September 2023
'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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Families Together in NYS joined local community partners at Albany High School to welcome students to the first week of classes and ensure every student had the supplies they need for success! |
The Community Engagement Team of Families Together has embraced the exhibiting season. We have hit the ground running. Families Together was honored to be invited by the Office of Mental Health to partner with them again this year exhibiting at the Great New York State Fair. This year the fair drew 932,699 visitors during its 13-day run, a 6% increase over the 2022 fair. It’s impossible to say how many people visited the Families Together table over its two-day stay at the fair but we can assume it was in the thousands.
If you know of an upcoming conference or event that you would like to see us at, please contact Pam Brannan at pbrannan@ftnys.org.
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Join our Team
Families Together in New York State (FTNYS), in partnership with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), is seeking a Long Island Family Policy Advisor at the state level to assist OCFS in developing policies and procedures that promote the voice of parents throughout the child welfare system. Learn more about the part-time position and apply below.
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Last week was National Suicide Prevention Week. Together we can spread awareness.
No matter where you live in New York, you can easily access 24/7 emotional support.
Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org chat to chat with a caring counselor.
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FANS Technical Assistance Office Hours
Multiple Dates
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LIFT Legislative Breakfast
September 22, 2023
9:00AM-11:30PM
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FANS Basic Training
October 16, 17, 18 & 19, 2023
10:00AM-12:30PM
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Family Empowerment Day
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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More information coming soon. |
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Save the Date
2024 Family Empowerment Day
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The 19th Annual Legislative Breakfast
The Legislative Breakfast is an important opportunity for Long Island community members to meet with Legislators to discuss our needs for families and youth. We will have an engaging discussion about developments and challenges that impact children’s mental health services on Long Island, and across New York State.
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This years event is in-person!
Melville Marriott
1350 Walt Whitman Rd,
Melville, NY 11747
$30 to attend
Parents/Caregivers, Youth, & Policymakers are FREE
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The Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids (HKHK) Campaign is a statewide coalition of behavioral health providers, advocates, youth, and families, that has joined together to create the public and political will necessary to ensure that all children and adolescents in New York receive the high-quality behavioral health services they need. This advocacy work is absolutely essential, especially in the face of an ever-present mental health crisis among youth in NY and beyond, and includes an active council of youth and caregivers.
If you are a youth, parent, or caregiver living in New York looking to learn how to be an effective advocate, personally and for your community, with interest in mental and behavioral health issues, HMHK's Youth & Caregiver Council is recruiting to fill FOUR open positions with stipends that pay between $1500 – $3000 for the year. This would be a yearlong commitment to help mobilize youth and families across the state, advocate for mental and behavioral health supports through policy and budget recommendations to state leaders, and help the HMHK campaign create long lasting, permanent change.
Consider applying to be a part of the HMHK Council to help make a difference with your peers and fellow New Yorkers! There is one position open for a caregiver and three positions open for youth.
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Addressing Child Poverty: Early Childhood Foundations
Join us on September 26 in Albany
Panel Discussion, Live at The Bull Moose Club in Albany
150 State Street, Fourth Floor
Albany, New York 12207
There are policy solutions to New York's child poverty problem. This discussion will examine the intersections of early childhood development and the experience of poverty, as well as the policy interventions proven to be effective for families.
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Honoring Daniel Prude: Statewide Daniel's Day Events Next Saturday!
Join us in honoring Daniel Prude, a beloved family member who tragically lost his life to police violence during a mental health crisis. On September 20th, which would have been his birthday, we remember him. Three years ago, on March 23rd, 2020, Daniel Prude's life was taken by the Rochester Police Department in upstate New York.
In his memory, communities across New York State will gather on Saturday, September 23rd, advocating for the passage of Daniel's Law. This vital bill aims to transform how we respond to mental health crises by prioritizing Peers/Mental health workers and EMTs as first responders instead of the police.
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Albany
West Capitol Park, 12-3pm
Brooklyn
Utica & Montgomery, 3-7pm
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Rochester
Jefferson and McCree, 1-4pm
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Honoring Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September
Suicide Prevention Month matters because it highlights a national crisis that often remains hidden in the shadows. It's a dedicated time to break the silence surrounding suicide, reduce the stigma around mental health struggles, and promote life-saving resources. This month serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing suicide – whether by offering support to a loved one, spreading awareness, or advocating for better mental health care.
Learn the stats about suicide.
The statistics about suicide are overwhelming, but they help us get a better understanding of the issues. Here's what you need to know:
- In 2020, suicide was the twelfth leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming the lives of over 45,900 people.
- Rates of suicide are highest among male Native Americans, at 37.4% per 100,000, according to the CDC in 2020.
- The use of firearms is the number one method of suicide, followed by suffocating and poisoning. Firearms are the chosen method for 57.9% of males and 33% of females, while 7.8% of males and 28.6% of females select poisoning.
- In 2020, the prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts was highest among young adults aged 18-25 at 11.3%
- LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
- Between 2007 and 2018, the suicide rate among those aged 10 to 24 increased nearly 60%, according to the CDC.
- Suicide is the number one cause of gun deaths in the U.S., factoring at 60.3% of deaths by intent in 2019.
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In 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death, respectively, for blacks or African Americans ages 15 to 24.
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Research also shows that the suicide risk for neurodivergent youth and adults is as much as seven times higher than that of the rest.
Suicide is not solely an individual's struggle. Still, it can often be influenced by broader societal factors known as social determinants of health. Poverty, unemployment, lack of access to mental health services, discrimination, and social isolation can contribute to suicidal ideation and behaviors. By addressing these underlying social determinants, we can create a more compassionate and supportive environment that reduces the prevalence of suicide.
