The past several years have highlighted the importance of managing mental health and wellness. Data are showing increases in mental health challenges for older youth, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Young children can also face mental health challenges, which, if left untreated, can prevent a child from reaching their full potential.
We cannot wait for mental health struggles to manifest before acting. The journey of exploring the mental health needs of children and families must begin early and be ongoing to provide them with appropriate interventions and supports.
I recently had an opportunity to meet with young adults who were at various stages in their transition from foster care and overwhelmingly heard that strong mental health support was key to their success. They said the approach should be culturally responsive, trauma informed, and individualized. Culturally responsive could mean treatment plans that include traditional, and non- traditional Westernized practices. Using a lens of compassion and cultural humility to understand the ways that culture can impact how a person approaches mental health is vital to being able to connect children, youth, and families to the services they need.
Thank you for visiting the National Foster Care Month website. I encourage you to explore the resources and stories that reflect the Children's Bureau's priorities and equip you with tools to incorporate what you find into everyday practice. This National Foster Care Month, let us talk—and listen—to the children, youth, families, and professionals within the child welfare system. Together, we can strengthen families through equipping them with the tools and supports they need on their journeys.
In unity,
Aysha E. Schomburg
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