Salute from The Link Team
Dear Readers,
This year ACS celebrates 20 years as a free-standing City agency. The occasion calls for celebration and remembrance. Accordingly, the theme for this edition of The Link is “Building Strong Families.” Join us as we celebrate our efforts to build strong families and remember the contributions of Nicholas Scoppetta, the first ACS commissioner.
We begin with a heartfelt tribute by Link magazine team member Linda Murrell titled “The Legacy of Commissioner Scoppetta Con- tinues.” In her piece, Linda speaks as a social worker with over 28 years’ experience in the field, about the opportunities to ad- vance her career because of Commissioner Scoppetta’s policies to professionalize the work. We hear from parent advocate Maria Tavares about how ACS helped her children safe in the face of many challenges, and from Natalie Marks about how listening to a child can have profound and positive effects on reducing trauma for a child who has experienced abuse.
In observance of Mental Health Awareness in May, we join with NYC first lady Chirlane McCray to focus on the ThriveNYC campaign and efforts to improve the mental wellbeing of all New Yorkers. Read about the campaign here or go to www.thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us to learn more and read the report ThriveNYC: A Mental Health Roadmap for All. Meet ACS’s own mental health team from the Office of Clinical Practice, Policy and Support and get Casework Tips Regarding Mental Health Evalua- tions.
As in every issue we feature tips on safe sleep environments for babies and in this edition, we provide a special child safety “Family Strong” tip sheet in English and Spanish. Our end pages feature Child Abuse Awareness events including the Bronx Party for Pre- vention and the Brooklyn Bridge Walk for Prevention, both held during April as part of Child Abuse Prevention month. Join with us in the Salute to Fathers as we mark our calendars for Fatherhood activities in September!
We hope that the information presented here will be of value to the child welfare community as we strive to promote child safety and strengthen families.
The Link Magazine Team
Catherine Arman-Santana, Martha Boomer, Zelika Compaore, Maria Jackson, Luisa Linares, Celeste Lucas Powers, Sa-
mantha Mclean, Valerie Moore, Linda Murrell, Laura Postiglione, Babette Spain, ACS Office Services.
In this issue we say farewell team members Harriette Nieves and Phyllis Evans who retired from city service.
The views expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of ACS; and the resources in this publication do not imply an endorsement. ACS and this publication do not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize infor- mation, suggestions or recommendations made by the writers or other resources.
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CONTENTS
Salute From The Link Team i AwarenessFoster Care Months Family Strong: Strong Families NYC — A 31 Focus on Permanency and Well-Being 28
The Legacy of Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta LGBTQ 32 Continues . 1 The New York City Fatherhood Initiative Presents: ACSTHE NYCStaff DADS Recruit MATTER Foster AWARDSParents at the Manhattan 29 Pride 33 ACS Preventive: A Parent Success Story 4 Awareness Months 31 The Reading Corner 34 Why Consider Recantation in Assessment of Child Abuse and Neglect 5 LGBTQ 32 10 Movies for Families 36 ACS Staff Recruit Foster Parents at the Manhattan Safehorizon 6 Pride 33
Mandras de Mantener Su Familia Saludable 38
Safe Sleep 7 The Reading Corner 34
10 Ways to Keep Your Family Strong 39
Window Guards 10 10 Movies for Families 36
ACS Staff NYC Family Strong 40
Protect the Ones you Love 14 Mandras de Mantener Su Familia Saludable 38
Pictures from the Family Strong Campaign 41
Mayor de Blasio, First Lady McCray Release
ThriveNYC: A Mental Health Roadmap for All 17 10 Ways to Keep Your Family Strong 39 Resources 42
Office of Clinical Practice, Policy and Support . 18 ACS Staff NYC Family Strong 40 Free Interpretation 44
Hidden in Plain Sight; Teen Suicide Crisis and the Pictures from the Family Strong Campaign 41 Harriette Nieves Retired 45 Unheeded Call to Action 20
PicturesResources of the Child Abuse Prevention Awareness 42 Casework Tips Regarding Mental Health Walk . 47 Evaluations 23
Free Interpretation 44
Workplace Stress and staff Wellness 25 Harriette Nieves Retired 45
Be The Reason They’re Still a Family 27 Be The Reason They’re Still a Family 27
Pictures of the Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Foster Care Family Strong: Strong Families NYC— A Walk . 47 Focus on Permanency and Well-Being 28
The New York City Fatherhood Initiative Presents:
THE NYC DADS MATTER AWARDS 29
