence was slightly higher for boys than for girls, the investigators added.

“These trends will continue to be monitored in the US by the SEARCH study to help identify trends in type 1 diabetes in non-Hispanic white youth and youth from other racial and ethnic groups, and to identify potential causes of these increases,” said lead study author Jean M. Lawrence, ScD, of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation, in a press release. “We have been seeing more children being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes over the 8 years of this study, and these children will require specialized health care as they enter young adulthood.”

Press release: Eileen Oldfield, Associate Editor
Saturday, October 25, 2014

http://www.pharmacytimes.com/news/Type-1-Diabetes-Rates-Rising-Among-White-Youth#sthash.6aYZqCLH.dpuf

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24 OCTOBER 2014

CANADA

Celebrating the role of foster families in the lives of children and youth in care

October 19-25, 2014 is Foster Family Week and the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS), along with Children's Aid Societies (CASs), are celebrating the vital role of foster families in the lives of children and youth in care.

Mary Ballantyne, Executive Director of the OACAS today said: "Foster parents provide stability to children during a difficult time in their life and a caring home that encourages growth and development. Foster Family Week reminds us of the dedication, love and commitment of foster families to the children and youth in CAS care, while serving as a reminder of the need for suitable families to come forward and foster teens and sibling groups."

Foster and kin parents work closely with CASs, opening both their hearts and homes to provide care for children and youth who are going through an immensely difficult time in their life and often have complex needs. When children cannot remain at home due to safety concerns, the preferred option is to place the child with their immediate or extended family, or a member of their community. However if that is not possible, foster care may be the best alternative. Foster families provide a nurturing and supportive home for children in care for a few days, weeks, months or possibly years. Foster Family Week offers a chance to celebrate and promote the important role of foster families and to share inspirational stories and personal experiences.

"Foster parents may have a variety of cultural and/or lifestyle and religious backgrounds, but they all share the desire to provide a loving, nurturing family environment for a child or youth in need. Children's Aid could not do its work without foster families and their continued commitment to the children and youth in care is greatly valued," said Ms. Ballantyne.

About the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies: Since 1912, OACAS has represented Ontario's Children's Aid Societies in Ontario and provided service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children. http://www.oacas.org

Press release: Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies
October 28, 2014

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1430514/celebrating-the-role-of-foster-families-in-the-lives-of-children-and-youth-in-care

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20 OCTOBER 2014

South Carolina receives $2.8M to improve children’s mental health

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) was awarded a four-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to implement the Palmetto Coordinated System of Care (PCSC). This statewide collaborative implements innovative best practices in care for children and youth with behavioral health needs in South Carolina.

Led by state agencies, family service-organizations and parents of children and youth with behavioral health needs, the PCSC champions the national best practice "wraparound" care planning approach where a broad array of services are coordinated across agencies with integrated care planning and management. PCSC is designed to eliminate barriers to services, increase affordability and cost-effectiveness of services and involve families and local providers in decision making for service planning.

“This system of care grant is an important step forward for the thousands of families in South Carolina who have children with behavioral health needs. Often parents struggle alone in fear and desperation as they search for services and providers who very often are not available or accessible to them,” said Sherry Larson, a family representative on the PCSC Leadership Team, with first-hand experience navigating the current system. “Having a coordinated, evidence-based system for children and youth is the most effective way to meet the needs and will be a tremendous help for families."

PCSC recognizes that when children living with serious behavioral challenges receive family-driven, youth-guided and coordinated care and community-based services, they have a greater likelihood of achieving healthy and functional lives as successful, responsible and productive citizens.

“SCDHHS is excited to be a partner with our sister agencies in implementing the PCSC,” said Tony Keck, director of SCDHHS. “The fundamental changes in our approach to service delivery will result in improved outcomes for children and young adults with behavioral health needs in South Carolina as a broader array of services become available, best practices are established and funding is better organized. This grant is a further example of how South Carolina's investments in children are receiving national attention."

