Intervention: CSP And Miasia

Foster children struggle immensely within healthcare and the foster care system. They are not receiving the correct support to help them when they go out into the real world.Within foster care, children and teens can either go into a foster home or a group home. Group homes can prevent permanent and authentic connections, while in foster homes, adolescents experience abuse and they are aware that there is no long term stability. For fifteen years, Betsy Krebs has worked with teens in the foster care

When an adolescent comes into for therapy there is really never an easy task of finding out what is going on. Adolescent that come in who are part of the foster care system will add another degree of challenges. Children and adolescents that are put into the foster care system are not there because they choose to be, they are there due to some event in their life putting them there.

According to Phillips et al., 54% of youth who had recently exited foster care had a diagnosed mental health condition. Of those youth, 25% were experiencing PTSD and 20% were experiencing major depression. They also found that 33% of Midwest evaluation study participants had social anxiety, 25% had depression, 60% had PTSD, and 14.5% were taking psychotropic medications (2015). One study found that not only are adolescents in foster care more at risk for chronic illness and mental health issues, but that those with chronic illness reported greater internalizing and externalizing problems, a greater number of delinquent acts and heightened overall delinquency. One key finding was that depression, which is very prevalent among this group, significantly mediated the effects of overall health on delinquency (Woods, Farineau, & Mcwey, 2013).

Although foster care can be a great system by providing kids with homes, sometimes we don’t see what’s happening behind the closed doors. The children that enter the “system” typical have experience or will experience emotional or physical trauma that impacts their development. If children’s mental states are not properly

The articles in the current newsletter are an attempt to encourage a dialog and synthesize what we know about the need for mental health care and how the current system of care addresses the mental health need of foster youth on both a direct care and policy level. (p.1)

Focus: Ms. Smalls (MHP) administered the Casey Life skills assessment, the Circle of support and the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths assessment with the assistance of Ms. Givens (MHS) and Antazia.

Foster care is a program that is beautiful and lifesaving. The government has worked hard to make it an opportunity for children to access a better life and a brighter future. However, it is also a program riddled with flaws and injustices of many kind. Many have been denied a support system once they graduate out of foster care. Some entered foster care after suffering from sexual abuse, yet had dismissed court cases because they did not have enough physical evidence to properly accuse their abuser. Another major problem riddling the foster care system is the lack of mental health care for children entering the system that have been through intense amounts of trauma. This issue is very prominent, yet it receives little recognition from the

Although the unique circumstances facing youth aging out of foster care have been discussed by researchers, policy makers, and clinicians for over 30 years, the more than 400,000 youth in US foster care are still not being adequately prepared for the challenges of adult living.1 In addition to educational deficiencies, employment challenges, and a lack of family support, the American Academy of Pediatrics has declared that one area of particular concern among former foster youth is their health.2 Studies have repeatedly found serious health challenges within this population, including increased likelihood of chronic health conditions, behavioral/mental health disorders,2 acute health problems,3 and unmet medical needs.4 Fortunately, steps have been taken to provide greater availability of health resources to these individuals. In addition to state-run Independent Living Programs that prepare foster youth for the challenges of adult

Taylor has adjusted to her new foster home during this period. The youth is slowing expressing her feelings of current foster placement, bio-family and experiences. Taylor has regressed in her behaviors. The youth left the home without permission and admitted to using marijuana. Taylor discussed her struggles with substance abuse and fear of disappointing her foster family. The youth displays determination to change unhealthy behaviors to increase a healthy nurturing lifestyle. Taylor continues weekly therapy in Charleston County Mental Health. The youth had a family visit with her bio-grandmother at the local DSS office.

AB is a youth with complex history of mental illness, impaired social functioning, abuse and trauma. It was believe he would benefit and respond differently to intense interventions provided by a team of specialized professions. He needed stabilization for his immediate concerns within a safe and structured environment. The concern was AB had been before an institutional review board and found to be a danger to himself and the community. Research proves most children in foster care experience mental health disorders. The common disorders are posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression. There is a strong evidence base for treating each of these conditions with interventions

Action: CSP spoke to the youth about being discharged for not complying with the home rules. The youth expressed he did not want to go because he enjoys the area. MHS explained to the youth that doing drugs in the home, and lying about giving his family her address are safety issues. CSP encouraged the youth to do his best at his next placement.

The team conducted a school conference meeting via phone regarding school placement and safety plan for Treshawn (youth). Phone conference attendees were Jasmine Alexander (CM), Mrs. Borders (resource parent), Dr. Mayo (CST), School’s principal, youth’s behavioral aid and Cathy (teacher). The team discussed safety concerns and talked about youth asking staff for money in and out the school building. CM was informed that youth continues to beg for money outside the local 7 eleven store. Mrs. Borders explained difficulties of getting youth on the bus in the morning. Mrs. Borders requested for a bus aid; the school came up with a plan for Mrs. Boards to walk youth to the bus and wait for him to get on the bus. Mrs. Boards agreed.

CM spoke to Pete Hardell (IIC) regarding an update on Treshawn (youth). CM was informed that youth continues to display negative behaviors in the home and in the community. CM and IIC discussed OOH treatment for youth. IIC noted he will write a PN providing recommendations for OOH treatment for youth due to inappropriate behaviors. CM explained to CM that Kim Shipmon (DCP&P) will provide CM with the necessary document to start OOH treatment process. CM will continue to keep IIC updated regarding youth.

Intervention: Clinician discussed the youth was doing in karate and other social activities with his peers. Clinician encouraged the youth to get his rest, because school will start soon. The clinician listened to the youth express his feelings about his activities and relationship with MHS.

Jayden has been able to utilize his coping skills in regard to control is impulsive. Physical aggression within the home towards his twin brother has been eliminated. Jayden no longer breaks things due to parent/child conflict. Jason is holding Jayden accountable for his behaviors and following through with consequences. The home school link has improved and Jayden's grades are starting to improve. Youth and his brother have been living with their father now for about two months and verbal aggression and verbal altercations have reduced and they are looking forward to engaging in school sports.