|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Lea en español
 Jan. 2, 2025
In this issue...
Reflections from Christa Jones, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Service Delivery
The clock struck midnight, and once again, we reset the timer, turning the page to 2025. January, named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god of beginnings and transitions, invites us to reflect on the year behind and envision the one ahead. While this time of renewal can be inspiring, it can also bring uncertainty as we navigate change — especially for children, youth and families who are adjusting to new rhythms, challenges and opportunities.
|
January offers a unique chance to pause and rejuvenate. In a world that celebrates hustle and constant activity, taking time for rest can feel like an act of rebellion. Yet, it is in these moments of stillness that we — and especially children — can recalibrate and grow emotionally, mentally and physically. As caregivers, it is important to model the value of taking time to nurture these connections and finding joy in simple moments, like a quiet morning with a loved one. These are the moments that replenish us, from which we draw the strength to move forward into the year ahead.
And, while this time of rest can be rejuvenating, it is also natural to experience moments of sadness. For some, sad feelings may be more persistent and connected to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition sometimes called “winter blues,” which is linked to shorter days and reduced sunlight during the winter months. Learn more here about identifying and managing SAD.
If you find yourself needing some strategies to improve your mood, try one of these suggestions.
-
Take a moment to relax: Shift your perspective toward gratitude: Spend a few moments to practice this guided appreciation exercise. Explore the exercise here.
-
Show self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Progress isn’t linear. Setbacks are natural, and starting over is okay.
-
Choose your own timeline: Resolutions don’t have to start on January 1. Begin when you feel it is right for you.
-
Focus on your journey: Avoid comparing your goals to others. Your path is unique.
-
Ask for support: Whether from friends, family, or professionals, seeking help makes the journey less daunting. Visit OHA’s resource page for guidance.
January also reminds us of the power of relationships as we move into this new year — the shared laughter, soft reassurances and silent acts of kindness that connect us to one another. In a world that often feels disconnected, these moments of connections serve as lifelines. Take a moment to check in on those you love — and let them check in on you.
As we step into 2025, the Child and Family Behavioral Unit (CFBH) reaffirms its commitments to enhancing the well-being of Oregonians. Together, we create brighter tomorrows, filling our collective bucket with strength and resilience in facing what’s ahead.
In February 2024, five Oregon residential providers began a new chapter in transforming residential treatment as part of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Principles to Outcomes-Driven Practice (P2ODP) demonstration project. These residential provider agencies include Madrona Recovery, Nexus Family Healing — Walden Crossing, Parrott Creek Child and Family Services, St. Mary’s Home for Boys, and A Village for One.
The P2ODP project, a two-year collaboration, is a partnership between BBI, the University of Kentucky Center for Innovation in Population Health, Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), the Child and Family Center for Excellence and OHA. It provides Oregon’s participating providers with no-cost technical assistance and consultation from national experts in children’s residential intervention. The project is testing the BBI Theory of Change for Residential Interventions, a framework focused on evidence-based practices and continuous quality improvement in residential programs.
The project’s implementation kick-off event was held in Portland on Nov. 15, 2024, marking the transition from the design to implementation phase. Approximately 50 participants attended, including leaders and staff from the five residential providers, parent and youth representatives, ODHS, OHA, and Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). The participating agencies have completed an organizational self-assessment and identified key priorities for improvement. Now in the implementation phase, each agency will focus on one or two initiatives. The agencies selected priorities across several key best practice domains and all five chose "Family and youth-driven" as a central focus.
At the kick-off event, much discussion centered on the challenges and opportunities these residential providers face in maintaining strong communication and engagement with youth and families after they leave residential treatment. The agenda included presentations from each provider on their project design, a talk from the project’s lead Evaluation Specialist, Dr. Margaret McGladrey, and a panel discussion with youth and parents who shared their personal experiences in residential treatment. During the wrap-up session, attendees expressed a sense of inspiration and enthusiasm about the project’s positive impact and its potential to enhance practice quality.
We have had many questions and concerns from parents and providers about the rights of a young person to refuse or accept (“consent” to) treatment for both substance use and mental health treatment services.
