Check out our website for all the meeting times and dates. Just go to Oregon System of Care Advisory Council to stay up-to-date and be a part of what we’re doing!
Heartfelt Farwell and Call for New Council Members
We're saying goodbye with mixed feelings to two important members of our System of Care Advisory Council, Bill Bouska and Sandy Bumpus. They've done a lot to help children, youth, and families in Oregon, and we're going to miss them a lot.
Now, as we look ahead, we need new members to join us:
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Rural Health Representative – We're looking for someone who works with a health organization focused on rural areas. Your role will be to help us understand and address the challenges in access to care and services faced by children and youth in rural communities.
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Family Advocacy Representative – We need someone from a group that supports families of young people with behavioral health needs. Your job will be to make sure we hear and consider these families' perspectives in our decisions and policies.
For both roles, we need people dedicated to improving mental health services for young people, who can work well with others, and who are enthusiastic about supporting their communities. If you believe in a system of care led by the community and working together, we encourage you to join us.
To learn more about joining the council or one of its subcommittees, please email Christy Hudson.
Welcome to Our Newest Team Member: Joyleen Mabika Carter
We are excited to welcome Joyleen Carter to the System of Care Advisory Council as our new Youth and Engagement Coordinator. Joyleen has a strong commitment to making sure our decisions and policies reflect what is important to youth and families.
Joyleen will play a key role in shaping our policies, researching important topics, and helping new members with lived expertise participate in the work of the Council. Her knowledge and insights will be crucial in creating a space where the opinions of youth and families are not only heard, but are central to our work.
We're really happy to have Joyleen with us. We believe she will make a big difference in our work and, more importantly, in the lives of the kids, young people, and families who are at the heart of the Council’s work.
Please join us in welcoming Joyleen to our team. We are eager to see the new ideas and energy she will bring to our efforts in making a positive change in our communities.
Join the Fight Against Fentanyl: SAMHSA’s Youth Challenge
Help your community! We invite U.S. teens (aged 14-18) to share their ideas on how to make others aware of fentanyl dangers and how to prevent its use. This isn't just a call to action; it's a chance for young people to make a real difference in this important health issue.
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Who Can Participate: Any U.S. teenager 14-18.
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Challenge Focus: Creating ways to teach your friends about the risks of fentanyl and fake pills.
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Prize Money: The top 6 ideas win $5,000 each, with 25 honorable mentions receiving $2,000 each.
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Submission Period: December 1, 2023, to February 26, 2024
This challenge is a response to the alarming increase in drug overdose deaths among teens, mainly because of illegally made fentanyl. it's your chance to help solve this problem and maybe even save lives.
For more details and to participate, visit Samhsa.gov
Building Bridges: Families, Advocates, and Multi-System Collaboration for Community Support and Services
Families and those who support them are joining forces to talk about how different systems (like schools, healthcare, and social services) are involved in their lives. Often, this involvement leads to restrictive services like juvenile justice or child welfare. But what we really need is more support and help right in our communities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Invites Public Comment for Proposed Changes to Rules for Youth Services
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is updating its rules regarding services for young people and how rates for these services are set. The program is inviting comments from the community. Here's how to participate:
Join a Public Hearing in January: Attend to share your views in person.
Send Written Comments by January 31: Submit your thoughts in writing.
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Changes are being made in how rates are set for services provided to students and young people with disabilities.
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Strengthen language committing to statewide pre-employment transition services for all students with disabilities.
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Clarify services for students with disabilities who are potentially eligible.
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Explain services available for youth and students with disabilities eligible for general vocational rehabilitation services provided in an individualized plan for employment.
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Clarify transition services to groups of students with disabilities and youth with disabilities who may not have yet applied for vocational rehabilitation services.
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Describe VR required information and records required for students to participate in pre-employment transition services.
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There is an explanation on how certain federal funds are used to benefit students and young people with disabilities, including their purpose and documentation of services.
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Move definitions to this Division that are specific to youth services. New terms for youth vocational rehabilitation services are added.
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Clarify the rule contents generally, review grammar and expand the use of plain language.
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Review and update legal references and names of forms and organizations, as needed.
Where to Find More Information and Contact
The SOCAC works with cross sector partners to alleviate barriers for youth and families within the child serving system. SOCAC is pleased to provide the following updates to barrier reports that have been sent to the SOCAC for state-level resolution by local System of Care partners.
Residential Treatment Madrona Recovery 18-bed expansion in 2024
As part of the 2021 legislative investment in the children's behavioral health continuum, Madrona Recovery facility became dually licensed as a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) in November.
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Madrona Recovery already helps young people with substance use issues. Now, they're adding 18 new beds specifically for young people who have both substance use disorders and severe mental health needs.
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These new beds will be ready in February 2024. They are meant for young people who need a lot of mental health support.
This expansion is part of a project funded by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) also gave money to help remodel and enlarge Madrona Recovery so it can have these new beds.
There will be an open house at Madrona Recovery in January 2024 to show the new space.
Respite
The System of Care Advisory Council (SOCAC) is actively addressing problems related to respite care. In January, we're holding four workshops to create suggestions for improving respite services. These suggestions will be based on opinions from youth and families collected through surveys and meetings last year.
To understand the views of these youth and families and share your thoughts on the proposed solutions, please join us for a discussion session on Wednesday, February 7, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.
Input Requested on new Social Emotional Health Metric
The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Pediatric Improvement Partnership (OPIP) are working together to offer online sessions for mental health and primary healthcare providers, as well as Coordinated Care Organizations. These webinars are about a new way to measure social and emotional health services for young children (from birth to five years) and their families. This measurement aims to make sure all children and families can easily access the best care for their emotional and social needs.
