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Adult Trustworthiness and How It Affects Youth Participation in Mental Health Services 

Adult Trustworthiness and How It Affects Youth Participation in Mental Health Services 

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Access to Mental Health Services, Adoption Competent Services, for Caregivers and Families, For Professionals, Foster Care, Lived Experience, Mental Health

Adult Trustworthiness and How It Affects Youth Participation in Mental Health Services 

Written by Cristina Tanzola and Sepherina Latthium  

The majority of young people who spend time in foster care have experienced mental health services in some capacity. However, because of the challenges that bring young people into foster care, adult trustworthiness is frequently something they cannot rely on. This can spread into their relationships with child welfare workers, mental health professionals, and caregivers. Through the voices of those with lived experiences, we can better understand how adult trustworthiness impacts youth mental health participation. 

The Power of Belief 

Kenzie’s experience highlights a vital component of trust in therapeutic settings.  

“When someone sits there and actually believes what I’m saying, it makes a different impact on [trust].” 

Kenzie Drake, age 20, experience in Michigan foster care system This simple yet profound statement underscores the importance of validation in building trust. Many young people, particularly those in foster care or similar circumstances, may have developed deep-seated trust issues stemming from their past experiences. When a therapist actively listens and believes in their story, it can create a safe space that encourages openness and healing.  Trust is foundational in any relationship, especially in therapy, where vulnerability is essential. Kenzie’s story illustrates that the act of believing can be transformative. It empowers youth to open up about their struggles, fostering a deeper connection that can lead to more effective therapeutic outcomes. 

The Challenge of Traditional Approaches 

Faith’s perspective brings another layer to the discussion. She expresses frustration with mental health professionals who dive too deep into complex familial relationships during initial sessions.   

“If you like asking those questions in this initial interaction is going to be more damaging than trying to, like, just figure out where I’m at baseline.” 

Faith Sharp, age 25, 5 years in Missouri foster care systen   This speaks to the need for mental health providers to adopt a more nuanced approach to therapy.  For many young people, the conventional one-size-fits-all approach may not resonate. Instead, they might benefit from professionals who take the time to establish trust before delving into complex backgrounds. Understanding a young person’s current emotional state and fostering a rapport can lead to more productive sessions. When therapists prioritize building trust first, it can make all the difference in encouraging youth to participate actively in their mental health care.   

The Role of Caregivers 

Shayne (age 19), 5 years of experience in Kansas foster care, emphasizes the broader context of support systems surrounding youth. He argues that the actions and qualities of foster parents and guardians profoundly affect a child’s mental health. “Their overall actions and qualities will affect the mental health of a child,” he states, stressing the importance of being present and engaged. When caregivers show they genuinely care and are available for support, they provide a vital safety net for young people.  This support extends beyond basic needs. It creates an environment where youth feel valued and understood, reducing the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Shayne’s assertion that “the best ability is availability” serves as a reminder that consistent support can significantly influence a child’s mental health trajectory.   

Building a Culture of Trust 

The testimonies of Kenzie, Faith, and Shayne collectively illustrate the critical role of trust in fostering youth engagement in mental health services. To effectively support young individuals, it is essential to cultivate environments where they feel believed, understood, and supported by both mental health professionals and caregivers.  As mental health services evolve, incorporating these insights can lead to more personalized and effective approaches. By prioritizing trust, professionals can break down barriers that prevent youth from seeking help, ultimately leading to healthier outcomes.  In conclusion, trustworthiness among adults—whether they are therapists, caregivers, or mentors—is paramount in shaping youth experiences in mental health services. By fostering a culture of belief, understanding, and support, we can empower young people to embrace their mental health journeys with confidence and hope.   

Looking for Additional Resources?

Visit the Knowledge Hub to access models of intervention, training resources, and practical tools to strengthen cross-system collaboration and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. 

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The Heart of Visitation: A Youth Perspective on Connection and Mental Health 

The Heart of Visitation: A Youth Perspective on Connection and Mental Health 

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Adoption Competent Services, Birth Family, for Caregivers and Families, For Professionals, Foster Care, Lived Experience, Mental Health

The Heart of Visitation: A Youth Perspective on Connection and Mental Health 

Navigating the child welfare system is like walking a tightrope. On one side, there’s the hope of stability and safety; on the other, the painful reality of separation from family and friends. Young people in care often find themselves grappling with feelings of isolation, longing, and loss. One crucial element that can make all the difference is visitation, and the challenges that come with it can deeply affect their mental health. 

