Foster Change is the official Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Family Association of Southern Nevada.
|
|
Hey y'all! It's SUMMER! How are y'all holding up? In my home, we utilized the summer enrichment programs to help offset boredom and unscheduled days but now, that is over. What are some things you're doing to maintain peace in the home during this month? One thing I'm focusing on is setting down my phone more and engaging more authentically with my children.
In my preparations for creating this newsletter, I learned that July is starting to become known as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month so I wanted to highlight that in this issue because, well, it is SO important to talk about openly. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and People of Color and is an acronym currently used to bring together non-white people who have a history of shared experiences. Pronounced "Bye-Pock."
Each July, several mental health organizations across the country (found here: https://mhttcnetwork.org/collaborators) shed light on the multitude of mental health experiences within communities of color, including black and indigenous people, and others that face disproportionate inequities due to systemic barriers and historical adversity.
My husband and I have recently been on a trip through southeastern Alaska and, unexpectedly so, this topic of mental health among BIPOC was front and center for most of our trip. Some of the cities and areas we visited are home to the Tlingit tribal culture. (Pronounced "Klink-it.") We learned much about them while there, and about the generational trauma they have experienced and continue to endure. Once America bought Alaska from Russia, there was a huge push for the Tlingit people to become "Americanized." They were forced to abandon their native language and other displays of their culture, such as dance. We met with people in their 40s and 50s, who still remember being punished in school for using their own language. They tell stories of being removed from their families, by the children's services department, and forcibly sent away to "English-only" education boarding schools. In these schools, they were lined up and physically beaten with 2x4s if they spoke their native language. As a result, they have lost all but a few words of their Tlingit tongue. We heard them share about very high suicide rates among their men and high incarceration rates, due to an increase in addictions, spurred from generational depression, loss and trauma. The hope they have now, is that there is a rebirthing happening, and a return to the ancestral ways. One lady we talked to beamed with pride as she told us how her grandchildren are learning their Tlingit language and are very fluent. They are now immersing school children of every age in the Tlingit language and have regular festivals where they gather to celebrate their heritage. Their hope is in the upcoming generations and the increased awareness of what has happened, and an ultimate return to their cultural roots.
It occurred to us that the push to make sure foster children don't suffer from loss of their birth culture isn't just about the children. It's about the community's loss, as well. It isn't just an unsubstantiated fear that their culture will fade into extinction with the loss of children, it has been proven to them time and time again. Every time a child is removed from their culture, their culture loses a piece of itself. I believe we have all probably had experiences with families dealing with ICPCs to native tribes. It feels like I have left Alaska with a deeper understanding of that. The tribe loses a piece of it's promise of continuation and preservation of culture every time a child is lost to foster care/adoption. The same goes for every BIPOC culture. We MUST do what we can to help fight for preservation. If we don't, we all lose. We are sacrificing generations of peoples to the mental health crisis, from all of the damage that is being done to make us "all one, all the same."
This is very long and I apologize for that, but I hope we can all take a moment to really sit in the uncomfortable thoughts that we may not be doing enough in this area as foster parents. Part of what will help our children heal and grow is to honor their origins and make sure they are connected to their ancestry in whatever way we can. I have left my time in Alaska changed. Hearing these stories of generational trauma and the pain in their eyes and voices deeply affected me.
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou
|
|
Physician Spotlight: Meet Dr. Leon-Villa, whose focus is BIPOC mental health:
Dr. Sandra Leon-Villa
Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Sandra León-Villa is a first gen, daughter of immigrants, Autistic Xicana, Activist, Speaker, Liberation Psychologist. Her work primarily focuses on the treatment of trauma, BIPOC mental health, and first generation BIPOC career professionals. She has been in the mental health field for over 13 years working directly with trauma survivors and is a survivor herself. Dr. León-Villa published her research study, Exploring Gender and Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse in the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse in 2018. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and is certified in trauma informed yoga & is a registered yoga teacher (200R
In 2020, Dr. León-Villa lobbied for legislation that would require mental health professionals to obtain cultural competency, diversity, equity, & inclusion training for license renewal, and in May 2021, Assembly Bill 327 passed & was signed into law with the support of other community organizations.