Combined with the state's match, South Carolina now has $4 million over four years to support the PCSC. This funding will be used to develop infrastructure and build capacity for family-serving nonprofit organizations, implement evidence-based behavioral health practices and increase the capability for providers to support community-based services. The grant also provides the state the opportunity to access technical assistance to support implementation of the system of care.

“The SAMSHA grant will allow the Department of Mental Health to work with other child serving agencies in SC to continue moving forward to provide children suffering from serious and emotional disorders, and their families, with quality cost effective services,” said John Magill, state director for the Department of Mental Health.

This cannot be done alone. The Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), Continuum of Care, Governor's Office (COC), Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Department of Mental Health (DMH), Department of Social Services (DSS), SCDHHS and three family members are leading this statewide initiative. These family members and organizations are all collaborating to improve the health of children who have serious behavioral health challenges, reduce per capita costs and better the patient experience.

The PCSC will begin implementation in phases this fiscal year and is expected to be fully operational by July of 2016.

Press release
http://www.counton2.com/story/26815536/south-carolina-receives-28m-to-improve-childrens-mental-health

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17 OCTOBER 2014

5 Ideas to help bring bullying to an end from character education expert

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. As parents, teachers and kids join hands to raise awareness about how to prevent bullying and how to respond when it occurs, Wear the Cape – a brand that gives back and aims to restore the power of kindness and good character with cool, inspirational products and its non-profit the kidkind foundation – today shared, "5 Ideas to Help Bring Bullying to an End." Compliments of the organization's resident expert on character education, Philip Brown, PhD, the list provides valuable tips for understanding and dealing with bullying.

"There is much greater awareness than a decade ago about the serious impact bullying has on children's lives," observed Dr. Brown, who is a senior consultant at the National School Climate Center. "But the fight against this pervasive and insidious behavior needs all hands on deck to reduce its harmful effects on our children. Whether you're a kid, parent or educator, you have an important role to play."

5 Ideas to Help Bring Bullying to an End
By Philip Brown, PhD

1. Bullying always involves more people than the bully and the victim.

Bullying is a social phenomenon and in order to stop it, everyone needs to be involved. In most bullying incidents, studies show that four or more additional peers are present1. Some assist by joining in the ridiculing or cheering on the bully from the sidelines, and others encourage the bully by showing signs of approval such as laughing or just watching and doing nothing.

What to do? Parents and teachers need to encourage kids to play an active part in their school community by providing opportunities to be positive role models of good character, exemplifying the values that connect people rather than divide them. Service projects that engage children across age levels and peer groups break down self-made barriers, create conditions to develop positive peer cultures, and help kids become upstanders rather than bystanders when it comes to bullying.

2. Adults should prevent bullying behaviors, not model them.

Most parents and teachers don't want their children or students to be victims of bullying. However, the authority and power adults have and need to guide and protect can also be used destructively. Correcting bad behavior is necessary, but putting kids down and indicating that they are bad kids or mocking their failings is bullying behavior that kids pick up on as okay and will learn to use on other kids themselves.

What to do? Correct the behavior, not the whole child. There is a big difference between "You didn't do your homework, and we've talked about that before. What happened?" and "You don't listen to me! What kind of a student do you think you are?"

3. Bullying and conflict are not the same thing.

Conflict inevitably happens between people trying to get their needs met, and this can result in disagreement and hurt feelings. When people have strong disagreements, aggressive behavior and responses result that may appear similar to bullying. But there is an important difference. In situations of conflict, both parties have a degree of power, and there is a dispute over resources or decisions; there is no intention to victimize a person based on some characteristic such as their ethnicity or physical attributes. Another difference is that, for bullies, the reward is largely social – increased status, power, attention or revenge – not about an event or tangible reward. Kids are still learning how to navigate the complex world of friendships, which also leads to disagreements. Part of the growing-up process is learning how to solve these problems.

What to do? Don't assume that every conflict requires identifying a bully and a victim. Conflict is a natural part of being human, and conflict resolution is a skill that children and adults alike need practice navigating with care and resourcefulness. Make sure your family and school teach and have learned basic conflict resolution skills.

