The Coalition conducted six focus groups around the state last spring with families and transition-age youth. Our report, "Listening and Learning From Transition-age Youth and Their Families," is available on our website, www.mdcoalition.org.
As always, the voices of the youth and families were powerful and we thank each of them for speaking openly and honestly about the challenges and fears they experience as well as their dreams for the future. The article below contains an excerpt from the full report.
We hope this report sparks a dialogue and brings attention to the needs of our transition-age youth.
-Jane A. Walker
Executive Director
Self-Injurious Behaviors
It's not too late to register for this presentation with Lisa Ferentz, LCSW, an expert on treating individuals who cut, bruise, burn or mutilate themselves.
Understanding Self-Injurious Behavior
Oct. 17, 2006
Howard County Central Library
7–8:30 p.m.
Families attend at no charge; the cost for professionals is $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
To register, call 410.730.8267 or e-mail info@mdcoalition.org .
"Listening and Learning from Transition-age Youth and Their Families"
Excerpt follows; read the full report by clicking here.
During the focus groups, youth and families both agreed that transition, the period from roughly 16 through 24 years, is an especially difficult time for youth with mental health needs. Emotional or behavioral difficulties impair the very abilities necessary for a successful transition to adulthood*. Parents, caregivers and youth often expressed fear about what lies ahead. Families had concerns about whether their children could "make it" without extensive support. Often the support was not available and so families continued to provide all of the supports—housing, finding or creating jobs for their children, providing transportation, assisting with money management and arranging social activities.
Transition is a time when the structure and predictability of school is over and decisions must be made about housing, employment or college. Applications for benefits such as Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) or Medical Assistance (MA) must be submitted. Families and young adults must learn a new cast of agencies and players such as the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Families stated they did not know where to find information or guidance about how to navigate the new adult service systems. Frequently, youth didn’t want any part of programs, since they felt stigmatized by them.
Youth expressed a strong desire for independence and yet they lacked the experience, skills or emotional stability to get or keep a job and to manage their own finances. Many of the youth wanted friends and a relationship, but few had any friends and spent the majority of their time isolated at home with their families. More than anything, youth said that they wanted to be like other people their age and they did not want to be treated differently by having to participate in programs and follow rules. Most youth wanted to live on their own in an apartment with access to transportation.
Employment was a major concern; youth who did obtain employment often were not able to keep their jobs due to absence or poor performance. In general, if employed, youth were in low-paying jobs that did not provide benefits or a sufficient income that would support living independently. Despite the hurdles they had encountered, all youth participants had career aspirations that they felt they could accomplish—with the right help.
*
Clark, H.B., p. 5.
Shortage of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
A new study released in the online version of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) shows an increasing national shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists. The impact is greatest on poor youth and children and adolescents living in rural areas.
Across the country, 35 states fall below the average of 8.67 child and adolescent psychiatrists per 100,000 children and adolescents; 190 metropolitan counties do not have even one psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents. Published studies have estimated that 14.38 child and adolescent psychiatrists would be needed per 100,000 youth in ideal circumstances, and only six states ( Connecticut , Hawaii , Maryland , Massachusetts , New York and Rhode Island ) met that standard in 2001. Maryland had 64 more clinicians in 2001 than in 1990, but because there were more youngsters, the rate per 100,000 children remained nearly the same: 18.0 in 2001 vs. 18.6 in 1990.
The shortage means families are forced to wait months for appointments, drive great distances to see providers and to seek mental health treatment in hospital emergency rooms.
The Academy's website, www.aacap.org, includes a search feature to find a fully accredited AACAP member. Maryland mirrors the national trends—some 50 percent of the 208 identified providers are located in Montgomery County , with another 30 percent in Baltimore County and Baltimore City. The remaining 20 percent are concentrated in Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George 's counties with a scattered few (seven) on the Eastern Shore and five in Western Maryland.
Family Leadership Institute Recruiting Families as Leaders
Ask anyone who has graduated from the Coalition's Family Leadership Institute and they will tell you the experience changed their lives and the lives of those for whom they advocate.
FLI graduates gain a sense of empowerment that comes with the knowledge attained during six weekend sessions. Not only do they become stronger advocates for their family member, but they are equipped to help fight for better circumstances for ALL of Maryland's children.
Participants also form impromptu support groups and make enduring friendships from the time spent "in the trenches" studying community supports and resources, legislative structure, systems of care and various advocacy styles.
There is no charge to attend, only a commitment to attend all six weekend sessions.
Applications are on the Coalition's website or can be sent by e-mailing info@mdcoalition.org .
Two letters of recommendation are required.
The Family Leadership Institute is funded by the Maryland State Department of Education, the Governor's Office of Disabilities and through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Research Study for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety
Participants are being sought for a study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health and coordinated by Johns Hopkins to evaluate the effectiveness of psychotherapy and medication treatments for children and adolescents with anxiety. Children/adolescents ages 7–16 may be eligible for this study. Symptoms of anxiety may include:
• Reluctance to go to school, camp or sleepovers;
• Fear of being separated from you, even for a short time;
• So shy that it interferes with his/her making friends at school or work;
• Difficulty falling and staying asleep; and
• Excessive worrying.
For more information, contact the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division at Johns Hopkins at 410-614-4460 or 410-955-7674.
Upcoming Events
• Understanding Adolescent Self-Injurious Behavior: Oct. 17, 7–8:30 p.m. This workshop will offer insight into adolescent development and its connection to self-harm. Howard County Central Library Meeting Room. Free for families and $15 for professionals who register in advance; $20 for professionals at the door. Contact the coalition at 410.730.8267, toll-free at 1.888.607.3637 or e-mail info@mdcoalition.org for more information.
• Promoting Self-Esteem, Self-Confidence and Optimism in Students with LD and ADHD: Oct. 17, 7 p.m. Session by William R. Stixrud, Ph.D. Norbel School, 6315 Old Washington Road , Elkridge. Call 410-796-6700 for more information.
• Families Supporting Families Through Leadership Opportunities: Oct. 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Daylong conference sponsored by the Carroll County Local Management Board looks at ways to further family support. Best Western Conference Center, Westminster, Md. No cost to Carroll County residents; $25 per person for non-residents. Contact the Carroll County Local Management Board at 410-386-3600 for more information and registration.
• Mental Health Disability and the Law: Nov. 3. Conference will examine services for diverting individuals from the criminal justice system. Hilton, Pikesville. For more information, call 410-646-7758.
• Navigating the Road from School to Careers for All Youth with Disabilities: Nov. 30, location TBA.
