InterCommunity’s Post

The Jed Foundation (JED) applauds the Biden administration's continued commitment to addressing youth #MentalHealth in America, as highlighted in last night’s State of the Union address. For the past 25 years, JED has been at the forefront of helping schools, equipping young people, and mobilizing communities to help students navigate the emotional challenges of high school and college, prepare for adulthood, and thrive. Through our evidence-based Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention, we will remain steadfast in supporting students and implementing systematic change in the face of escalating mental health concerns. To read JED’s latest response on the State of the Union address–which offers further recommendations to safeguard young people–visit https://bit.ly/49ITqFU

CONGRATS CALIFORNIA!!! Prop 1 passing means kids statewide with ACEs will receive mental healthcare for toxic stress regardless of income! To quote the Governor, "Now, counties and local officials must match the ambition of California voters. This historic reform will only succeed if we all kick into action immediately, together." Under leadership of Lisa Wong, this week the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health answered the call, sharing proposed budget shifts in a bellwether that counties might INCREASE what we call 'early intervention' (EI) funds by ~10-fold for kids and families! The shift in LA would be enormous - going from $21M spent to an estimated $185M for child and family mental healthcare (you can usually double what happens in LA to approximate the rest of the state). Prop 1 notes DHCS EI "priorities shall include...Childhood trauma early intervention to deal with the early origins of mental health and substance use disorder treatment needs...not limited to individuals enrolled in the Medi-Cal program." Set up by Sen. Scott Wiener’s landmark 2018 bill, they intend "to target eligible children and youth exposed to, or who are at risk of exposure to, adverse and traumatic childhood events and prolonged toxic stress". EI dollars may go to - ⚖Focused outreach and EI to at-risk and in-need populations, including youth experiencing homelessness, justice-involved youth, LGBTQ+ youth, and child welfare-involved youth. 📋ACEs and developmental screening with linkages to evidence-based early intervention services like dyadic care, parent child interaction therapy, & regional centers 💪🏾Collaborative, strengths-based approaches that appreciate resilience and support parents and caregivers when appropriate 👵🏼Multigenerational family engagement, education, and support for navigation and service referrals across systems that aid the healthy development of children and youth and their families (And my personal fave) 💰💰💰 Blended funding streams to provide individuals and families experiencing toxic stress comprehensive and integrated supports across systems." (WOWZA!) All this will go into effect July 1, 2026 so there's lots of collaborative planning work ahead. I call on key stakeholders like the California Department of Health Care Services under Tyler Sadwith, UCAAN/ACEs Aware under Shannon Thyne, Mikah Owen, Edward Machtinger, and Emily Williams, the California Children's Trust, the BHSAOAC under Toby Ewing, and County Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA) under Michelle Doty Cabrera to rapidly advance conversation and trauma-focused screening and EI across our state. Wouldn't it be nice to rally around kids and families and get things done for #healthequity ahead of schedule? Unlike the real estate pieces of this, EI for kids with ACEs is VERY straightforward. Giddy for you Cali kids and parents with ACEs. And where Cali goes, so will go the nation! 😎 #childhoodtrauma #mentalhealthishealth #healthequity

Given the youth mental health crisis it's imperative that parents and schools rethink the amount of pressure they're putting on kids to over-achieve. "...children who attended “high-achieving schools” were experiencing higher rates of behavioral and mental health challenges. It was so stark that youths in these schools were added to a list of “at-risk” groups, right along with kids living in poverty and foster care, recent immigrants and those with incarcerated parents." #studentmentalhealth #studentanxiety #parentalpressure #schools YouROK Corp.

Social justice initiatives aim to address the systemic inequalities that contribute to higher recidivism rates among marginalized communities. By addressing socioeconomic disparities, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing, these initiatives can help individuals maintain stability post-incarceration. By investing in community development, equitable access to social services, and support programs, social justice can provide a foundation for previously incarcerated individuals to reintegrate successfully into society. A significant number of individuals involved in the criminal justice system struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. Social justice initiatives recognize the importance of providing adequate mental health and addiction treatment services within the criminal justice system. By offering accessible and comprehensive support, these initiatives can address the underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. In conclusion, social justice plays a pivotal role in reducing recidivism rates. By addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior and implementing measures to support successful reintegration into society, social justice initiatives provide a holistic approach to rehabilitation. Equal access to education, job training, employment opportunities, addressing socioeconomic disparities, and providing mental health and substance abuse support are all essential components of a comprehensive social justice approach. By adopting such an approach, the criminal justice system can make significant strides toward reducing recidivism and promoting a more just and inclusive society.