4. To break bullying cycles or patterns, learn to talk compassionately.

Picture this: One student with a speech impediment is being belittled, teased, and often interrupted during his classwork. To address this pattern, his classroom teacher facilitates an intentional conversation designed to both break the pattern and help the children involved understand the impact of their behavior. In talking about being mean, the teacher also engages and reinforces the natural sense of empathy with which we are all born, but we all have to learn about and practice by being compassionate with different people in different contexts.

What to do? Compassionate communication helps in navigating interpersonal relationships. But if bullying behavior persists, intervention is called for: The victim will need specific support, and the perpetrator will require specific consequences.

5. Give youth a voice and exercise your own voice, too.

Harassment, intimidation and bullying behaviors among children and youth are a peer phenomenon, and so kids are usually reluctant to talk with adults about it. Families and schools need to build in times and structures to help facilitate youth talking about their experiences, both positive and negative. Young people need to feel like they have an adult to whom they can turn if they are the target of bullying. They also need ways to feel safe expressing concerns about their peers' bad behavior with adults and their peers.

What to do? Families and schools can create the conditions for youth voice by developing and reinforcing widely-shared, positive social norms (core ethical values), providing ways for all students to make valued contributions to the well-being of others, and implementing programs that regularly give youth a chance to speak their minds in a safe environment. Ask your kids how things are going at school, and stay tuned for signs of trouble with peers. Let them know directly and indirectly that they are not alone and that you are available to help them. Encourage them to be kind to others who are different than they are. Let teachers and school officials know that you support their bullying prevention efforts and programs, and hold them accountable for responding with care and appropriate consequences when bullying occurs.

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"Identifying the problem and creating awareness is a huge first step toward successfully overcoming a widespread crisis like bullying," said Leigh Ann Errico, CEO and founder of Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation. "Wear the Cape aims to help society take the next big step, showing kids that the power of kindness and good character is far greater than the temporary, negative rewards achieved with bullying behavior, as well as what doing the right thing looks like."

Errico built Wear the Cape and established the foundation in 2013 after she came up short in her search for resources on kindness and character-building that would appeal to her own four children. Other parents clearly had faced the same challenge; Wear the Cape's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/wearthecape) already has over 1,100 "Likes", all through organic growth. The idea for the brand was sparked when Errico observed that the chance to wear a cape – the organization's logo – motivates children to act like heroes, or "Cape Kids," in order to live up to the symbol of honor.

In partnership with Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation, Dr. Brown has embarked on a critical mission to help adults across the country support the development of character in our youth. For additional resources from Dr. Brown and to learn more about Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation, visit www.wearthecapekids.com

About Wear the Cape and the kidkind foundation
Wear the Cape™ for all kidkind™ is the first global, mission-powered brand with the nerve to equate being kind with being cool. By coaching kids to be BETTER THAN THAT™, Wear the Cape breaks down barriers and brings people together – a world of new values prevails: It's cool to be inclusive, tolerant and socially responsible. From its line of apparel and accessories, to its educational tools and its own non-profit the kidkind foundation, Wear the Cape sparks awareness and raises money to build heroes, a kid at a time. Wear the Cape's products and resources are designed to create teachable moments between kids and the grown-ups they look up to with Hero Tags that tee up conversations about what it means to stand up and stand out; to stick up for the underdog; to do what's right, not what's easy. Wear the Cape donates 10% of its net profits directly to the kidkind foundation, and the rest is reinvested in the design and production of new products, as well as character-building educational materials for parents and teachers to help the kids they love. Wear the Cape's work with communities and schools is helping mold everyday heroes that will create a kinder, better world for us all.

1 O'Connell, Pepler & Craig. Peer involvement in bullying: Insights and challenges for intervention. Journal of Adolescence. 1999 (22), p. 437-452.