To help clear this up, we consulted with legal experts. One important point to understand is that a young person’s right to consent to treatment is different from their right to refuse it. A parent or legal guardian (including an ODHS caseworker) can consent to health care, including behavioral health care, on behalf of a youth. OHA’s informed consent provisions in Oregon Administrative Rule are not intended to be a barrier to treatment for a youth, even if the youth is refusing, as long as a parent or guardian consents and the treatment is medically necessary.
This memo answers some of these questions, but we know it may raise new ones. To keep everyone informed, we’re planning:
-
Virtual webinars for providers on current laws and common situations, including frequently asked questions (winter 2025).
-
Feedback sessions with young people, families, and providers (spring-summer 2025).
-
Updates to Oregon Administrative Rules to clarify the rights of minors and parents around consent, including information on related topics like sharing medical records (winter 2025-2026).
We will provide further information on these next steps in future newsletters.
Eating disorders affect 30 million Americans, with 95 percent of those affected between the ages of 12 and 25. To address the lack of knowledge and expertise on this subject, a five-month training series will be offered for health professionals, educators and other school personnel, families and others.
We have partnered with Therese Waterhous, PhD, RDN, CEDRD-S, owner, clinician and trainer at Willamette Nutrition Source, LLC, to lead this series. Therese will be joined by three guest speakers who will address specific health equity considerations in eating disorder treatment. The series will include Spanish translation and select handouts will also be available.
Save the dates:
- Jan. 29, 2025
- Feb. 12 and 26, 2025
- March 26, 2025
- April 15, 2025
- May 7 and 21, 2025
- June 4, 2025 (Question and answer session for any of the prior trainings)
The trainings are from noon to 1:15 p.m., which includes 15 minutes for questions and answers.
If a participant desires continuing education units (CEUs), they will be offered through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). All sessions will be recorded and posted for later viewing; additional materials will also be available. Sessions will have concurrent Spanish translation, and selected handouts will be available in Spanish. More details on registration will be shared through this listserv and will be included in upcoming newsletters.
Last month, we shared information regarding the upcoming rule advisories and their anticipated impacts. This month, we are providing an update on the progress made and the next steps for each program.
Intensive In-Home Behavioral Health Treatment (IIBHT)
The final Community Engagement session for Intensive In-home Behavioral Health Treatment and Intensive Outpatient Services was held on December 16, 2024. OHA is actively reviewing the feedback and making the final adjustment to the rules. Once this is completed these rules will be posted for public comment. Please contact Beth Holliman with any questions: Beth.Holliman@oha.oregon.gov.
Fidelity Wraparound
Wraparound continues analyzing and reviewing community engagement themes and will begin to draft potential rule changes. A Wraparound workgroup including leadership from coordinated care organizations and children’s mental health programs will begin review in January 2025. Separate meetings with OHA’s contracted Wraparound training and technical assistance partners will convene to consider revisions. Once proposed revisions are drafted, the community will have an opportunity to provide comment. For more information, please contact Christianna.C.Rhoads@oha.oregon.gov.
Psychiatric residential and day treatment services
Psychiatric residential and day treatment services for children and adolescents’ rules are being reviewed. We are engaging the community in discussion and gathering input on proposed changes to rules in Chapter 309 Division 022 (Children & Adolescents: Intensive Treatment Services rule). Beginning in mid-January we will invite participation in the official Rules Advisory Committee. For more information, please contact Julie.Graves2@oha.oregon.gov.
Last month, the National Center for School Mental Health hosted its annual Advancing School Mental Health conference in Orlando. The event gathered experts to share insights on school mental health.
Presentations included supporting the school mental health workforce, creating trauma-informed school systems, and strengthening comprehensive school mental health systems through partnerships with local systems of care, community partners and higher education.
Fran Pearson, CFBH School-Based Mental Health Program and Policy Coordinator, attended the conference and reflected, “It was humbling to be in spaces with so many dedicated professionals committed to helping youth, young people and their families thrive.”
|