Dr. León-Villa additionally specializes in bilingual (English/Spanish) and culturally informed psychological and neuropsychological testing of conditions including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, learning disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and in diagnostic clarity/differential diagnosis. She additionally works with immigrant communities and provides evaluations, including evaluations of extreme hardship, asylum, VAWA, and medical certifications. Dr. León-Villa served on the Executive Board of the Nevada Psychological Association (NPA) as the Diversity Chair from 2017-2019.
Dr. León-Villa earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in family studies counseling from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) in 2006. She later earned a master's degree in mental health counseling in 2012 from Walden University. Dr. León-Villa earned a second master's degree in psychology in 2014 and completed her doctoral training (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Walden University in 2016.
Dr. León-Villa's approach is the assessment and healing from a trauma informed & culturally responsive perspective, using a decolonization and liberation psychology framework. Trauma has a way of impacting us both in the short term and long term. It changes the way our brain develops, negatively impacts brain functions, like attention and concentration, but also results in medical conditions like stomach problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health conditions most people don't know are related to trauma. It's not only our trauma that impacts us, but that of our ancestors. Research shows that trauma can be passed down genetically! Therefore, I approach my work using a trauma-informed lens.
Innovation Behavorial Health Solutions, LLC - Our Mission at IBHS, LLC is to create access to mental healthcare through equity, which means ensuring everyone has equal access to well-being regardless of socioeconomic status or other barriers. In order to do so, we strive to eliminate mental health stigma through community outreach, specifically to Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, providing psychoeducation, and ensuring diversity and inclusion not only in the community we serve but also in our team of clinical and administrative staff.
"Cultural Competence"
"Did you know that racial/ethnic minority children and families, particularly those with economic disadvantages, are more likely to experience stressful and traumatic experiences?
These experiences result in negative effects on the way that we view ourselves, the world, and others, in addition to changes in brain structure/development and physical responses.
Often, these changes result in internalizing (e.g., anxiety, depression, inattention, problems concentrating, etc.) and externalizing (e.g., anger, impulse control problems, defiance, and substance abuse) problems. BIPOC children are overly diagnosed with behavioral and conduct disorders. As a result, they are many times "missed" or misdiagnosed.
Culturally Informed Psychological and Neuropsychological Evaluation involves the consideration of culture, ethnicity, race, social-economic status, and language development in the context of bilingualism in assessment."
Location:
Innovation Behavioral Health Solutions
6655 W. Sahara Ave.
Suite C203
Las Vegas, NV 89146
Tel: 702-900-2784
Fax: 702-940-6154
Their office sees all age groups and offers group therapy, as well. One example is this group:
|
|
FOSTER CHANGE
SUPPORT GROUPS & UPCOMING EVENTS:
|
|
NEW SUPPORT GROUP OPTION: |
|
CURRENT LICENSING REQUIREMENTS: |
|
QPI (Quality Parenting Initiative)
STANDARDS for Foster Homes:
|
|
Vegas Strong Academy with Parks and Recreation
- Accepts Urban League- Library locations only
-
Community centers- have a separate application for financial aide https://registration.lasvegasnevada.gov/NV/las-vegas-nv/catalog
- Bring financial request to the community center directly
- Call for openings
- Yes, for children with special needs, have to toilet and feed themselves.