Promoting mental health awareness, improving economic opportunities, and fostering inclusive communities are crucial steps in preventing suicide and promoting overall well-being.
Sources: Center for Disease Control,
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Simcha Weinstein & Pastor Gil Monrose, Executive Director at the NYC Mayor's Office of Faith-Based & Community Partnerships
FTNYS DEI Coordinator Simcha Weinstein at the Preparedness Forum for New York State Religious and Community Leaders: Navigating Flood Disasters and Housing Justice.
New York State has experienced 16 devastating recent climate disasters since 2011. This adds an emotional burden to Families and Youth living with challenges related to mental health, substance use disorder, disability, poverty, or other difficulties.
Faith and community leaders convened in NYC on September 12th for a preparedness summit to explore how to serve better communities that are forced to navigate natural disasters and displacement. FTNYS DEI coordinator Simcha Weinstein provided a valuable mental health lens at the Summit.
The event was hosted by New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), a faith-based federation comprising over 60 diverse judicatories, including human services providers and charitable organizations dedicated to disaster readiness, response, and recovery services. NYDIS collaborated with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on this event.
By incorporating a mental health perspective into efforts, Simcha helped attendees explore the profound impact of disasters on one's emotional well-being and the essential role peer support professionals can play in supporting Families and Youth pre-existing systems involvement. Family and Youth Peer Support is always valuable to healing and empowerment
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Suicide Prevention Resources:
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Deaf and Hard of Hearing: for TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
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Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
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The Suicide Prevention Conference is a platform for experts and advocates to discuss crucial aspects of youth mental health and suicide prevention. The program includes sessions on community-based approaches to teen resilience, powerful art and storytelling in education, and practical steps to address the ongoing youth mental health crisis. Join us for a day of meaningful discussions and insights to make a difference in youth mental well-being and suicide prevention. |
Authentic Family Voice: Connecting Schools and Families to Improve Educational Outcomes
Thursday, September 28th from 9:00am-11:00am via Zoom
Join CNY for an insightful event where we'll explore the vital role of family engagement in student success, especially for those facing educational, behavioral, or mental health challenges. Hear firsthand experiences from both families and young individuals, gain insights from stakeholders, and access resources to enhance educational outcomes. Don't miss this opportunity to join the conversation and improve student success.
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Youth Peer Meetings Are Here for You |
Join Our Peer Supervisors Meetings |
Camp Get-A-Way Day Sessions! |
If you have a child facing emotional, behavioral, or mental challenges, life can feel far from normal. But our day camps offer a supportive environment for your family to learn valuable coping skills and connect with others who understand.
Attendees will engage in activities that encourage open discussions, both as a family and separately, to foster growth and understanding. Plus, you'll enjoy new activities, form friendships, and receive practical training to use at home. And don't forget the delicious meals and campfire s'mores!
Sessions run from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM and are designed for High School students and mature Middle School children, along with their parent(s) or guardian(s). The cost is only $25 per family.
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Are you a parent interested in engaging in more meaningful family activities? Participate in our paid research study!
Join Engaging Parents; Increasing Connection with Children [EPICC], a Temple University program aimed at helping parents with serious mental illness connect more meaningfully with their children. If you're 18 or older, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or depression, and desire more meaningful family activities, you're invited! Participate in 3 research interviews and receive a $20 gift card per interview. Plus, access an online support program.
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YPA Level 2, 4-Day Virtual Training:
November 16-17 & 20-21, 2023
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM each day
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The Inspiration Series: Why I Became a Youth Peer Advocate |
RESCHEDULED
Thursday, October 5
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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In this session our panelists discuss the benefits of having a youth peer advocate as part of a multidisciplinary team. Panelists will discuss what inspired them to pursue their YPA credential, the style of support a YPA provides, and benefits for individuals working with a YPA. Panelists will give an in-depth explanation of their role and how they provide unique support to youth. We will also discuss how supervising a youth peer advocate is different from supervising clinical staff. Through this panel, participants will learn how a YPA is a valuable asset to a mental health team. |
Understanding Mass Shootings: Supporting Youth, Families, and the Community Through Our Collective Trauma |
Friday, September 29
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
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This webinar will focus on mass shootings in schools and the impact and relevance for mental health professionals. It will highlight these events as targeted violence, or premeditated acts that target specific populations. Presenters will discuss the prevalence of these events, reported commonalities amongst perpetrators, and clientele impacted by these events. They will also discuss how this increased understanding can be applied to support youth and families. The needs of youth, families, and the community will be analyzed and the ways trauma manifests in different groups will be explored. |
New Tool!
Supporting Family Peer Advocates: Working with Survivors of Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence
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This guide provides information on (DV/IPV) and tips within the scope of work for FPAs supporting children and caregivers in difficult situations. |
Credential Verification Tool for Youth and Family Peer Advocates |
Do you know your credential expiration date?
Youth and Family Peer Advocates, their supervisors, and agencies can check the current status of any Provisional or Professional Credential using our online verification tools anytime!
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Join us in shaping the future of Youth Peer Support Services by participating in two anonymous surveys. Your input will drive advocacy efforts for better pay, career paths, training, and access to services.
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Opportunities for Advocacy Positions & More!
Opportunity 1: Make a Difference with FHC
New Yorker with experience in NYC homeless shelters? Join the Family Homelessness Coalition (FHC) as a Fellow. Help shape eviction prevention, shelter services, and housing support. This part-time role pays $35/hour for 12 hours/week. Apply by September 17.
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Opportunity 2: Be a Youth Advocate with CCC
NYC resident aged 14-19? Join CCC's YouthAction NYC Internship Program. Learn to advocate for your community, earn up to $800, and make a difference. Apply by October 6.
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EMPOWERING FAMILIES. COORDINATING SYSTEMS.
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