The Distance Dilemma 

Many youth face physical distances that keep them apart from families. One Lived Experience Leader shared, “My mom wasn’t able to visit me because the facility I was in was hours away from our community. She couldn’t afford to take the whole day off work, as visiting hours were limited to business hours.” This is a reality many young people encounter: their homes and their support systems are suddenly far away, making it almost impossible for their loved ones to connect with them.  “These barriers aren’t just logistical; they’re emotional. When you’re already feeling displaced, knowing that your family wants to visit but can’t adds another layer of heartache. It creates an overwhelming sense of abandonment and contributes to the mental health challenges young people face. They’re left feeling like they’re drifting further away from the people who matter most, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and a feeling of helplessness.”   

Why would a lack of visitation—when a youth knows their family wants to visit—create a sense of abandonment? 

When a young person is aware that their family wants to be present but is unable to visit, it can evoke feelings of rejection and abandonment. The youth may inte alize this inability to connect as a personal failing or an indication that they are not worth the effort. This dissonance between the desire for connection and the reality of separation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and worthlessness, leading to profound emotional distress.   

Why would a family want to visit, but not be able to? 

There are various reasons families may want to visit but face obstacles. Logistics such as distance, transportation problems, or financial constraints can play a significant role. Additionally, systemic barriers like legal restrictions, scheduling conflicts, or lack of support from the systems involved can further complicate matters. Emotional challenges within the family, such as mental health issues or unresolved conflicts, may also impede their ability to follow through with visits, despite their desire to connect.   

How does ‘drifting away’ lead to all of these different emotions? 

The feeling of “drifting away” can be particularly distressing because it signifies a loss of connection and support. As young people feel increasingly disconnected from their loved ones, they may grapple with a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. This emotional distancing can trigger anxiety as they worry about the stability of their relationships and their future. It can also lead to depression, as feelings of isolation and despair deepen. Ultimately, this drifting away creates a cycle of negative emotions, making it even harder for them to reach out for help or maintain healthy relationships, further entrenching their sense of abandonment and emotional   Understanding these emotional layers is crucial for supporting young people facing such challenges. Recognizing the impact of visitation barriers can help inform strategies for reconnecting families, providing meaningful support, and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.   

Letters of Connection 

In the face of separation, many young people try to maintain bonds in any way they can. Lived Experience Leader Izzy Rodriguez recalls: “When I first entered care in 2016, I was placed in a home far away from my siblings. A last resort… a ‘this is who will take you’ placement. I wrote to my younger siblings daily… several times each day. They sometimes wrote me back.” Writing became a lifeline, a way to keep the family ties strong and remind ourselves that we’re still connected.  Izzy continues that in those letters, “we promised each other that ‘the Rodriguez name would never cease to empower us’ and that we were ‘stronger than this system.’” Those words held immense power, helping us feel like we still had a place in the world despite the chaos around us. But as time passed, the letters began to dwindle. “One day… the letters stopped coming. And soon after, I stopped writing.”  The end of that correspondence felt like a severing of ties. Without the active support of the adults in their lives, young people are often left to navigate the emotional fallout alone. With so little control over their circumstances, losing the ability to nurture those sibling relationships can feel like yet another loss—a loss of connection, love, and hope.  This void magnifies the struggles they face, making it even harder to cope with the challenges of their environment. The absence of those letters symbolizes not just the loss of communication, but also the fading of shared dreams and mutual support. As siblings, we once derived strength from each other, but now, without that connection, the sense of isolation grows deeper.  The emotional impact is profound; young people are left to wrestle with feelings of abandonment and disconnection, amplifying their vulnerability in a system that often feels indifferent. The very essence of who we are—the strength we drew from our shared identity—starts to fray. We need to recognize that these relationships are crucial for resilience, and without intentional efforts to rebuild those bonds, the hope we once nurtured may slip away. It’s a stark reminder that connection is not just a luxury; it’s essential for healing and navigating the complexities of life.   