There are multiple opportunities to get involved with the development of this metric.
Oregon’s New Helpline Under Measure 110
Oregon's Measure 110 introduces a new phone line, offering immediate access to substance use treatment, housing, and overdose prevention services. Managed by Health Resources in Action (HRiA), this helpline, soon to include text options, marks a significant step in Oregon's approach to substance use disorder treatment and recovery.
Articles:
Oregon Capital Chronicle: OHA Ombuds report calls for improvements to children’s behavioral health
OPB: Judge-commissioned report examines why Oregon continues to keep foster kids in hotels
Governor Kotek announces $25 million partnership with Coordinated Care Organizations to expand behavioral health capacity for youth.
The Governor’s Office and CCOs have identified four projects that serve youth, meet the greatest need, and are geographically diverse. The investment are as follows:
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$13.2 million to the Trillium Family Services Project located in the Portland Metro area to increase psychiatric residential treatment (PRTS) capacity by adding new treatment beds.
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$7.5 million to the Adapt Project, based in Douglas County. This investment will support a new campus currently underway in the region that will provide treatment beds.
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$2.3 million to the Looking Glass Project in Lane County to expand PRTS capacity.
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$2 million to Community Counseling Solutions Project in Morrow County. This investment will close a funding gap for new PRTS.
For more details, click here.
LAST CALL: Sapsik'ʷałá (Teacher) Education Program
Are you an aspiring Indigenous teacher? The Sapsik™Watá (Teacher) Education Program at the University of Oregon is looking for applicants for its next group of students, starting in June 2024. This one-year program offers intensive training for Indigenous educators and leads to a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Teaching. This is done in collaboration with the UOTeach master's/licensure program and includes learning Indigenous teaching methods.
For information on how to apply, please check the admissions checklist. Applications are now open but will close on January 15th.
If you have questions or want to hear about the experiences of our former students, please email sapsikwala@uoregon.edu.
Shawna McConville Radford to be first Director of Tribal Affairs for Oregon Governor
Shana McConville Radford from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is the new tribal affairs director in Governor Tina Kotek's administration in Oregon. This is the first time someone is holding this position in the state. McConville Radford, who is 39 years old, was the deputy director of the Umatilla Indian Reservation since May 2022.
“The tribal affairs director role is an unprecedented role in the Governor’s office,” said Kotek spokesperson Anca Matica in an email. “The governor’s top priority for the tribal affairs director is to foster positive relationships with Oregon’s tribal nations through meaningful and transparent consultation.”
Engaging the I/DD Community: Virtual Listening Sessions
The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) invites people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their tribal partners, and support workers to join online listening sessions on January 18, 2024. These online meetings are a part of a project running into early 2025, aimed at gathering your feedback and learning from your experiences. The goal is to better understand your needs and challenges to improve services.
Accommodations such as sign language, Spanish translation, and live captions will be available, making sure everyone can participate and share their thoughts.
ODE and OHA webinar series: Health in Education
You are invited to join a series of online learning sessions hosted by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority, along with our district partners. These webinars focus on how to improve student health and well-being by working together creatively and using different funding sources effectively.
What's It About? We'll show you how schools and districts can find money and work with local organizations to start and keep up health and wellness programs. These programs are designed to help students with their physical, mental, and behavioral health, which can lead to doing better in school.
Why It Matters: Districts will learn about ways to plan and partner with others. This knowledge will help them with budgeting and making sure their efforts support student success in Oregon schools.
When: The webinars will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. We'll feature different districts who will share their experiences and methods in forming successful partnership
January 17th - High Desert ESD and Umatilla ESD
February 14th - Bend La Pine, Deschutes Public Health and Deschutes Behavioral Health
February 28th - Lane ESD and Gorge ESD
March 6th - Community Care Demonstration Project
New Crisis Hotline for Oregon's Farmers, Ranchers, Loggers, and Fishermen
Oregon has launched a critical mental health resource: The Agri-Stress Helpline, a 24/7 crisis hotline for farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, loggers, and fishermen. Developed by Allison Myers of Oregon State University, with support from various organizations and a legislative grant, this helpline aims to address the unique mental health challenges in these professions, including high suicide rates and isolation. Staffed by experienced counselors and accessible in 160 languages, it's a significant step in supporting Oregon's rural community.
Critical Perspectives on Residential Child & Youth Care
Join an insightful webinar that dives into the world of residential child and youth care across 16 countries. This event is a culmination of extensive research by over fifty international collaborators.
Key Highlights: - International Analysis: Discover how residential care is a critical part of child and family services globally. - Utilization Rates: Understand how these countries vary in their use of residential care compared to foster care. - Workforce Preparation: Learn about the approaches to professional education, training, and internships aimed at ensuring top-quality residential care services.
When: February 14, 2024, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Open for both ACRC members and non-members.
This webinar is a good opportunity for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and skills in child and youth care, highlighting the significance of international collaboration and education in this vital field.
Visit the event page for more details and to register.
Latino Provider Association Town Hall and Member Assembly
Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of culturally competent healthcare delivery. This event is hosted by PRODER’s Clinical Advisory Council (CAP) - the Latino Provider Association Town Hall and Member Assembly.
Free and Open to the Public: Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available.
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Assessing the Gaps in the Latino Healthcare Workforce
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The Importance of Culturally Specific Care
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Ways Latino Providers Can Make a Difference
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about any of the information or events mentioned in this newsletter, please feel free to contact us. We appreciate your input and feedback as we work together to improve outcomes for children and families in Oregon.
Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested in the latest news and updates from Oregon's System of Care.
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