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The Legacy of Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta Continues……… A Tribute to a Commissioner who is deserving of Emeritus Status November 6, 1932- March 24, 2016 Linda Lee Murrell, Family Permanency as the Administration for Children’s Ser- vices. I was hired under the Koch Admin- hen I originally wrote this arti- istration; as ACS was experiencing critical W cle in early March, our beloved turmoil because of the death of Lisa Commissioner Scoppetta was still alive. Steinberg from abuse at the hands of her Due to his enormous contributions, I guardians Joel Steinberg and Hedda believe Commissioner Scoppetta de- Nussbaum. This case demonstrated that serves the status of Commissioner Emeri- child abuse crosses racial and economic tus. That title is not bestowed upon just lines. Through this tragedy, the color of any worker or administrator but is a way child abuse changed; which forced offi- to honor a person who has made signifi- cials to look at how the child welfare cant contributions in their field. Commis- system addresses child abuse. In an sioner Nicholas Scoppetta is one who attempt to find a solution for high case was instrumental in social work reforms loads, high turnovers, and uncovered that placed ACS on the map to be a pro- caseloads; Mayor Edward Koch instituted gressive social work agency; that looked a massive hiring of those with Bachelor at child welfare and its employees from a Degrees who had a desire to work in the different perspective. I learned about the showed he cared. At the memorial ser- child welfare system. passing of Commissioner Scoppetta when vice for Commissioner Scoppetta held on On January 11, 1996, Mayor Giuliani an- I saw the wonderful tribute to him posted March 30 at the ACS Children’s Center nounced the creation of the Administra- by Jennifer Jones Austin, Esq., (Chief Exec- named in his honor, former Mayor Mi- tion for Children’s Services and appointed utive Officer and Executive Director of the chael Bloomberg, Mayor Bill De Blasio, Nicholas Scoppetta the agency’s first com- Federation of Protestant Welfare Agen- Police Commissioner Bill Bratton gave missioner. This was the first time in histo- cies and a former ACS Deputy Commis- wonderful tributes. Commissioner Scop- ry that an independent agency was estab- sioner). petta’s daughter Andrea read a letter lished that was devoted entirely to ser- from Presidential Candidate, Hillary Clin- This is my tribute from the perspective of vices for children, with a commissioner ton. Over 250 mourners were part of this a social worker who has been working for reporting directly to the mayor. Mayor memorial service, but to hear the tributes ACS for 28 years. Commissioner Scop- Giuliani’s rationale was that there would his family presented; as they spoke about petta was a hands on Commissioner. be more accountability with the ACS Com- their father, their grandfather and former When I worked at one of the Borough missioner reporting directly to him. colleague was touching to the hearts of Offices, I remember when Commissioner many of us. Commissioner Scoppetta was After ACS was an official separate agency, Scoppetta and Senior Staff visited the married for 53 years to his wife Susan. no longer under the Human Resource office and personally spoke with the Mrs. Scoppetta stated: “I loved him Administration, ACS could focus on the workers to address their concerns. I will fiercely, passionately. He called me unique concerns of child abuse and ne- always have that fond memory of how sweetheart, and he had a sweet heart of glect. In the publication, Protecting the Commissioner Scoppetta touched the his own. And now my heart is broken and Children of New York, (December 19, lives of the child protective staff. He left he will always be my sweetheart”. 1996), the following principles were out- his office at 150 to speak with us, this On September 11, 1988, I was hired as a lined: Caseworker at the agency we now know
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The Goal: “Mayor Rudolph Giuliani es- gators were Child Welfare Specialist. Lan- Now, after being at ACS for 28 years, tablished the Administration for Chil- guage is important and when you define when I reflect back to the beginning of dren’s Services to stop the killing, abuse, an employee as a specialist, a new aware- the agency in 1996, I have to honestly say and neglect of children in New York City ness of your role, takes place. Those who that as a professional, being under the and to make certain that the lives of vic- were accepted into this new title change leadership of Nicholas Scoppetta had a timized children are measurably im- received an 8 percent increase. We were positive impact on my career as a social proved”. The Mission: “To ensure the encouraged to attend Graduate