The Role of Professionals 

These are complex and sensitive topics that require careful consideration and a compassionate approach. Here’s a guide on how to address each of these nuances when discussing them with mental health providers:

Unhealthy Relationships Between Siblings

    • Acknowledge the Issue: Start by describing the specific dynamics that are unhealthy. Are there patterns of bullying, rivalry, or emotional neglect? 
    • Express the Impact: Share how these relationships affect emotional well-being and daily functioning. 
    • Explore Solutions: Discuss potential interventions, such as family therapy, conflict resolution strategies, or individual counseling for siblings to address underlying issues.

Addressing Sexual Abuse

    • Prioritize Safety: Emphasize the importance of creating a safe space for the child. This might involve discussing safety planning and protective measures.
    • Share Experiences: If the child has disclosed abuse, explain their feelings and experiences without pressuring them to share more than they’re comfortable with. 
    • Seek Professional Help: Request specialized therapy that focuses on trauma-informed care, emphasizing the need for a professional experienced in handling such cases.

Parentification

  • Define Parentification: Explain how the child is taking on adult responsibilities, and how this affects their emotional development. 
  • Impact Discussion: Highlight the emotional burden this places on the child and how it may lead to anxiety or depression. 
  • Explore Interventions: Ask about strategies to restore healthy boundaries within the family and support the child’s developmental needs.

Unhealthy Relationships with Parents

  • Identify Specific Issues: Clarify the nature of the unhealthy dynamics, whether it’s emotional neglect, control issues, or inconsistent support. 
  • Discuss Feelings: Share how these relationships impact the child’s self-esteem and mental health. 
  • Explore Support Options: Discuss family therapy or individual counseling for the child to develop coping strategies and establish healthier communication.  

 Parent Not Showing Up for Visits

  • Emphasize the Impact: Talk about how the absence affects the child’s emotional state and sense of worth. 
  • Discuss Alternatives: Ask about alternative approaches, like virtual visits or rescheduling, and how to process these feelings with the child. 
  • Support for the Child: Discuss how to help the child cope with disappointment and reinforce their value and importance.

Disregulation After Visits

  • Describe Observations: Share specific behaviors that indicate disregulation after visits and the frequency of these occurrences. 
  • Explore Underlying Causes: Discuss potential triggers related to the visits and whether the child feels overwhelmed or unsupported during or after. 
  • Collaborate on Solutions: Propose gradual changes, like shorter visits or additional support, to help the child manage their feelings.

Runaway Behavior After Visits

  • Acknowledge Concerns: Validate the seriousness of the runaway behavior and its implications for safety. 
  • Assess the Triggers: Discuss what specific aspects of the visits may contribute to this behavior (e.g., emotional distress, unresolved conflicts). 
  • Develop a Safety Plan: Collaborate with the mental health provider to create a safety plan that includes strategies for de-escalation, support during transitions, and consistent check-ins. 

 General Tips

  • Be Honest and Open: Share your observations and feelings without judgment, focusing on the child’s experience. 
  • Collaborate with Professionals: Work together with the mental health provider to create a supportive environment that addresses these complex family dynamics. 
  • Prioritize the Child’s Well-Being: Always frame discussions around the best interests of the child, focusing on emotional safety and growth. 

Navigating these issues can be challenging, but with open communication and a focus on support, it’s possible to create a healthier environment for the child. The struggle for connection in the face of separation is a challenge many young people know too well. Visitation is not just a routine; it’s a lifeline that can impact their mental health in profound ways. Prioritizing and facilitating these connections nurtures resilience and promotes well-being among youth in care. Let’s work together to ensure that every young person knows they are not alone, and that their family ties—no matter the distance—are worth fighting for.    

Looking for Additional Resources?

Visit the Knowledge Hub to access models of intervention, training resources, and practical tools to strengthen cross-system collaboration and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. 