Press release: Market Wired
15 October 2014

http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/5-ideas-help-bring-bullying-end-from-wear-capes-resident-character-education-expert-1957781.htm

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15 OCTOBER 2014

FLORIDA

Prevention Plus Wellness to provide free prevention programs
to non-profits

Prevention Plus Wellness is providing non-profit organizations with free evidence-based prevention and health programs, thanks to an anonymous gift of $25,000. According to Dr. Chudley Edward Werch, PhD, President at Prevention Plus Wellness, LLC, “The donors said they believe in our programs for promoting healthy, fit and drug abuse-free youth. And they wanted to help deliver these effective, practical and sustainable prevention programs to as many non-profit providers and youth as possible.”

Prevention Plus Wellness is now accepting requests from US non-profits for a free set of its evidence-based SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness Program and training materials. SPORT is the only existing youth prevention program that cost-effectively links the promotion of health enhancing behaviors including participating in sports and physical activities, eating healthy, and getting adequate sleep, with avoiding alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drug use.

Prevention Plus Wellness, LLC provides evidence-based programs which address multiple co-occurring health risks among youth. Formerly BriefHealthPrograms.com, Prevention Plus Wellness offers programs that are being implemented by prevention and health specialists in 25 states in the US and abroad, in schools, youth organizations, summer camps, sports and recreation leagues, health clinics, homes, and faith-based organizations.

Non-profits interested in applying for a free SPORT program can do so by completing the Contact information form on our website and requesting one of three program versions: SPORT for older adolescents ages 14-18, SPORT for young adolescents ages 10-14, or SPORT for children ages 8-10. One set will be provided per organization while supplies last.

Press rtelease: PR,com
14 October 2014

http://www.pr.com/press-release/586843

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13 OCTOBER 2014

Underestimated adolescent caregiver population requires attention

More than 1.3 million adolescents are caregivers for a family member with a physical or mental illness or substance use disorder, according to data presented at the 2014 AAP National Conference and Exhibition.

Researchers worked with the American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) in Palm Beach County, Fla., to assess the experiences of adolescent caregivers and the impact AACY services had on caregiving adolescents. More than 600 intake forms completed by adolescents, and 200 family intake forms were reviewed.

Of 12,681 children surveyed in Palm Beach County, more than 6,000 reported being caregivers in 2002. The median age of adolescent caregivers was 12 years, and 63% were girls.

“AACY services in Palm Beach County reach only the tip of the iceberg,” Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD, president of AACY, said in a press release. “Today in the US, there are many more than the 1.3 million identified in 2005 who face the challenges of juggling adult-sized responsibilities of caring for ill, injured, aging or disabled family members while trying to keep up at school.”

Adolescents reported spending a median of 2 hours per school day and 4 hours per weekend day performing caregiver tasks at home. Family members reported lower median time spent on caregiving, about 1.5 hours on weekdays and 2.75 hours on weekend days.

Tasks reported by adolescent caregivers included assisting family members with mobility, eating, dressing, bathing and continence care. They also reported keeping family members company, providing emotional support, cleaning the house, shopping for food, administering medications and handling medical equipment at home.

“One of the big things we’d like pediatricians to start doing is looking out for caregiving youth in the office,” study researcher Jennifer auf der Springe, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, told Infectious Diseases in Children. “Whether you're taking care of a child who you think might be taking care of somebody else, or if you're talking to the family of a current patient, you want to address the child directly because they might be the only person who knows everything that they do to take care of another individual in their family. Ask them what they do for them how much time it’s taking them, how it’s affecting them in their regular life.”

If pediatricians do identify their patient as someone at risk, auf der Springe recommends referring them to someone in the community who can help. Although the AACY are mostly active in Palm Beach County Florida, according to auf der Springe, they can connect with other local resources.

“This study is an important step toward raising awareness about the issue of caregiving youth. The AACY is developing partnerships throughout the nation to further understand this special population and expand programming to provide the resources and support these young people need and deserve

Press release
11 October 2014

http://www.healio.com/pediatrics/adolescent-medicine/news/online/%7Ba46f19d7-fbc0-48b8-871b-43cc778b39a9%7D/underestimated-adolescent-caregiver-population-requires-attention

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10 OCTOBER 2014

Plan focuses on children’s mental health crisis

Acknowledging that children with mental health challenges are spending more time in emergency rooms, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced a plan Wednesday to address what medical professionals describe as a “crisis.”