School worker. Some of my colleagues may not safety and well-being of all the children of and obtain a Masters of Social Worker to agree with me, but I believe I was afford- New York”. increase our knowledge base. I along ed opportunities that have positively with other ACS employees were recipi- shaped me into the Social Worker I am In order to carry out our goals and mis- ents of the ACS scholarship. During that today. I believe Commissioner Scoppetta sion, steps were taken to professionalize time, there appeared to be more promo- built the foundation for what is currently ACS including title changes. Those of us tional opportunities for those who ACS. Commissioner Scoppetta’s Legacy who investigated child abuse and neglect worked hard and made the investment in Continues... Farewell Commissioner allegations were Child Protective Special attending graduate school. Emeritus. ist; those who were not specifically investi
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ACS Preventive: A Parent Success Story
Domestic Violence. ment with the Board of Education I was further inspired to volunteer at the NYC One of the first resources was the New Parks and Recreation Center, J. Hood York Presbyterian Medical Center, which Wright Center, in my community. I did a put me in connection with ACS. ACS then program for teens at risk with mothers put me in connection with my first preven- and the NYC Police Department in my lo- tive agency which was a preventive ser- cal community, the 33rd precinct, helping vice where I met a wonderful woman the youth and mother’s awareness in named Babette Spain who worked with schools teens with street gangs, drug, and me. The preventive agency was able to involvement with the law. I also took a provide parenting groups which help me Maria Taveras course in NAMI on mental illness. Through to develop parenting skills so I could be a my involvement with NAMI I am now better mother to my children. They also working in the center for Human Develop- provided individual counseling for me to y name is Maria Taveras. I am a ment and Family Services Inc. and this is develop healthy ways of coping and ad- single mother of 4 boys with why today I work as a parent advocate M dress my domestic violence issues. I special needs ages 27, 26, 21, and 18. which is requested by ACS. would say to myself, how is this possible, Three of my children are living with me Being a parent advocate helping parents people who are not even my family could given their ability to function. I had a long understands the behavior and dynamics possibly understand my family situation, and intensive history of domestic violence. that involve keeping their children safe at open my home to and give me help to I grew up in a dysfunctional family which all means. I believe that everyone has the care for my own kids. How this was even led me to also encounter many obstacles opportunity to become the better person so. If I’m their mother and father I’m the in parenting my boys as a mom and wom- who they want to be as long as you do not expert with them, I should know how to an. These past experiences have taught let adversity take from you the opportuni- take care of my own boys. But I need to me to empower myself and to be able to ty which life throws at you. It is important tell you that it is possible for someone overcome these challenges a mother I for parents need to work on empowering who is not your family to be able to help faced alone with my sons. I had no sup- each other and educating themselves. If you to make better choices and provide port from my immediate family which led not for the help of local programs and opportunities to change your current situ- me to seek outside help. I felt like the community agencies I would not be ation for the best. worst human being. At the time, I didn’t writing this article today. If I had given up see where this was leading me to, how But don’t get me wrong, they also learned 20 years ago, I would not be able to in- can people that don’t even know me help from me as a parent. I had the strengthen spire others and to focus on the positive. me overcome my difficulties and challeng- of most parents which is true love for my “Struggles only make us victorious not es in my current family situation. For ex- boys and that made it so much better victims in the world we live today.” This is ample, learning to deal with an abusive when it came to having to make changes why I do my job with such a passion and partner who verbally and physically in our lives. My motto is if you have true love and do so proudly, helping other par- abused me and parenting my boys with real love for yourself and family than you ents who find it hard to find their special needs. I didn’t understand. “Why can make it happen. I’ve learned that love strengths which will lead them to be suc- me?” was the question I asked myself. But is the most important ingredient in family. cessful parents. I also would like to express that never did then like a light from above shining on me, Today I am a productive member of socie- ACS came into my life. I know what you ACS separate my family as a matter of fact ty, a proud mother, father, and grand- may be thinking right now, “What, ACS, they always acknowledge that the best like a light?” That must be the worst thing thing was to always keep us together. mother of two. I would like to thank God
