Back to Agenda
Topic: Mental Health Issues for Children
Location: First Presbyterian B
Convened: 10:30
Attendees and Affiliations:
Dee Childs, Christa Brown, Rachel Spitzer, Liz Hutchens, Susannah Lepley, Lee Van Orden (facilitator), Sue Klassen, Steve Riddlebarger, Dave Byers, Anne Martin, Dave Hayley
Notes:
Quotes of the Day regarding Mental Health Issues for Youth:
“We’re all on separate pages, but addressing the same issues.”
“Attitudes are changed one discussion at a time; one group at a time.”
“When in comes to mental health, NORMAL is just a setting on a washing machine.”
“We need to look at behaviors through a ‘wellness lens’. Instead of asking “What’s wrong with you?” we should be asking “What happened to you?”
“Our youth are going to be in the work force. When kids are on solid ground they’ll be better equipped.”
“I got kicked out of the program when I got too well. I still need services but don’t qualify.”
“Folks want to be good parents. They often don’t have the tools or resources they need.”
“Hampton has successfully addressed many issues. Have seen decrease in IEP’s and decrease in foster care.”
“Our locality is spending millions of Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) dollars serving children.” (11 million)
“More CSA dollars need to be spent on prevention.”
ACTION ITEMS:
Need to build connections and relationships for future program development
Immigrant youth mental health issues need to be addressed
Need to inventory existing services for children
Need to start earlier when addressing children’s mental health needs
The challenge begins at birth
Respite for families is a huge need
24/7 childcare for families doing shift work is a need
There is a need for on-going conversation about gaps in mental health services
The Healthy Community Council (HCC) has a current priority for health and mental health. The next meeting of the HCC is Sept. 15th 8-10 am at Detwiler Auditorium at VMRC.
Contact for More Information:
Lee Van Orden (540) 746-4300 lee@kcfs.us.com
Dane Byers dbyers@csv-inc.com