Poor mental health is "fuelling" the school absence crisis, warns new research by the Centre for Mental Health and the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition. 📉🧠   We know from last weeks commissioners reports that mental health challenges continue to rise, waiting lists to access support is growing and wait times lengthening. Punitive measures like parent fines aren't the solution. Especially where contributing factors are cost of living and poverty.   We have been working at borough level children’s services and know that introducing a Single Pint of Access (SPA) is an excellent way to draw together all resources including community and voluntary sector with a strong triage process ensuring more help at the right time and reducing backlogs.   We need to focus on support services and reducing barriers to mental health assistance. Read more about the findings in the full blog by tes Magazine: https://lnkd.in/eCQGb4X9 #SchoolAttendance #MentalHealthAwareness #EducationReform

A Personalised Path for Vulnerable Young Adults At Living Waters, we take a holistic approach to caring for young adults who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, poverty, disability, or other adversity. With the right support, we believe these young adults can overcome obstacles and build the skills to transition to healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. Our programs focus on therapeutic interventions, life skills development, confidence building, and continuous personal growth. We celebrate each milestone and achievement as young adults gain self-sufficiency and work towards realising their dreams. Understanding Vulnerable Young Adults Vulnerable young adults face significant challenges impacting their ability to fully transition to independence. This can include young people ageing out of foster care, those experiencing homelessness, individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders, and those with chronic physical or mental health conditions. Vulnerable young adults often lack traditional family support systems and face numerous challenges navigating the adult world. Some key difficulties include: Financial Hardships: Many vulnerable young adults have limited education and employment opportunities, making it difficult to achieve financial stability. They struggle to secure housing, healthcare, transportation and other necessities. Mental Health Challenges: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse disorders are disproportionately high among vulnerable young adults. Trauma and adverse childhood experiences also impact this group. Weak Independent Living Skills: Many vulnerable young adults lack the basic life skills needed to transition to adulthood successfully. Skills like money management, finding housing, accessing community resources, and building social connections need development. Social Isolation: With unstable housing and limited family ties, vulnerable young adults often experience loneliness and disconnection from their communities. Developing social skills and support networks is a major challenge. Despite these obstacles, vulnerable young adults have incredible potential. However, they need targeted support and services to overcome barriers, build essential life skills, and successfully transition to independence. Let's work together to create lasting, positive change. #localauthority #supportservices #TraumaRecovery #resilience #socialservices #SupportedLiving #IndependenceJourney #socialcare #communitysupport #mentalhealthmatters #SocialWork #HealthAndSocialCare #YouthSupportServices #CrisisCare #CareCommissioning

This study (that runs until 2026) focuses on the assessment of the mental capacity of people who are experiencing multiple exclusion homelessness (MEH). #mentalcapacity #CourtofProtection #Solicitors #SocialWork

As many may know, CCC is part of the Campaign for Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids, a coalition of youth, parents/caregivers, providers, and advocates working to impact children and youth mental health across New York. Recently, Healthy Minds Healthy Kids Youth Council member Mashrafi Anwar penned an Op-ed on how Governor Hochul can proactively address the devastating youth mental health crisis in our state. Investment is key, Anwar points out, explaining multiple opportunities where budget support can improve the mental health continuum and better help youth, aptly writing: "Families and children can’t access the care they need unless there is someone available to provide it. We need more peer supports, more clinical care, and more trusted professionals in schools and communities. We must also stop meeting the health needs of young people with suspensions and expulsions, yet, for the eighth year in a row, our elected officials failed to pass the Solutions Not Suspension Act. And finally, New York families can’t thrive if the state doesn’t invest in social determinants of health, including housing, economic security, and child care." Anwar's Op-ed is an excellent and straightforward overview of investments made and investments needed from the youth perspective. Read the entire piece here: https://lnkd.in/e7Qfm9Vw #MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #NYS #NewYork #NewYorkState

💡 Today, I want to highlight some effective strategies that can help us move toward breaking the cycle of Homelessness. 1️⃣ Education & Employment Opportunities: By empowering homeless individuals with access to education and employment programs, we can equip them with the skills and resources needed to secure stable jobs and regain control of their lives. 🎓💼 2️⃣ Affordable and Accessible Housing Initiatives: It's crucial to work closely with local communities, government agencies, and private organisations to develop affordable housing solutions. 🏘️❤️ 3️⃣ Holistic Support Networks: Building strong support networks that provide mental health services, addiction recovery programs, and social services will help individuals overcome the challenges they face and reintegrate into society. 🤝💚 🙏 Remember, every small action counts. Let's be the catalysts for change! 🌟 #BreakTheCycleOfHomelessness #TogetherWeCanMakeADifference