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Addressing Grief in Preparation for Permanency

Addressing Grief in Preparation for Permanency

by | Nov 12, 2024 | Adoption Competent Services>Trauma-Informed Care, Foster Care

 Addressing Grief in Preparation for Permanency

Exploring a Young Person’s Emotional Journey to Permanency   

Permanency, whether through adoption, reunification, or guardianship, can be seen as the ultimate goal for youth in foster care. However, for many, the jou ey to permanency is fraught with challenges that go beyond logistical and legal hurdles. One significant barrier to successful permanency is the unresolved grief and trauma that many foster youth carry. Understanding and addressing these emotional burdens is crucial for making permanency not just a goal, but a sustainable reality.    For many youth in foster care, grief is a constant companion. This grief can stem from a variety of sources: the loss of biological family, the loss of stability and routine, and even the loss of self. Each new placement can trigger a fresh wave of grief, compounding the emotional load and making it difficult for youth to fully engage with new potential permanent families. This persistent grief can impact their behavior, emotional health, and ability to form new attachments. When a young person is facing the loss (whether through death or separation) of biological family – whether it be parents, siblings, grandparents, or otherwise – foster care’s regular disruption of stability and routine may only exacerbate this grief. For foster youth, every move to a new placement disrupts their sense of normalcy and forces them to adapt to an unknown environment. This constant state of flux can hinder their ability to form trusting relationships and maintain emotional stability.   

“You’re never okay as a foster kid–it’s abrupt, scary. It’s traumatic. Very traumatic… For my first six months in the system, I slowly developed depression because with the life I was in and the life I lived, I thought that was my normal. And when I was given a normal life, my world came crashing down.” 

Anthony Rey, age 18, 3 years in Missouri foster care system: “Healing from this deep-seated grief is not just important, it is essential for the success of any permanency plan. Without addressing these emotional wounds, youth may find it difficult to trust and bond with new caregivers. Healing requires a supportive environment where youth can process their experiences, feel safe to express their emotions, and begin to rebuild their sense of self-worth.    Recognizing the trauma that foster youth have experienced is the first step. Understanding how that trauma reflects in a young person’s behavior is the next. In order to create safe spaces for expression and begin to provide consistent emotional support, recognizing how a young person’s trauma shows up daily in their words, thoughts, and actions is critical.”   

“A lot of situations could show up, like, it could make you look like you’re a juvie, but really it’s because of your mental health.” 

Trinity Mathews, age 23, 8 years in New York foster care system: “Many youth in foster care share that professional mental health support has been important in navigating their grief and beginning the healing process. They describe therapy and counseling as providing valuable tools for understanding and managing emotions, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and building resilience. Consistent and trauma-informed mental health care can help them feel more prepared for the emotional demands of permanency. However, this kind of support is not always accessible to every young person in foster care.”   

“I feel like they need to have more… support like therapy, grief counseling because a lot of the girls I lived with in my home, they had lost parents and they had lost siblings and everything and they kind of just were told to ‘thug it out.’ And if they did give a therapist, the therapist did the bare minimum to help them.” 

Cloud Wilkins, age 21, 4 years in Michigan foster care: “Preparing youth for permanency involves more than just finding the right family; it requires ensuring that both the youth and the family are ready to navigate the complexities that come with it. The journey to permanency for youth in foster care is closely linked with their emotional healing and the resolution of grief.”

Experiences shared by Anthony Rey, Trinity Mathews, and Cloud Wilkins reveal how unresolved trauma and inadequate mental health support are common challenges for many young people in care. True permanency goes beyond securing a permanent placement; it necessitates addressing the emotional wounds left by past experiences. It also means creating an environment where the youth feels consistently understood and supported, not just immediately after placement, but for years to come.   

How Adoption Competency Supports Young People: Alex’s Perspective 

How Adoption Competency Supports Young People: Alex’s Perspective 

by | Nov 12, 2024 | Access to Mental Health Services, Adoption Competent Services>Trauma-Informed Care, Adoption Competent Trainings, Foster Care

How Adoption Competency Supports Young People: Alex’s Perspective 

Adoption is often celebrated as a new beginning, but for many youth, it’s a complex jou ey filled with layered emotions and experiences. Part of the process is working with providers who understand adoption competency. Adoption competency refers to the skills, knowledge, and understanding that professionals—like social workers, therapists, and educators—need to effectively support children who are adopted or in foster care, as well as their families.    

