July, 2021
'The Voice' is Families Together in New York State's monthly newsletter with information that is important to families, and youth across the State of New York.
For further information visit our website:
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CARRIE ANN ROLLIER
Carrie Ann Rollier, is a credentialed Family Peer Advocate, FANS trainer and is training to become a PEP trainer. She has worked for Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) in Plattsburgh for five years, three of which as a Program Coordinator. She grew the program in the last three years from a single staff program to a program with four Family Peer Advocates. She also established a Youth Peer Support and Treatment program for the agency.
She is a great asset to the Families Together Board of Directors. She is a strong voice for her community and its unique attributes, challenges, and needs as it’s a very rural demographic area. She is the newest member of the Board and we are glad to have her.
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MEET THE
PARENT ADVISORS
What Parent Advisor has a natural talent for art and the art of public speaking?
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KIM KAISER
Kim is the proud Mom of a son with Autism Spectrum Disorder and has 35 years experience working with families and grassroots initiatives in the areas of parent education, mental health, developmental disabilities, crisis intervention, juvenile justice and recovery. Kim is also an artist, writer and co-founder of a national peer support autism advocacy initiative. Kim is passionate about educating and strengthening families, communities and cross system delivery for families and youth.
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Resources for families affected by COVID-19; Prioritizing mental and physical health while staying home.
Families Together is here to help.
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2021 FTNYS Digital Advocacy Center.
Stay up-to-date with all our advocacy efforts and use emails, social media, and phone calls. We might have to stay home, but our advocacy doesn't have to.
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FANS Technical Assistance Office Hours
Multiple Dates
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Creating a Kin-First Culture in NYS
Thursday, July 29
12:00 - 12:30 PM
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NYS Office of Mental Health Releases Report on CMHS Block Grant
The New York State Office of Mental Health has released a report on Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Supplementary Funding. There is a wide array of helpful information, but there is an emphasis on federal laws that provided funding to mental health services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This report gives a full account of how the federal block grant money allocated to NYS will be used in state mental health services. Notably, nearly $6M is allocated specifically for child, youth and family services. See the full report to learn more.
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Disrupt Disparities
Releases Report on Kinship Care in Crisis
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Non-parent relatives raising children in New York – disproportionately African American and mostly grandparents – face multiple disparities while performing an already tough task, according to Disrupt Disparities: Kinship Care in Crisis, a report commissioned by AARP New York, the NAACP New York State Chapter, New York Urban League, Hispanic Federation and Asian American Federation.
According to the report:
- Only 15% of eligible children in New York receive the $430-a-month federal “Non-Parent” grant for which they qualify.
- Nationally, one in five African American/Black children will live in a kinship home during their childhood – more than double the one in 11 average.
- 21.1% of grandparents caring for children in New York have income under the federal poverty line, while half of all single grandmothers raising grandchildren live in poverty - with grandmothers more likely to be caregivers than grandfathers.
- Less than one-third of eligible grandparent-headed households receive housing assistance.
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SAMHSA awards $62.4 million in grants to combat child trauma, with $800,000 in American Rescue Plan funds
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is distributing $62.4 million in grant funding to provide and increase access to effective treatment and services systems in communities throughout the nation for children, adolescents, and their families who experience traumatic events. The White House is bolstering these awards with $800,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) support.
This grant funding could have a tremendous positive impact on the youth of NYS in the wake of the collective trauma caused by the covid-19 pandemic. Everything from the child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems could be improved with this funding for evidence-based treatment.
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Caitlin is passionate and driven and wants to help make the world a much better and safer place. After dealing with her own experiences, she is passionate about advocating for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, survivors of sexual assault, and children/adolescent's mental health. Caitlin shares her story publicly in hopes that others who share the struggle will feel less alone and empowered. Caitlin is excited to begin work as Long Island Regional Youth Partner and keep using her voice to advocate and help bring necessary change.
Welcome to the Youth Power team, Caitlin O'Brien!
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Congratulations to Youth Peer Services Training and Credentialing Manager, Robbie Lettieri, on his accomplishments and recognition. Robbie has received two awards: The Youth And Young Adult Peer Leadership Award at the 2021 Alternative Conference and the Top 100 Healthcare Visionaries Award at the international Forum on Advancements in Healthcare.
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Alternatives Conference KeyNote - One of Our Very Own! |
YP Director, Tiara Springer-Love, had the honor of keynoting and presenting at the 35th Alternatives Conference. Tiara presented "Finding Our Voices by Changing the Narrative of Youth Engagement" & "Youth Peer Advocates (YPAs) Are Here To Stay!"
Keep an eye out for a recorded version of Tiara's presentation
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Join Our Peer Supervisors Meetings |
Youth Peer Meetings Are Here for You! |
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Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) Level 2 Virtual Training |
1-hour orientation:
September 13
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Training: Sept. 16-17 & 20-21
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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Virtual trainings are open to eligible advocates statewide and limited to the first 12 approved pre-registrants, so don't delay!
Continue with pre-registration only if...
- You have completed all of the YPA Level 2 online modules.
- You hold a YPA Provisional Credential.
- You have secured employment providing youth peer support.
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You can attend the full virtual training and participate in 5 weekly coaching calls.
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If you previously completed the Level 2 in-person/virtual training, you do not need to retake.
Questions?
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Check Your Credential Status |
24/7/365 with our Credential Verification Tool!
*Please note this database only contains current, credentialed FPAs and YPAs. Expired or non-credentialed advocates will not be shown. For questions, please contact our office at (518) 432-0333 ext. 18 or email Joanna@ftnys.org
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New York’s FREE and confidential COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline
1-844-863-9314
8:00am – 10:00pm / 7-Days a week
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News for New York State's non-parent caregivers and those who work with them
July 9, 2021
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Have you ever felt like giving up because of your financial difficulties?
Are you interested in sharing your experiences with a research team?
If you are interested in offering your input, we invite you to participate in a 90-min focus group via HIPAA-compliant Zoom (videoconference). We will ask for your opinion about the types of supports that could be most helpful. We will also ask for your feedback on our program activities and resources.
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EMPOWERING FAMILIES. COORDINATING SYSTEMS.
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