Diverse Promising Practices for Engaging Youth Before and During Times of Emotional Distress: Youth, Family, and School Perspectives

Website/URL: http://promoteacceptance.samhs...ference08062014.aspx

Organized By: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Presenters: Letty Elenes, Transition Age Youth Manager at Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services (PEERS), Advanced Level Facilitator in the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), and the first WRAP facilitator to run youth-to-youth groups in the Nation Stephany Bryan, Program Officer and Consumer & Family Liaison for the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Integrated Funding Initiative and the Texas Transformation Workgroup Wendell Waukau, M.A., Ed.S., the Superintendent for Menominee Indian School District located on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Northeast Wisconsin, who in 2012 was honored at the White House by President Obama as a “Champion of Change,” or what the White House calls a “school turnaround leader” Teleconference Overview: How do we create safe and supportive communities that engage youth? How can parents build relationships with their children in which their children perceive their guidance as respectful and contributing to their intellectual and emotional growth? How can a school district build strong relationships with families and students that teach resiliency and culture while improving students’ health, well-being, and academic performance?  These questions and others will be explored as we hear diverse perspectives on creating communities where youth feel safe and accepted. Our presenters will share their successes in creating opportunities for youth to learn how to maintain their wellness; take good care of themselves; make good decisions; and feel connected to their family, peers, and larger community.