Colorado Youth for a Change’s Post

Our children are facing a mental health crisis. 1 in 5 youth experience mental health challenges, yet lack of access to support leaves them struggling in silence. This crisis is further compounded by racial disparities within our education systems. Students of color are disproportionately affected by mental health challenges, yet often lack access to culturally responsive support and resources. This continues to have a devastating impact on their academic success, well-being, and future potential. Educators and mental health professionals within schools are on the frontlines, without the critical resources to provide the needed support. Every child deserves to feel valued and supported in their learning environments, and all other places. That's why we're launching the “Our Right to Smile” campaign, aimed at providing critical resources and support to educators, school-based mental health professionals, and youth. Learn more about this initiative and how we can make a difference together: https://lnkd.in/ew5p_qYA

I was so discouraged watching the Mesa Public Schools Board meeting last night. As an educated person with lots of personal experiences that relate to mental health, I felt the need to reach out to the board. I strongly believe that we need mental health supports in our schools. I'm including my email to the board below. If you have any questions or would like to engage in a thoughtful conversation, please reach out. I feel that sharing our personal experiences help us better understand others and have more empathy. ---------- Hello Mesa Public Schools Governing Board Members. As a mother of now 5 children, 2 of whom have disabilities and another 2 that I am foster/adopting that have experienced severe trauma and neglect, I am unable to attend many of the board meetings in person, but I watch and listen. I participate in district advisory councils and SIAC at our schools. I am a heavily involved parent. I am also a professor at the local university. I am trying to compose my thoughts and work through all of the things that happened at last night's board meeting and as I do so, I have a few things I'd like to share. A little web searching allowed me to quickly answer the question about what the definition of an urban school is and if Mesa is one or not. Here's that info: https://lnkd.in/gje3njyW According to the US Census Bureau (https://lnkd.in/gyqaCZEy), Mesa's population of 512,498 would qualify us as a LARGE URBAN area. The research on issues in education in urban areas is well documented and as an urban school district with a high percentage of Title 1 students it is important for the board and school leadership to understand both the issues as well as solutions for the problems our community faces. I applaud Ms. Sears for her efforts in doing so. It concerns me that not everyone is willing to learn about the intersectionality of the many layers of life and community that impact education. When we understand problems, and we involve the community that is experiencing them in the problem-solving, the solutions are likely to be longer-lasting and more effective. Continue reading in the comments: #mentalheathinschools #mentalhealth #educationalleadership #education #schoolboard

Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, a visionary whose 'Doll Test' redefined our understanding of racial identity and its profound impact on child development in the Brown v. Board of Education case, underscores the significance of social factors in mental health. In an era where understanding and empathy are paramount, Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark's innovative research continues to resonate. Her 'Doll Test' not only illuminated the impact of racial bias on young minds but also catalyzed a significant shift in the civil rights movement and the approach to inclusive education. Today, as FFCFL honors her legacy, we recognize how her insights into racial identity and child development have laid the foundation for more holistic, culturally sensitive mental health practices. Her work remains a cornerstone, guiding us towards more compassionate, socially aware therapeutic approaches that acknowledge the intricate collage of individual identity and societal influences. Dr. Clark's legacy teaches us that understanding the depths of human experience is not just a clinical practice but a journey toward collective healing and empowerment. Professionals and Volunteers Unite! 🌟 Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? Visit ffcfinc.org to explore partnership and volunteering opportunities with FFCFL, and join us in our mission to promote mental wellness in Orange County. #DrMamiePhippsClark #MentalHealthAwareness #PsychologicalResearch #ChildDevelopment #CulturalSensitivity #MentalHealthAcceptance #FFCFL #SocialPsychology #HistoricFiguresInPsychology #RacialIdentity #ChildPsychology #MentalHealthAdvocacy #LegacyOfUnderstanding #BrownvBoardOfEducation #DollTest #MentalHealthEducation #EndTheStigma #WellnessJourney #MentalHealthMatters #CommunityWellness #MentalHealthSupport #InclusiveHealthcare #HealthcareHeroes #AfricanAmericanHistory #MentalHealthResources #PsychologicalWellbeing #BrainHealth #MentalHealthCare #MentalHealthReform #AdvocateForHealth #MindMatters Information about Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark's contributions to mental health was sourced from the Legal Defense Fund, Mental Health America, and McMaster University.

