A few days ago the country paused to honor our military on Veterans Day. We owe our servicemen and women our deepest gratitude for the personal sacrifices they and their families make on our behalf. This newsletter includes some valuable mental health resources for military families who may be coping with unique challenges the rest of us cannot even imagine.
In this season of Thanksgiving, we thank them for keeping us safe and free, and thank you for working with us to be a voice for all of Maryland 's children.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,
- Jane A. Walker
Executive Director
Mental Health Resources for Military Families
Children in families where fathers and mothers are deployed numerous times and return home with physical and mental scars from war also are victims of war. They, too, may experience trauma and significant mental health and behavioral needs.
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress is part of our nation's federal medical school, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Its mission is to bridge military and disaster psychiatry and the integration of disaster mental health and public health. The Courage to Care series was created to address the health issues of the military family. The website contains fact sheets and resources for military families on mental health and such health topics as "What Military Families Should Know about Depression and Reintegration for Couples."
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was e stablished by Congress in 2000, and is a unique collaboration of academic and community-based service centers whose mission is to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for traumatized children and their families across the United States . NCTSN has a Military Families Knowledge Bank that contains comprehensive information specifically addressing the unique challenges facing veterans, spouses and children, covering such topics as "Preparing Children for Separation."
These websites also are valuable tools for educators, child care providers and mental health professionals who may be working with children who have a parent in the military.
Dreaming…
On Oct. 30, the Coalition's 10th Annual Luncheon (or birthday party) officially launched the organization into its second decade. The theme of the luncheon was "Dreams Achieved and Yet to Come." During the luncheon, guests wrote their dreams on a star and placed them on a banner that will hang in the Coalition office for the next year.
We also were pleased to present our Family Leadership Award to Jim McComb, formerly the director of the Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth (MARFY), and the Jan Yocum dé Caldéron advocacy award to Cathy Surace from the Maryland Disabilities Law Center (MDLC). Diamond Robeson was presented the Youth Award. Our tremendous thanks go out to all those who came and to those organizations and individuals who provide support for our work. We couldn't do it without you.
Navigating the Transition Years
As our children with mental health challenges near the end of their school years and face moving into adulthood, the issues are unfamiliar and a bit daunting. To ease the process for children and their caregivers, the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health has developed a three-week course intended to assist those caring for a transition-age youth (ages 16 to 20).
Topics covered in the course include:
- high school transition planning;
- services available through the Division of Rehabilitative Services;
- employment and continuing education;
- housing and community life;
- health care;
- benefits programs; and
- changing roles and legal rights.
The course is for caregivers of youth who:
- are 16–18 years old (but also may be 19 or 20);
- are one to two years from graduating or completing their GED; and
- have a primary disability of "Emotional Disturbance" or "Serious Mental Illness."
The course will be offered Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 6:30–9 p.m. at the Elkridge Public Library, 6450 Washington Blvd. (U.S. Route 1) in Elkridge. There is no charge to attend, and families should plan to attend all three sessions.
For more information, or to register, contact:
Ann Geddes
Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health
410.730.8267 or ageddes@mdcoalition.org
Substance Abuse Treatment for Children and Adolescents
Many youth and adolescents are faced with the daily temptation to use alcohol or drugs with their peers. The urge may be heightened for those with undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues, as the use of stimulants and depressive substances can help self-medicate.
The Drug Abuse and Resistance Education (DARE) and "just say no" types of programs do reach a fair number of children, but some still develop serious problems that can require such professional interventions as inpatient and outpatient treatment, 12-step programs and dual-diagnosis units for those with emotional and substance abuse problems.
The decision to seek such extended treatment can be difficult, particularly when your youth resists your efforts. Psychiatric disorders often co-exist with substance abuse problems and both need assessment and treatment.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists recommends parents ask the following questions of professionals when seeking substance abuse treatment for their children:
- Why do you believe the treatment in this program is indicated for my child? How does it compare with other programs or services that are available?