- Dula community center, 702-229-6307 assist with the financial assistance process and criteria to qualify
SMUNA- Southern Nevada Urban Micro Academy
Boys and Girls Club
YMCA
- https://www.lasvegasymca.org/y-cares/
- Enrolling Full/Half Day preschool ages 3-5
- Preschool accepts Urban League assistance
- Enrichment Program
- Open M-F Full Day ages 5-15
- Financial Assistance available
- Accepts children with special needs. Must be potty trained and able to self-feed
Battle Born Las Vegas Kids and Teens
Lifetime
- https://my.lifetime.life/lp/distance-learning-camp.html
- Learning camps
- 2 locations:
- Life Time Athletic Green Valley
- 121 Carnegie St, Henderson, NV 89074
- Life Time Summerlin
- 10721 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135
- Ages 5-12
- Call for financial information and acceptance of children with special needs
Boys Town
|
|
Learn about The Harbor!
Need help with mental and behavorial health for your teens?
|
Families and youth in need of counseling, tutoring and other support services over the summer are reminded the Harbor juvenile assessment program is here to help.
The Harbor has five locations in the Las #Vegas Valley with hours 8am to 10pm daily to assist families coping with problem behavior and other concerns. Appointments can be made by calling the program’s main number at (702) 455-6912. Walk-ins are accepted. Locations and more information about the program are listed on its website at www.theharborlv.com.
The Harbor began in 2016 as a pilot program to offer diversion services to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system. Due to its success in working with youth and families, Clark County expanded the Harbor and created the Truancy Prevention Outreach Program (TPOP). TPOP evolved from the Harbor’s work with families and community partners to address underlying causes of truancy and chronic absenteeism. Student absences are often rooted in problems the program helps address including health issues and family struggles such as housing instability, food insecurity and child-care issues, all of which were compounded for many families during the pandemic.
To date, the Harbor has served more than 23,000 youth and families. Anyone in the community who believes a child or family could be served by the Harbor, including coaches, ministers, and relatives, is encouraged to contact the program for referrals to local resources.
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendars for this upcoming Job Fair for Teens and Young Adults! |
|
Hannah's Closet is a free clothing resource for foster families in the Las Vegas Valley. It offers clothes and shoes for ages 0-17, toys, and limited hygiene items, depending on availability. To shop, you will need to bring your placement letter, guardianship papers, or adoption decree. There are two locations, one north and one south, and both are available for once a month visits, as needed. For more information and hours of operation, see location specific contact information below. Business hours vary, as this is a volunteer-run resource.
Hannah's Closet North -
Hannah's Closet South - Appointments Required - find on website:
Crisis Support Resources Through Clark County School District
Safe-Voice: 1-833-216-SAFE (7233) for anonymous reporting
CCSD Police: 702-799-5411
Mobile Crisis Response Team: 702-486-7865
National Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
or
Nevada Crisis Line: 775-784-8090
If someone is having thoughts of self-harm,
please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Please call 911 for an immediate emergency situation.
|
|
SPONGEBALL WATER FIGHT!
It is the month of July and that means it is getting HOT! Visit any dollar store and grab some of these for a quick and fun activity that your kids will not get bored of!
You'll need to gather the following supplies:
- Sponges – (3 sponges = 1 ball)
- Hair ties
- Scissors
- Bucket
|
|
|
|
The Foster Change Members Only Lending Library has launched and is ready for you! |
Don't forget about your newest resource! Visit the Foster Change Lending Library and enjoy books for FREE! Use just as you would a public library- checkout policies are printed at the bookshelf and online!
for more information!
Thanks to Allison and family for being the very first client to use the library!
While supplies last, all families who use the library get a gift bag full of great things and even tickets to The Discovery Museum or SeaQuest!
|
|
Want to Join Foster Change? |
|
|
|
Foster Change has an online
T-Shirt Store Now!
There are MANY styles to choose from...go get yours now!!!
As an organization, we are honored to serve you but - we also ARE you! Together, as a community of families, we are proud to BELONG to each other. Grab your shirt and wear it with pride! #youbelonghere #bettertogether #fosterchange
|
|
SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT? |
|
Thanks to the following organizations for serving on our Board of Directors!
Click on each to learn more:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