It spiked in May. According to a Connecticut Health Investigative Team report, the emergency department at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center saw 367 children in mental health crisis that month. During that same time period, Yale-New Haven Hospital also saw a 10- to 15-percent increase in emergency room visits.

“No child in mental health crisis should have to wait days to get access to the treatment they need,” Malloy said in a press release.

Malloy’s plan focuses on crisis stabilization and opens 14 respite beds to children who aren’t under the care of the Department of Children and Families. Most of children with mental health issues end up in the emergency department because they struggle to find services in the community and the emergency department can’t turn them away.

Malloy’s plan calls on the Department of Social Services to submit a request for an increase in Medicaid rates for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility capacity. If the state plan amendment is approved by the federal government then the Malloy administration is hoping it will encourage private providers to open additional beds.

“New beds would be available for children with behavioral health needs regardless of DCF involvement or payer,” according to the plan.

If approved by the federal government it means an additional $1.6 million in Medicaid funds for existing providers, but warns that the state faces additional costs if new beds are created.

Malloy’s plan piggybacks on a Department of Children and Families’ proposal finalized earlier this month. DCF’s plan focuses on developing a mental and behavioral health plan for youth, regardless of their insurance coverage or status with DCF. Many parts of the plan also will require legislative approval, but the legislature doesn’t reconvene until January.

Sen. Beth Bye, co-chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, applauded the governor for taking immediate steps and acknowledging the crisis.

“We have to do something now within the confines of what we have because it really is a crisis,” Bye said. She said she understands there’s a longer conversation the legislature will need to have with the governor when it comes to funding these initiatives in the next two-year budget.

The plan Malloy released Wednesday increases existing funds by about $4 million with the option of increasing them by another $7 million if legislators decide to embrace the creation of a community-based Behavioral Health Assessment Center as an alternative to hospital emergency rooms.

Malloy’s plan also uses $160,282 in federal funds previously approved by two legislative committees to fund an emergency mobile psychiatric services employee who will staff emergency rooms and help children and families find the appropriate treatment.

Dr. Lisa Namerow, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Institute of Living who practices at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, said she’s taking a “wait-and-see” approach. She said she’s happy the message that there is a crisis has gotten out there and people are listening. However, she still feels like she and her colleagues don’t have a seat at the table.

“Did anyone sit with child psychiatrist to say, ‘what kind of model is working with the kids you’re seeing in the emergency room?’,” Namerow asked Wednesday. Opening up more in-patient beds for children with acute mental health problems is desirable, but Namerow wonders whether they’re “going to be able to handle” the kids she’s seeing in the emergency room.

Susan Kelley, child and adolescent policy manager at National Alliance on Mental Illness in Connecticut, said it’s still not clear from what was released Wednesday what the best way is to address the crisis in the emergency room.

“The real issue is not to have them go the ER,” Kelley said.

However, the plan is a little “murky” on exactly what the system should look like. She suggested instead of re-creating the wheel with a community-based Behavioral Health Assessment Center – which would act as an alternative to emergency rooms – the state should look at the regional child guidance clinics. The clinics already exist and communicate with the Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Service network.

Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Len Fasano wonders if DCF is up to the task.

“Increasing treatment capacity for children with mental health needs is essential to improving care across our state, but these programs will only succeed if competently implemented,” Fasano said. “We need to seriously consider whether DCF currently has the expertise and ability to effectively implement such a broad ranging mental health overhaul.”

Department of Children and Families Commissioner Joette Katz said that the plan announced by Malloy reflects the fact that the best way to respond to children in crisis is to enhance the community-based services that can intervene before a crisis occurs.

“We have seen repeatedly that if we provide effective in-home and community-based services, we can prevent children from having to go to less-than-ideal settings – like a hospital emergency department – when the situation becomes acute,” she said. “The best solution is to offer help before that becomes necessary.”

But medical professionals say Katz’s desire to close so many group homes and congregate care beds has contributed to the current crisis in the ER.