and Jesus Christ, my sons, Joshua, that could happen to any parent. But no, At this time I work at the NYS Board of I’m living proof why that’s not true and Education as a parent advocate for Special Ramsley, Reese, and Jensley, Babette writing this story to enlighten other par- and Regular Education students to be able Spain and ACS for giving me this oppor- ents. Yes, ACS did in fact help and educate to educate myself and others to be more tunity to tell my story, and for giving me me to better understand my role as a knowledgeable in understanding children their strength and support to keep focus mom and overcoming being a victim of with special needs. Through my involve- and never give up. Thank you. 4
Why consider recantation in assessment of child abuse and neglect?
children at a conference and I will never What can we do to prevent recantation forget how they recounted their ordeal, and support our children and families? profoundly exclaiming “I took it all back There are potential interventions you can and it made it better, my world would go make during the investigation that provide back to normal and my mother would not the necessary support for the child and have to cry anymore”. Their faces and family, thereby reducing the possibility of voices have stayed with me throughout my recantation. It is important to keep in Natalie Marks career. mind that the team approach is the best What could we have done? How could we way to help support the family. Having the here’s always that case, the one assess for recantation and support our child interviewed once, at the CAC and T that stays in your memory and children and families through a very trau- with all of our partners (NYPD, DA, Safe psyche. It becomes a defining moment in matic time? Horizons and our medical partners) can your career, in the way you assess families ensure that we wrap our systemic arms First, let’s define recantation for the child and often drives our mental model of our around this family. This approach ensures work. It’s that child, whose face and cry welfare professional. Recantation is when that we will be able to support and edu- you will never forget. I had such an experi- a child “takes back” an earlier allegation of cate the child and the parent, provide ad- ence, a case that purely defined the suc- physical or sexual abuse. In some cases, cesses and failures of our work in child vocacy, services and even concrete sup- the child’s recantation may be valid, but welfare, and how we can make a profound port that may allow the family to move research shows that in most cases, the difference when we begin to truly hear the forward without the offending parent. voice of a child. child’s initial allegation is more likely to be true. The second most important way to pre- This case involved two tween girls, who, vent recantation is with on-going commu- Children recant for many reasons and once for many years, made allegations to vari- nication. Keeping the family informed of we understand these reasons, we can ous school personnel about horrific sexual the process along the way, and communi- make informed assessments to ensure no and physical abuse by their step-father. cating with all the partners (DA, NYPD, other child has to endure abuse alone. Each report that was made appeared to Safe Horizons etc.) is key. escalate in the severity of abuse. Each CPS Often times they are afraid to hurt the worker, many in tandem with our NYPD “other” or “non offending” parent. Many Finally, it is important for CPS to recognize partners, diligently interviewed the chil- children report thinking: What will my the different roles of CPS, who gather in- dren and all the significant contacts at the mother do without the extra income? formation to assess safety, and law en- schools and in the community. Each and How will she ever stop crying? My world forcement, who gather evidence to prose- every time, the children would recant the feels like it’s upside down, and if I say I cute the offender- these can lead to differ- allegations even before the investigation lied, it will all go back to normal! ent outcomes (i.e. There may be not enough evidence for