- What are the credentials and experience of the members of the treatment team, and will the team include a child and adolescent psychiatrist with knowledge and skills in substance abuse treatment?
- What treatment approaches does this program use regarding chemical dependency; detoxification; abstinence; individual, family, and group therapy; use of medications; a 12-step program; mutual-help groups; relapse prevention; and a continuing recovery process?
- Based on your evaluation, does my child have other psychiatric problems in addition to the substance abuse problem? If so, will these be addressed in the treatment process?
- How will our family be involved in our child's substance abuse treatment—including the decision for discharge and the after-care?
- What will treatment cost? Are the costs covered by my insurance or health plan?
- How will my child continue education while in treatment?
- If this treatment is provided in a hospital or residential program, is it approved by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)? Is this substance abuse treatment program a separate unit accredited for youngsters of our child's age?
- How will the issue of confidentiality be handled during and after treatment?
- How long will this phase of the treatment process continue? Will we reach our insurance limit before treatment in this phase is completed?
- When my child is discharged from this phase of treatment, how will it be decided what types of ongoing treatment will be necessary, how often and for how long?
- As my child's problem improves, does this program provide less intensive/step-down treatment services?
Severe substance abuse and chemical dependence in adolescence may be a chronic relapsing disorder. Parents also should ask what treatment services are available for continued or future treatment.
Differentiating Between a Cold and the Flu
As the H1N1 pandemic continues its relentless march across our communities, and we enter the winter season of increased illness, it's increasingly likely you or one of your family members will become ill. It's important to know what signs and symptoms bear closer monitoring and should heighten concern.
To that end, Maryland health officials have published the following information:
If you are worried about your symptoms, you should contact your health care provider.
The following are emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention:
Concerns in children:
- High or prolonged fever
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions
- Changes in mental status, such as not waking up or not interacting, or seizures
Concerns in adults:
- High or prolonged fever
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions
- Confusion
Support for Adoption Families Available
The Center for Adoption Support & Education in Burtonsville provides counseling, support services and youth programs to adoption families throughout Maryland , including families with children who have special needs.
C.A.S.E. partners with L.E.A.P (Life Enrichment Awards Program) to provide support to Montgomery County middle school youth who were adopted or who are in foster care with an adoption plan. The program offers opportunities to improve self-esteem, develop leadership skills, strengthen family bonds and expand a network of peers using community service, cooking and nutrition, dance, photography and more. It includes field trips, special events and parent workshops.
L.E.A.P meets most Saturdays from November into early June from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required; contact Caitlin Evans at 301.476.8525 or evans@adoptionsupport.org.
Adoptive families in Prince George's and Montgomery counties have access to free counseling through C.A.S.E. Those in the process of adopting children—whether publically, privately and internationally—with a history of abuse may be eligible for free counseling services through a recently awarded grant. Contact Valerie Kunsman at 301.476.8525 to determine whether you qualify.
Finally, free Department of Social Services-sponsored pre-adoption counseling is available to anyone in the process of adopting from the Montgomery County DSS. Contact Valerie Kunsman at 301.476.8525 for more information.
Deciphering and Advocating for Insurance Coverage
While legislation to reform how the nation's health care system covers us winds its way through the legislative process on Capitol Hill, there still are treatments being provided and bills coming due. No matter what the outcome in Washington , health plans now and always must be responsible to their subscribers. Here are some key players for you to know so you can take charge of your health care or advocate on behalf of others:
- Claims Department—The first to respond to a claim from a medical provider. They begin the claim and it's their phone number on the explanation of benefits (EOB) you receive telling you how much was paid and how much you owe.
- Medical Director—The person with ultimate responsibility to assure payment for your claim.
- Case Manager—A person who monitors claims and ensures patients are using the most cost-efficient methods for their health needs. Case managers report to the health plan's medical director.
- Benefits Manager—The person at the place of employment responsible for negotiating the contract with the insurance company.