“When they started to put pressure on placements to congregate care settings, they shut the door to sub-acute care kids with chronic conditions,” Namerow said.

DCF officials have repeatedly said in numerous public forums that they don’t believe that’s the case.

Press release: , Gov. Dannel P. Malloy
8 October 2014

http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/archives/entry/plan_focuses_on_childrens_mental_health_crisis/

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8 OCTOBER 2014

CANADA

Canada's first integrated services centre for children and youth
with special needs launches

The SSCY Centre, a centralized care facility comprised of an alliance of integrated service providers for children and youth living with disabilities or special needs announced the launch of the Design a Smile campaign today.

Manitoba schools are invited and encouraged to participate in this campaign, in which 100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to completing the SSCY Centre. It's the very first of its kind in Canada and is located right here in Winnipeg.

The centre will be located in the historic Christie Building at the corner of Notre Dame Avenue and Myrtle Street, conveniently close to the Children's Hospital and near major traffic routes – easy access for the many families, children and youth coming from outside of Winnipeg. Imagine a centre that is not only a one-stop shop with multiple services under one roof, but a place that makes raising a child with special needs a little easier.

The Design A Smile campaign is possible thanks to a generous gift from Enns Brothers. School teams and individuals from K-12 are encouraged to use their imaginations to design an artistic smile – anything is possible. Smiles can be created from food items or recycled material arranged into a smiley face. Students can even organize themselves in an aerial photo.

"This is a great way for even the smallest children to get involved in helping others and support a wonderful cause. Encourage your schools to participate – it's a creative and easy means for kids to help kids," says Ray Bouchard at Enns Brothers. The winning class, group or team will receive a special delivery from Boston Pizza Winnipeg, a proud supporter of the Design a Smile campaign. Other generous members of the community supporting the campaign include: Gerry and Barbara Price, The Winnipeg Jets, The Chipman Family, Hilary Druxman, Qualico, Amadeus Steen Foundation, The Thomas Sill Foundation and The Johnston Group. They have joined forces with SSCY in recent months to raise substantial funds for the centre.

"By working together, we know children and youth living with a disability or special needs will greatly benefit. Our commitment to the children and youth of SSCY is to raise $5 million from individuals, corporations and businesses in our community to provide enhancements not included in the government's generous contribution to this project. These enhancements include play structures and equipment, family resource centre, daycare centre and much more," says Bob Adkins, campaign co-chair of the SSCY Centre fundraising campaign.

Press release: SSCY (Specialized Services for Children and Youth) Centre
2 October 2014

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1421890/the-sscy-s-the-limit-canada-s-first-integrated-services-centre-for-children-and-youth-with-special-needs-launches-the-design-a-smile-campaign

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6 OCTOBER 2014

Wakefield man named local marketing VP

The following is a press release from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay announced that Rich Greif, of Wakefield, has joined the organization as vice president of marketing, communications and community relations. In this role, Greif will be responsible for building the organization’s marketing, volunteer recruitment and community partnership strategies.

Greif brings a depth of passion and expertise to the agency, as he has been involved in youth mentoring both personally and professionally for more than 20 years. As a former Big Brother, Greif’s mentoring experience inspired him to write a book about the impact of being a Big and focus his career on the field of youth mentoring.

"Rich’s robust background and commitment to mentoring make him a great addition to our organization," said Wendy Foster, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. "We are honored to have a long-time Big Brother and mentoring advocate join us in our mission to positively change children’s lives."

Greif’s connection and commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay began in 1991, when he became a Big Brother to Antone "Tony", which opened his eyes to the challenges many youth face.

In 1996, Old Colony YMCA Big Sisters/Big Brothers named Greif "Big Brother of the Year." A year later, he received a community service award from Big Brothers of Rhode Island. During that same year, Greif was drawn to the need for more men as Big Brothers. He independently interviewed over 200 Big and Little Brothers across the country, which culminated in the release of his book, "Big Impact: Big Brothers Making a Difference."

Greif joins Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay from the Mass Mentoring Partnership, a non-profit organization working to expand quality mentoring for youth to meet the needs of communities across Massachusetts.