criminality, but that began. This was a pattern that unfortu- Other reasons children recant include: nately continued for nearly eight years and does not mean the child(ren) are safe). Disbelief by the non-offending parent involved more than twenty reports to the There is so much we can do to help chil- State Central Registry. In 2009, we be- Feelings of concerns for the alleged dren who are victims and non-offending came involved with the family again, this perpetrators well being parents move beyond a tragic event. With time the girls ran away and confided in a Self blame for the abuse all of our support, anything is possible! relative. This relative became a staunch Anger from siblings or other family “Just one person. It really honestly just advocate for the children, matched with a members takes one positive person. One positive Fears of being removed by ACS diligent and caring supervisor; the investi- person can help you. And that can go a gation revealed that the abuse was in fact Fears of threats made by the perpe- long, long way. - Alexis” true, for many years, these girls suffered trator coming true ― Robert Uttaro, To the Survivors alone. I had the opportunity to meet the Anxiety about the legal process
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Safe Horizon operates 5 fully co-located child abuse victims and their impacted A post forensic interview counseling Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) in each of family members. Safe Horizon also partic- session, to assess children’s and care- the five boroughs, in partnership with ipates in the forensic interview process of givers’ immediate safety concerns ACS, the NYPD, ADA’s, expert medical children. following a disclosure of abuse providers and Corporation Counsel. Services provided include: Supportive counseling & crisis inter- The Child Advocacy Center is a child- Counseling: vention. friendly place where a multidisciplinary team, sits side by side and works together The Child & Family Traumatic Stress Victim Support & Advocacy to investigate and respond to child sexual Intervention -an evidence-based Families are provided with infor- abuse and/or severe physical abuse cases. mental health intervention for chil- mation about the CAC process At each CAC, Safe Horizon is the on-site dren ages 3-18 suffering from trau- provider of mental health services and matic reactions following their disclo- Assistance obtaining benefits, being victim support & advocacy services for sure of abuse along with their non- linked to ongoing supports & re- offending caregivers’ sources, practical assistance.
SAFE HORIZON CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER LOCATIONS
Bronx CAC Manhattan CAC
1775 Grand Concourse, 5th Floor, 1753 Park Avenue, Second Floor Phone: 929-265-3600 Phone: 646-695-6100 Fabio Cotza, Senior Director John Pickett, Senior Director
Brooklyn Queens
112-25 Queens Blvd, 3rd floor For- Jane Barker Brooklyn CAC est Hills 320 Schemerhorn Street Phone: 718-575-1342 Phone: 718-330-5400 Naomi Barasch, Senior Director Gena Diacomanolis, Senior Director
Staten Island CAC 130 Stuyvesant Place, 5th Floor, Staten Island Phone: 718-556-4095 Frankie Alvarez, Senior Director
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Protect the Ones you Love
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Protect the Ones You Love
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Mayor de Blasio, First Lady McCray Release ThriveNYC: A Mental Health Roadmap for All
public health approach to mental well-
any New Yorkers are suffering, ness that charts a path toward a healthier Mental Health in Schools: even though mental health and happier future for all New Yorkers. M Building on the expansion of problems are treatable. In addition to the ThriveNYC focuses on promoting mental human toll, failure to adequately address health, preventing illness, and detecting mental health services in Com- mental illness and substance misuse problems early, in addition to treating munity Schools, the City will costs New York City’s economy an esti- mental illness. hire 100 School Mental Health mated $14 billion annually in productivity Consultants who will work losses. ON November 23, 2015 Mayor de ThriveNYC highlights include:
Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray with every school citywide to Mental health First Aid Training: The released ThriveNYC, a plan of action, de- ensure that staff and adminis- City will fund and facilitate the train- veloped with experts, providers and com- trators have an outlet to con- ing of 250,000 New Yorkers, to better munities, will guide city toward more recognize the signs, symptoms and nect students with immediate effective mental health system. risk factors of mental illness and ad- needs to care.
