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ASCI Presents: A Guide to Mental Health for Families
Mental health carries a significant importance for kinship care youth and families, influencing their capacity to navigate the distinctive challenges and dynamics of their situations. For instance, we often see patterns of children being placed in kinship care due to parental substance abuse, neglect, or other familial issues. Mental health support is crucial for coping with the trauma of separation, adjusting to new environments, and building healthy relationships with caregivers. Additionally, kinship caregivers themselves may experience heightened stress, financial strain, and emotional turmoil, necessitating mental health resources to sustain their well-being and provide stable, nurturing environments for the children in their care.
A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI) makes it a priority to educate our staff on the importance of mental health, for not only themselves but also for the birth parents, child, and caregivers. Mental health awareness among caseworkers is essential given their pivotal role in supporting individuals and families facing various challenges. Caseworkers often serve as frontline advocates, providing guidance, resources, and interventions to address mental health needs effectively. They play a crucial role in identifying signs of distress, facilitating access to appropriate services, and offering empathetic support to families by navigating complex emotional landscapes. This is why ASCI created programs like the High Impact Unit and the C.A.R.E.S. department to prioritize and be proactive regarding mental health within kinship care settings. Families can now have assistance to access the support and resources needed to heal from past traumas, strengthen familial bonds, and foster resilience in the face of adversity, ultimately promoting healthier outcomes for youth and caregivers alike.
We should all be proactive when it comes to our mental well-being starting now. Feel free to contact, A Second Chance, Inc. for more information about our programs.
Below are mental health resources readily available to provide support and guidance.
Early Childhood Mental Health Programs
As a part of its mission to reduce the impact of substance use and mental illness on our communities, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) funds programs that promote and support the health and wellness of young children and their families.
Virtual Teen Mental Health Resource
We accept most insurance plans. Begin your virtual mental health treatment journey today.
National Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help.
We can all take steps to improve our mental health. This looks different for everyone. Perhaps you’d like to talk to someone, focus more on self-care, consider medication, and/or seek other treatments. No matter your challenges, there are options to help you. Use this guide to find the support that works for you and your loved ones.
How and Why to Practice Self-Care
With mental health challenges on the increase– rates of depression alone tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic — it’s possible that you may find yourself or someone you know in need of support. To be equipped to offer that support, you need to take care of yourself.