As the organization’s director of marketing and public awareness, Rich led high-profile public awareness and recruitment campaigns, including the Mentor Effect campaign which was awarded an Excellence in Communications award from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network in 2014.

Prior to his work at the Mass Mentoring Partnership, Greif was the national executive director of Read to a Child, where he helped to develop a national strategic growth plan, which included the launch of the program in two new markets during his tenure.

Greif currently teaches a "Writing for Communications" course at the Boston University College of Communications. He is a graduate of Babson College with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications. He received an MBA from the Boston University School of Management.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, visit http://www.bbbsmb.org.

Press release: Big Brothers Big Sisters
5 October 2014

http://wakefield.wickedlocal.com/article/20141005/NEWS/141009848

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3 OCTOBER 2014

UK

'We'll abolish youth unemployment'

The next Conservative government will "abolish" youth unemployment and stop young people slipping into a life of dependency when they leave school, David Cameron pledged today. The Prime Minister outlined his new policies on welfare reform on the BBC One Andrew Marr programme ahead of the opening of the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. Under the plans, three million new apprenticeships will be created, funded by slashing the benefits cap by £3,000 to £23,000 a year.

Mr Cameron said: "At heart, I want us to effectively abolish youth unemployment. I want us to end the idea that aged 18 you can leave school, go and leave home, claim unemployment benefit and claim housing benefit. We shouldn't be offering that choice to young people; we should be saying, 'you should be earning or learning'."

Mr Cameron said there would be provision for a benefits allowance for up to six months. He added: "We are not talking about those people with children. This is about single people aged 18 to 21... you can start a life of dependency and that is no life at all, that is no future for your children when you do have them. We are saying, save that money, make sure after six months every one of those young people has to be in a job or in training and use the savings to provide three million apprentices."

Defending the reduction in the welfare cap, Mr Cameron said: "What we have found with the welfare cap is it has been a policy which has worked and worked very well. People said this would cause chaos, that people would have to move across the country, that it wouldn't work. What has happened is a lot of those families have gone into work, have found a job and it's been a policy which has helped them with their lives.

"All the evidence is the cap is too loose, particularly in some parts of the country, so bringing it down to £23,000 saves money, will mean more families getting into work and what I want to see, the plan we have for Britain, is to spend less on welfare and more on helping people into work."

Chancellor George Osborne detailed the plans in an interview with the Mail on Sunday.

"Our mission is not just to save the pounds here and there, we're trying to change the welfare system so it doesn't trap people in poverty and a culture of dependency. It is a tragedy for them and a waste for the country," he said. "It is not acceptable for young people under the age of 21 to go straight from school on to benefits and into a home paid for through housing benefit – benefits funded by other people who are working.

"We are saying you will receive an allowance but if you can't find work after six months, you will have to work for the dole. They are difficult decisions, but the right ones."

The Tories believe benefit cuts are popular with voters – although they are likely to be strongly criticised by anti-poverty campaigners. The party has already tried to reduce the benefits cap in government, but has been blocked by its Liberal Democrat coalition partners.

Mr Osborne said: "Before our reforms, some families were receiving £100,000 a year in housing benefit. How many working people can afford rent of £100,000? It was a gross injustice.

"Since we imposed a cap, large numbers have looked for work."

Alison Garnham, chief executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said the cut in the benefit cap would increase numbers of children living below the breadline.

"This is likely to increase the headcount of children in poverty in working and non-working families, a move that would surely fail any credible family test," said Ms Garnham. "It would also bypass the root causes of higher social security spending, which include soaring childcare and housing costs and low pay. Politicians from all parties need to tackle these root problems as a priority rather than ripping away money from families who are struggling every day to pay for absolute basics."

Chris Goulden, head of poverty research at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation thinktank, said: "Providing routes to secure, well-paying work is the right approach to reducing poverty. But this should not come at the expense of people in receipt of out-of-work benefits.

