FYI: Your voice matters
One parent's story
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The Challenge
We moved to Idaho in 2015 and came from a state that had no government services for children with mental health concerns so I had no idea what a government agency could do for my child and our family. I quickly realized that while most of the state staff we met was amazing, it still felt like I was stuck in the middle of a game of "hot potato." Each person we talked to told us someone else could help us better and we were quickly referred to the next "best" answer.
Finding my voice
Then I heard about Youth Empowerment Services (YES). YES is the children's mental health system of care for Idaho youth who have a mental health diagnosis and a functional impairment. I was blessed to be a part of the development of YES with the state. I told them one thing over and over: "You think you are building a mental health system of care, but you aren't. You are building a system of trust, because if parents and providers don't trust you, nothing else you do will matter." So many of the parents (and providers) I talk to aren't sure if they want to engage in the systems that could help them, because they don't trust that the program will do what it says it will do. Trust is so huge.
What I learned
So six years (and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears later) my child that needed the most services has aged out of the children's programs. I am now focused on helping the parents that come behind me benefit from what I have learned - and if I have learned anything, it is that the system can't fix what it doesn't understand is broken. So PLEASE tell the state when the wheels fall off of your child's treatment. Use the concern and complaint form to let them know what needs to be fixed. Be active and be vocal. There are thousands of families coming behind you, and while we can't go back in time and make it better for our kiddos, maybe we can fix things for the next family.
Access to children's mental healthcare in Idaho is improving, and I know together our voices and stories will make it even better.
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A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and stay alive.
MY ASCENSION is a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma's inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana.
The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.
Idaho Virtual Screening Event " Emma’s ability to tell her story in such an honest way creates a space for others to speak freely about their own issues with mental health. Candice Feinberg, PSY.D, Executive Director, ROWI Teen & Family Wellness Center A must watch for parents of teens and anyone working with teens.
Tuesday, September 14th at 6 - 8:30pm MT
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" Emma’s ability to tell her story in such an honest way creates a space for others to speak freely about their own issues with mental health.”
--Candice Feinberg, PSY.D, Executive Director, ROWI Teen & Family Wellness Center
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Using your voice for research |
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Being a parent/caregiver of a child with mental illness
This opportunity is to participate in a study as part of the researcher's doctoral education program. Your participation will contribute to the advancement of research in psychology. Participants in this study will take an online survey that will last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. The survey questions will assess feelings and perceptions about the experience of being a parent/caregiver. You must be 18 years old or older and have a child 18 years or younger in your care receiving community-based mental health services through a team approach. If you are interested in participating in this research study, please access the link provided below. A $10.00 Walmart.com gift card will be provided to those that qualify for and complete the survey. Any questions or requests for additional information can be sent to brett.barton@gpsn.org, or by phone at 678-416-8036.
Thank you for your consideration.
Brett Barton, LPC
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Coffee Chat:
How are your local schools supporting your child in this difficult season?
(and back to school concerns you would like to share)
3rd Wed of the month
September 15th at 12pm MST/11am PST
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FYI Adoptive Parents
1st and 3rd Mondays
September 6th (canceled for Labor Day)
September 20th
at 8pm MST/7pm PST
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FYI Parents of Youth discharging from residential
3rd Tues of the month
September 21st at 11am/10am PST
This group will support parents who have a youth discharging from intensive outpatient, residential care or the juvenile justice system.
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FYI Complex Diagnosis
1st Tuesday
September 7th
at 12pm MST/11am PST
This group will support parents who have a youth who has a mental health diagnosis and is developmentally disabled.
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Youth MOVE Idaho
Youth MOVE Idaho (YMI) is a youth driven group and a chapter of Youth MOVE National. YMI aims to provide peer emotional support and opportunities for mental health advocacy. Did you know that YMI has led the way in creating the Discord meeting space for Youth MOVE. If you are interested in learning more about YMI contact: nparry@idahofederation.org
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The goal of the Resiliency Circle, a 12 week closed group, is to provide support and resiliency skills for teens (ages 14-18) who have been impacted by sexual abuse and/or sexual assault. This group is open to any demographic, (i.e. ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) and we value & encourage diversity. As advocates, we believe in a trauma-informed and empowerment-based approach. All Safe Passage services, including this group, are free and confidential. |
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Teen Sexual Assault Support Group |
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Youth MOVE Idaho! YouTube channel has video playlists for the Yes YOUth Cans conference, Youth stories, and Youth rights to accessing mental health care in Idaho. Please visit and like and comment! These are great resources created with partners throughout the US. |
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FYIdaho YouTube channel is a space to house our educational events. The 2021 Yes You CAN(s)! conference videos are up in both full length and bite size chunks. Check back for updates and subscribe to this channel. |
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COVID Help Now Line
Open M-F, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Connect to community resources, find aid applications, connect to mental health experts.
The Help Now Line offers statewide support for anyone challenged by the stress associated with the pandemic.
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Scan to visit the Idaho Strong website |
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Health Fair and Vaccine Clinic In Caldwell, Idaho
September 16th, 2021,1 to 5p.m.
Happy Day Head Start
6123 Graye Lane, Caldwell, Idaho 83607
Local agencies will be providing information, resources, covid-19 vaccines, food boxes and health screening. Presenting by HUD and WICAP/Head Start.
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Idaho Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
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