When any question or dispute arises, it is of utmost importance that you keep impeccable records of the process, especially of any conversations you may have. Note the time and date of your call and always be sure to get the name of the person to whom you are talking, along with a general outline of what he or she says. You can find more information by visiting the Advocating for your Child section of www.familyvoices.org.
Upcoming Events
Webinar Wednesday Learning at Lunch Series—Ongoing. Innovations Institute hosts webinar seminars every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, covering such topics as early childhood mental health, trauma, and the 1915 waiver. To join a webinar, click here. Enter your name and e-mail address, click "join now" and follow the instructions that appear on your screen. Note: You will need to install the webinar program if you have not already. Please allow 15 minutes to do so before the training.
Hign Noon Web Café Webinar, Positive Behavioral Intervention Services—Nov. 18, 12 noon–1 p.m. Web-based workshop presented by Andrea Alexander of the Maryland State Department of Education and Barbara Granger of the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health examines schoolwide systems of positive behavior support and will outline techniques used in school and how to use those techniques at home. Pre-registration is required; participation is limited to 20. Telephone conference call is available. For more information, contact Carol at callenza@mdcoalition.org.
Exploring Guardianship Issues Workshop—Nov. 18, 7–9 p.m. Baltimore County Partners for Success workshop answers questions regarding obtaining guardianship for children older than 18 with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities. ESS Building, Room 114, Greenwood Campus, 6901 Charles St., Baltimore. For information or to register, call 410.887.5443.
Maryland Access to Justice Commission Listening Event—Nov. 24, 6–8 p.m. Lower Eastern Shore Area, Wicomico County Library, Salisbury. The commission is seeking opinions and feedback from citizens to help it make and implement recommendations to expand access to the state's civil justice system, including juvenile court. Register online at www.mdcourts.gov/mdatjc, and find directions as well. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required.
Navigating the Transition Years—Dec. 3, 6:30–9 p.m. Elkridge Public Library, 6450 Washington Blvd. ( U.S. Route 1). This free, three-night course is for caregivers of youth ages 16 –18 (or 19 or 20 if still in school) and will cover planning, DORS services, health care, employment, housing and changing roles and legal rights. For more information, or to register, contact Ann Geddes at 410.730.8267 or ageddes@mdcoalition.org.
Navigating the Transition Years—Dec. 10, 6:30–9 p.m. Elkridge Public Library, 6450 Washington Blvd. ( U.S. Route 1). The second night of this free, three-night course is for caregivers of youth ages 16 –18 (or 19 or 20 if still in school) and will cover planning, DORS services, health care, employment, housing and changing roles and legal rights. For more information, or to register, contact Ann Geddes at 410.730.8267 or ageddes@mdcoalition.org.
Maryland Access to Justice Commission Listening Event—Dec. 15, 6–8 p.m. Southern Maryland Area, Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, California. The commission is seeking opinions and feedback from citizens to help it make and implement recommendations to expand access to the state's civil justice system, including juvenile court. Register online at www.mdcourts.gov/mdatjc, and find directions as well. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required.
Navigating the Transition Years—Dec. 17, 6:30–9 p.m. Elkridge Public Library, 6450 Washington Blvd. ( U.S. Route 1). The final night of this free, three-night course is for caregivers of youth ages 16 –18 (or 19 or 20 if still in school) and will cover planning, DORS services, health care, employment, housing and changing roles and legal rights. For more information, or to register, contact Ann Geddes at 410.730.8267 or ageddes@mdcoalition.org.
Maryland Access to Justice Commission Listening Event—Jan. 19, 2010, 6–8 p.m. Central Maryland Area, Judiciary Education and Conference Center, Annapolis. The commission is seeking opinions and feedback from citizens to help it make and implement recommendations to expand access to the state's civil justice system, including juvenile court. Register online at www.mdcourts.gov/mdatjc, and find directions as well. There is no cost to attend. Registration is required.
Maryland Coalition Day in Annapolis —Jan. 20, 2010, 8:30 a.m. Keep checking www.mdcoalition.org for more details.