The Importance of Permanency and Respect 

Alex Oleson, a Lived Experience Leader, was adopted into a multi-racial family and has navigated this jou ey. In his experience, he lea ed a great deal about the importance of adoption competency—both for adoptive parents and for the youth themselves.    Alex shares, “I am a 22-year-old Black man adopted into a multi-racial family including white, Hispanic, Black, and American Indian siblings. My family has taught me the importance of permanency and to respect and love others that don’t look like me.”    Growing up in a diverse family has not only enriched Alex’s life but has also instilled a strong sense of identity. Permanency is crucial for any child, especially those who have experienced instability in foster care. It’s not just about having a roof over your head; it’s about having a consistent environment where love and respect flourish. This foundational support allowed Alex to thrive, encouraging him to embrace his individuality while also appreciating the diverse backgrounds of his siblings.   

Misconceptions About Adoption 

Alex explains “oftentimes going into foster care there is a misconception that a youth starts a new life with a new family…”    This idea that adoption equates to a fresh start can be misleading. While it is a new chapter, it often comes with the weight of unresolved feelings about one’s birth family and past experiences. The phrase “adoption means starting a new life” can be misleading because it oversimplifies the complex emotional jou ey that adopted children and their families experience.     While adoption certainly offers the opportunity for a fresh beginning and a loving home, it often comes with the weight of past trauma, loss, and identity struggles. Many adopted children carry memories or feelings about their biological families, which can impact their sense of belonging and self-worth. Additionally, the transition to a new family can be filled with challenges, as children may need time to adjust, build trust, and navigate their emotions. Instead of a clean slate, adoption is more about integrating past experiences into a new narrative, emphasizing the need for understanding, patience, and ongoing support as families work together to heal and grow.   

Supporting Identity and Connections 

Alex recommends “enacting strategies young people have identified such as identity training…”    Identity training focuses on helping individuals, particularly youth, understand and explore their personal identity, including aspects like culture, ethnicity, gender, and life experiences. Identity is a critical aspect of any young person’s development, especially for those in the adoption constellation. Adoptive families should prioritize understanding the unique cultural and emotional backgrounds of their children. By doing so, they empower youth to explore and express who they are while acknowledging their past.    Additionally, Alex shares “I would encourage all adoptive or resource parents to support any young person they adopt in feeling confident in themselves…”    Maintaining connections with birth families can significantly contribute to emotional stability. For many young people, these relationships are lifelines, providing a sense of belonging and continuity. It’s essential for adoptive families to facilitate and encourage these connections, allowing youth to engage with their kin and preserve their history.   

Cultivating Emotional Stability 

While some may believe that it’s better for a youth to have a fresh start without contact with their birth families—thinking that biological relatives might sabotage the adoption or that staying connected could be too painful—fostering an environment that values permanency, supports identity exploration, and encourages connections with birth families can truly make a difference in the field of mental health. This perspective overlooks the potential for healing and understanding that can come from maintaining those connections.     For many adopted youth, knowing their roots and having access to their biological families can provide a sense of belonging and help them navigate their identities, ultimately supporting their emotional well-being and resilience. Alex shares, “existing relationships with kin are incredibly important for young people’s emotional stability when being adopted. As I reflect on my own jou ey, the support I received from my adoptive family in maintaining ties with my birth family has been invaluable. These relationships can serve as a source of comfort and identity, reinforcing the idea that one’s past does not need to be erased but can be integrated into a new narrative.”    Adoption competency is more than just a concept; it’s a commitment to understanding the multifaceted experiences of youth in the system. By creating a nurturing environment that prioritizes permanency, supports identity exploration, and fosters connections with birth families, adoptive parents can significantly impact the field of mental health. Ultimately, it’s about equipping young people with the confidence to embrace who they are while navigating their unique jou eys. In this way, we can transform adoption into a powerful story of resilience, connection, and love.    

Looking for Additional Resources?

Visit the Knowledge Hub to access models of intervention, training resources, and practical tools to strengthen cross-system collaboration and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. 

