Written by Erin Bader
September is Suicide Prevention Month and the National Center is committed to being part of the solution. You will see local and national organizations sharing of content about risks, warning signs, and prevention. Talking openly about suicide is prevention within itself. We pulled some headlines that we felt contribute to the dialogue about suicide prevention in child welfare.
This article from Youth Villages highlights the critical role of building connections in supporting mental health and preventing suicide. The author emphasizes that strong, supportive relationships are essential for individuals struggling with mental health issues. Read about strategies for fostering these connections, such as creating safe spaces for open communication and offering consistent support. By strengthening social bonds and promoting a sense of belonging, individuals are better equipped to handle mental health challenges and reduce the risk of suicide.
Our hope is that children and youth receive mental health support when it’s needed so we can minimize them reaching a crisis level. A few States have created programs to better meet the mental health needs of children.
North Carolina has created a new child treatment program aimed at improving mental health support for children. The program, launched in response to growing concerns about mental health among young people, focuses on providing comprehensive care that includes therapy, counseling, and family support. This initiative seeks to address the rising need for specialized mental health services and aims to offer more accessible and effective treatment options for children and their families in the state.
A new children’s psychiatric treatment center has opened in Hamden, Connecticut. This facility is designed to provide specialized mental health care for children and adolescents facing psychiatric challenges. It aims to address a critical need for more accessible and effective mental health services for young people in the region. The center will offer a range of treatments and support services to improve the mental health and overall well-being of its young patients.
Increasing access to mental health requires leveraging all care pathways such as school counselors. The Brown Daily Herald examines the nationwide shortage of school counselors in the U.S. and its effects on students’ access to essential mental health and academic support services. The article discusses factors contributing to the deficit, including underfunding and high caseloads. It also explores the consequences for students, such as reduced individual attention and support, and the broader implications for school environments. Efforts to address the shortage, such as increased funding and policy changes, are also outlined.
For more updates and resources on child welfare and mental health, check out our Updates Launch Pad.
