Blog

As we head into our full CRC curriculum this January, we invite current and future CRC Accelerator participants to join us with collective care and self care in mind.

The holiday season is here! Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, Kwanzaa: all times of celebration for their adherents. This time of the year is typically associated with joy, family, food, and an overall sense of togetherness. While these emotions may be the case for most, it is not always so for current and former youth in foster care. For many, this is a time of year when they are faced with the realization that they will not be “home for the holidays” with their birth family members. This...

Since 2021, Benchmarks has provided consultation and implementation support on the Pathways to Permanency project for Vaya Health, a journey that has seen us navigate through crucial project phases. From the initiation phase, where objectives and stakeholders were identified, to the meticulous planning, execution, and now the sustainability phase, each step has been pivotal in shaping the project's success. As we prepare to transition from implementation support to the sustainability phase,...

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during fall and winter. It is believed to be related to changes in light exposure and may result from disruptions in the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythms) and alterations in neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin. What happens when SAD is coupled with complex trauma ? The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) defines complex trauma as...

In the collaborative pursuit of addressing the comprehensive needs of youth in foster care and their families, the Pathways to Permanency project has given rise to a powerful tool – the “FosteringNC Developmental Effects of Trauma Facilitator’s Guide". Developed in tandem with Vaya, County DSS offices, and mental health providers, this guide stands as a testament to Vaya’s commitment to addressing critical needs related to the foster care experience. The Pathways to Permanency Project The...

November has been recognized as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month since 2007 to acknowledge the children and youth that are experiencing homelessness, build awareness around the causes of youth homelessness, examine possible solutions to the issue, and to encourage discussions about how to prevent homelessness among children and teens. Each November, in addition to awareness campaigns, communities recognize businesses and organizations dedic ated to supporting children and teens...

Guy Fieri, the renowned celebrity chef, highlighted the incredible power of food to bring people from diverse backgrounds together with his famous quote: "Cooking is all about people. Food may be the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people get together to eat." Today, we'll delve into how we harnessed this universal connection as we utilized a meticulously curated menu to express our care for the...

From October 11th to 13th, in the heart of the majestic Cherokee mountains, Benchmarks hosted its first annual conference, bringing together child welfare and behavioral health professionals and stakeholders from all corners of the industry. It was a gathering where ideas were shared, innovations explored, and, most importantly, inspiration ignited. The event featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including the renowned Patch Adams, the talented Lauren Potter, and on the final...

Beyond Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), our members seek to deeply understand strengths-based insights embedded in the remaining ACEs quadrant: Adverse Community Environments, Adverse Climate Experiences, and Atrocious Cultural Experiences.

October may be National Book month, but any time is the it is the perfect time to honor the dedicated reading efforts of the Benchmarks Center for Quality Integration (CQi) staff. In 2019 they initiated a CQi staff book club, focusing on deepening their understanding of trauma-informed science, behaviors, and treatments, as well as exploring mental health, leadership, and project management. This initiative also aimed to gain insight into the worlds their project partners work in, such as...

Awareness about health outcomes are as much about the long-term impact caused by adverse childhood experiences as they are by positive childhood experiences. By providing education on trauma-informed awareness and resilience building frameworks, the CRC Accelerator certification is a tool for both.

At its core, Pathways to Permanency project seeks to provide a clear and supportive path for youth in foster care on their journey to permanency. This journey often involves complex challenges, but with the right team and collective commitment, the goal becomes attainable. Several departments within Vaya Health have united to support this project, recognizing the profound impact it can have on the lives of vulnerable youth. These departments include Provider Network, Community Relations,...