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Addressing Complex Mental Health Needs in Foster Care: A Youth Perspective 

Addressing Complex Mental Health Needs in Foster Care: A Youth Perspective 

by | Nov 12, 2024 | Adoption Competent Services, Child Welfare Competent MH, for Caregivers and Families, Foster Care

   

Addressing Complex Mental Health Needs in Foster Care: A Youth Perspective 

Written by Sepherina Latthium    When we hear the term “Complex Mental Health Needs,” it can evoke a wide range of thoughts. For young people with experience in the foster care system, the term often represents the layers of trauma, mental health challenges, and the need for intensive, tailored care. Youth in foster care face a unique set of challenges, including navigating the intersection of multiple diagnoses, emotional stressors, and the lingering impact of their environment. For them, addressing these needs requires more than just medication or therapy — it calls for understanding, compassion, and a system that supports their holistic well-being.   

What Does “Complex Mental Health Needs” Mean to Foster Youth? 

Many young people in foster care understand complex mental health needs through their own lived experience. Their insights offer a window into how deep and multifaceted these needs truly are. 
“This term, to me, means that this person is experiencing a type of mental illness that affects them deeply; such as their perception of self, reality, or is so intense that it is debilitating both mentally and physically.
– Keona Rose, age 23, 5 years in Arizona foster care    While each person’s experience may differ, many agree that complex mental health needs involve a combination of diagnoses or struggles that create layers of difficulty in daily functioning. These needs aren’t easily addressed by a one-size-fits-all approach. 
“When I think of complex mental health needs, I think of someone who probably had an adverse childhood. Someone with multiple or severe mental illnesses that contributes to high levels of psychological distress… Someone with complex mental health needs typically needs more than just a typical youth.”

– Jaxx Ryann, age 24, 4 years in Montana foster care

 

The Weight of the Label 

 For some, understanding that they have complex mental health needs can feel empowering. It provides context to what they’ve experienced and helps explain why their struggles may look different from others. But for others, it can be a heavy label to carry. 
“For me, it was really hard to hear at first. I’ve always been told I’m difficult to deal with, I’m a burden. It took a long time for me to separate myself from my diagnosis.”
– Jaxx Ryann, age 24, 4 years in Montana foster care   On the other hand, sometimes the hardest part isn’t the diagnosis itself, but the perceptions and stigma carried by others: 
“I got an adult diagnosis of autism, and my parents… took it almost like an insult, I guess. They’re like, ‘oh, something’s wrong with my genes, that can’t be right.’ And I was like, it’s just a thing, you know.”  
– Silas Fulcher, age 25, experience in Georgia foster care    For youth in foster care, understanding their mental health challenges is critical, but the system’s response to these needs must be thoughtful. Labeling a young person with “complex mental health needs” shouldn’t reinforce negative stereotypes or isolate them further. Instead, it should open doors to appropriate support that acknowledges their unique needs without defining them by their struggles.
A Call for Trauma-Informed Care 
Ultimately, addressing complex mental health needs for foster youth requires a trauma-informed approach. These young people have lived through experiences that deeply affect their mental health, and they need services that reflect the depth of their struggles. Trauma-informed care goes beyond clinical treatment — it recognizes the impact of the foster care experience and centers on healing and understanding. This is where adoption competent mental health services come in.   As Keona Rose wisely suggests, youth must be given agency in understanding their mental health:  “Giving youth a choice to want to know more about themselves or just tend to their level of comfort and needs is what should be focused on and prioritized… Always take trauma-informed approaches.” Keona Rose, age 23, 5 years in Arizona foster care    The perspective of these young people reinforces the need for systems of care to be compassionate, supportive, and adaptable to the complex realities they face. Their mental health is not just another checklist item, but a vital part of their jou ey toward healing and stability. 

Conclusion 

Addressing complex mental health needs in foster care is about more than treating symptoms. It’s about understanding the profound impact of trauma, recognizing the layers of difficulty that youth in care experience, and creating systems that respond with care and support. From their own words, it’s clear that foster youth need a comprehensive, individualized approach to mental health — one that centers their lived experiences, meets their unique needs, and gives them the tools to thrive.    About FosterClub and the Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders who contributed their perspectives to this blog: FosterClub, a proud partner of the National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health, is the national network for young people who experience foster care. In partnership with Lived Experience Leaders, FosterClub drives change in the child welfare system and provides direct support to children and youth.