"The household benefit cap may be popular but in fact it does little to cut the deficit. The existing cap affects just 40,000 families, cutting their incomes by £93 a week on average. If we want to reduce the welfare bill, we need to address the underlying drivers of poverty; the high cost of housing, low pay and barriers to work such as affordable childcare."

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: "We need a welfare system that's fair, but taking away the safety net that stands between some young people and homelessness would be a disaster.

"Some young people simply don't have the option of living with their parents – like those escaping an abusive household or thrown out because of their sexuality. This part of the safety net is often the only thing that stands between these young people and the streets".

PRESS ASSOCIATION
2 October 2014

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-2777967/Well-abolish-youth-unemployment.html#ixzz3EzXNsT16
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1 OCTOBER 2014

Groundbreaking approach to addiction treatment

CHI Recovery – Groundbreaking approach to addiction treatment proves successful in achieving sustained recovery

CHI Recovery is a holistic, integrative and Evidenced-Based, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that rocks the status quo and transitions participants successfully towards lifelong emotional, physical, and spiritual health. CHI Recovery has been recognized as an innovative leader in the addiction treatment community. Psychology Today named CHI Recovery "Best in Treatment 2014."

Lifelong recovery is a long journey, not just 12 steps
The evidence is in… and it shows that with Holistic Integrative Healthcare patients can beat the disease of addiction. Of the participants who have completed the program, all have gone onto maintaining jobs or participating in school, and all but one has maintained sobriety. Holistic and integrative treatments last longer and are much more in-depth than what rehabs can offer. Scientists know that it takes 30 days or longer just to detox a person, but detox is far from “treatment.” Addiction stems from biological, physiological, neurological and systemic-wide breakdowns, and is activated and triggered by trauma.

CHI Recovery’s Executive Director, Robin Stuart offers the following insights: “Sorting through our participants’ situations and helping them transition towards valuable lives which reflect their inner contributions—that takes time. That’s why CHI Recovery runs a minimum of six months long, with options for continued care. We aren’t locking people away in isolated buildings—we are engaging them in the world and surrounding them with healthy friends and community.

“CHI Recovery is customized to meet each person’s unique needs, interests and goals. Participants in CHI Recovery are seekers of themselves—not just a day without using,” says Stuart.

Nancy Vogl, Outreach Coordinator for CHI Recovery points out that, “Our methods are cutting edge because we have thrown out the template for addiction treatment and instead structured all of our services based on what science has proven works. There is no other program like ours in the world, at this price point. We are an outpatient program that integrates our participants into the community where they will live, yet we also have a 'hybrid residential' option for people who need more structure and support.”

Today, the disease affects 40 million people and the Center for Disease Control has rated Youth Addiction as “an epidemic.” And still our country is ignoring scientifically evidenced treatments. The norm has been that people struggling with addiction disease bounced in and out of rehabs multiple times. CHI Recovery attempted to counteract this sad fact, by delivering evidenced-based outpatient treatment, inclusive of all of the elements demonstrated to achieve sustainable recovery. To make it accessible to more people, financing is available through American Healthcare Lending, the premier financing company in the behavioral health industry. Details are available at: chirecovery.com.

About CHI Recovery
CHI Recovery is a holistic, integrative and Evidenced-Based, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that rocks the status quo and transitions participants successfully towards lifelong emotional, physical, and spiritual health. CHI Recovery has been recognized as an innovative leader in the Addiction Treatment community. Their affiliate mental and physical health providers hold advanced degrees and expert in the field of addiction and integrative care.

Robin Stuart is a 20+-year licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the developer and Director of CHI Recovery. Robin specializes not only in addictions and codependency, but works extensively with adolescents, adults abused as children, couples and families. Robin is also a clinical expert in sexual abuse, physical, sexual and emotional trauma, PTSD, and family systems. She has served as a clinical consultant and trainer for private and corporate sectors, as a guest lecturer at numerous universities, and is available for public speaking.

Press release: PR.com
30 September 2014

http://www.pr.com/press-release/583808

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The International Child and Youth Care Network
THE INTERNATIONAL CHILD AND YOUTH CARE NETWORK (CYC-Net)

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