This year, The Jed Foundation (JED) marks an important milestone: our 25th anniversary. While #MentalHealth and suicide are less stigmatized today than they were more than two decades ago, much more work remains. Various trends and events are expected to influence youth mental health and well-being this year and beyond including the 2024 presidential election, social media use, artificial intelligence (AI), evolving educational landscapes and workforces, youth financial stressors, changing models of care, and more. All of these potential issues bring with them the opportunity to improve the lives of young people. We're excited to continue our impactful initiatives, programs, and innovative partnerships in 2024, including the introduction of our District Comprehensive Approach in over a dozen preK-12 school districts across 14 states, in collaboration with AASA, The School Superintendents Association. In addition, JED offers postvention consulting services to help school communities respond and heal after a tragedy, and is expanding its policy work to affect systemic change around youth mental health and well-being. Read more in my latest blog and learn how we can support young people as they navigate 2024 and beyond. https://lnkd.in/e_BpJjG2

We work with a number of clients that focus on supporting children- from foster and adoption services, to academic tutoring and STEM education. We know that everyone needs at least one person to be on their side. Sometimes it's a parent, sometimes a teacher, a mentor or even a neighbor. And through a child's life it can be difffernt people at different times. "When confronted with the fallout of childhood trauma, why do some children adapt and overcome, while others bear lifelong scars that flatten their potential? A growing body of evidence points to one common answer: Every child who winds up doing well has had at least one stable and committed rela­tionship with a supportive adult. The power of that one strong adult relationship is a key ingredient in resilience — a positive, adaptive response in the face of significant adversity — according to a new report from the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child." #resilience #relationships

Young people’s ailing mental health is “the defining public health crisis of our time,” U.S. Surgeon General Murthy recently declared. But too often the crisis’ causes and solutions are treated as universal, with race either ignored or white children’s experiences presented as the norm, said a psychiatry resident at Yale University. “You’re reading about this youth mental health crisis,” she said, “and racism isn’t mentioned, the particular experiences of Black children aren’t mentioned.” Black youth endure unique hardships in addition to the larger forces, such as social media and the pandemic, eroding young people’s mental health. They are likely to face direct discrimination as well as “vicarious racism,” which stems from seeing other Black people subjected to racial abuse. And institutional racism, such as housing discrimination and neighborhood disinvestment, puts Black youth at greater risk of poverty and violence. Those overlapping stressors chip away at Black children’s mental health, yet many don’t receive the mental health support they need. The cost of care and social stigma can be barriers to treatment, along with mistrust of the mental health care system, in which the vast majority of providers are white and often untrained in addressing racism’s steep toll.

Young people dealing with #MentalHealth issues face many challenges while trying to navigate #education and #HousingInstability. There is a crucial need for comprehensive support systems combining education, vocational training, mental health services, and accessible housing to help these youth thrive. Vibrant Emotional Health operates Adolescent Skills Center programs in the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan to help. "Preparing Youth with Behavioral Health Needs to Enter the Workforce: A Pathway to Housing" By Jacqueline Brown and Lisa Furst Vibrant Emotional Health Read the article: https://lnkd.in/ebdvaBHb #MentalHealthMatters #HousingStability

Rabbi Simcha Weinstein knocks this out of the park, in such a huge way. Today, we mark the 9th of Av, Tisha B’Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. A day marking the destruction of the holy Temple in Jerusalem, among many other tragedies facing our people that occured on this day throughout history. The reason this is so important and relevant is that every human, and more, every learner is a Beit Hamikdash in and of themselves. They are a sacred dwelling for a spirit that can ignite the world. Neurodiverse and differential learners are victims of perpetual destruction in task-oriented institutions where educators focus on teaching tasks rather than teaching learners. The outcomes from such approaches often lead to depression, heightened anxiety, and really, just an overall poor self image as the student becomes entrenched in the idea of not being able to do anything right. Research, as Rabbi Simcha Weinstein points out, that this population has a higher propensity for feelings of shame, disappointment, etc. And, carries those feelings with the experiences that created them for years. So, imagine, even more so, on the positive! Going back to Tisha B’Av, a lesson could be learned in relation to the creation of this plan by Governor Hochul. Many believe Tisha B’av is about commemorating the destruction, while in reality, the destruction was the first step of rebuilding a bigger and better Temple next time around. The same with neurodivergent learners. If we want to fix the broken parts of the system for them, perhaps it is worth it to tear it down in order to build something bigger and better for them. Granted, we are looking at this from a corner of Jewish education for the neurodiverse and differential learning space, however, it certainly is a little short sighted to exclude this population from such a monumental plan by @Governor Hochul @NewYorkGovernor. It’s a great start, and could be so much better, especially if they invited someone from the Neurodiverse world into the conversation. #Shiftinparadigms #Neurodiversity

Addressing chronic absenteeism in schools requires a holistic approach that encompasses mental health support, community engagement, and personalized interventions. By understanding each student's story, fostering meaningful connections, and breaking down barriers between schools and communities, educators can create a supportive environment where all students can reach their full potential. Read more here by Jillian Kelton, M.Ed, who served the students of Boston Public Schools and has amazing insight into strategies that moved the needle on chronic absenteeism. Comment on what resonated with you and/or add to the conversation below! Let's share best practices, interesting ideas, and keep the discussion going! https://lnkd.in/gwbDRiRd