ThriveNYC sets forth a plan to make sure diction and more effectively provide support. For an overview of or to down- that New Yorkers can get the treatment load ThriveNYC, go to https:// that they need – and lays out an ap- Public awareness campaign: A city- proach that will improve the mental well- wide public awareness campaign will thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/ being of all New Yorkers. The plan sets reshape the conversation around Source: www.nyc.gov forth six principles for achieving long- mental health, promoting mental term change: wellness and early intervention and
Change the culture by making men- educating New Yorkers about how to tal health everybody’s business and get services.
having an open conversation about NYC Mental Health Corps: The city mental health. “...failure to ade- will hire 400 clinicians and recently Act early to prevent, intervene more graduated Masters and Doctoral- quately address men- quickly and give New Yorkers more level clinicians to work in substance tools to weather challenges. abuse programs, mental health clin- tal illness and sub- ics and primary care practices in high Close treatment gaps by providing -need communities throughout the equal access to care for New Yorkers city. When fully staffed, this Corp can stance misuse costs in every neighborhood. provide 400,000 additional hours of Partner with communities to em- service. New York City’s econ-
brace their wisdom and strength and to collaborate for culturally compe- Mayor’s Conference for Mental omy an estimated tent solutions. Health: In 2016, the City of New York will host the first Mayor’s Confer- $14 billion annually Use data better to address gaps and ence for Mental Health. The confer- improve programs. ence will bring cities together to in productivity loss- Strengthen government’s ability to share new ideas and promising lead by coordinating an unprece- initiatives and send a strong es.” dented effort to support the mental message that mental wellness health of all New Yorkers. must play a central role in on-
Taken together, these principles outline a going policy development.
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OFFICE OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, POLICY AND SUPPORT ACS-Division of Child Welfare Programs
he Office of Clinical Practice, Policy office based training, and appropriate have inpatient child and adolescent psy-
and Support is responsible for the community-based referrals. chiatric units, and OMH. T planning, development and oversight of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PRACTICE, POLICY MENTALHEALTHEVALUATION PROGRAM clinical policy and practice in the areas of AND SUPPORT (DVPP) (MHEP) mental health, substance use, and domes- tic violence issues affecting children and Indira Ramsaroop, Senior Policy Analyst families. The Office is comprised of 6 212-341-8956 Rae McMillan, Director 212-341-0968 units that develop structure and re- Denise Walden Greene, Senior Policy Ana- The Mental Health Evaluation Program sources to provide consultation, training lyst 212-341-8964 (MHEP) through its citywide contracted and technical assistance to ACS and pro- This unit works to inform ACS services and vendor performs mental health evalua- vider agency staff. We collaborate closely practice so that families and children af- tions for children and/or family members with City and State stakeholders including fected by domestic violence are identified involved in the child welfare system at no the New York State Office of Mental and receive the services they need. DVPP charge to the family. These evaluation Health (OMH), the New York State Office supports capacity-building and adherence referrals may be court-ordered or may be of Child and Family Services (OCFS), the to best practice, and achieves its goals requested by ACS staff in the Division of New York State Office of Alcoholism and through consultation, technical assis- Child Protection. Preventive and/or Foster Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), the tance, training, inter- and intra-agency Care cases that are active with DCP can New York City Department of Health and collaboration and community outreach. also be referred.
Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), the New York The unit develops policy, formulates prac- City Department of Homeless Services MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL PRACTICE tice guidelines and protocols, and works POLICY & SUPPORT (DHS), NYC’s Human Resource Administra- collaboratively within ACS and with exter- tion (HRA), the Mayor’s Office to Combat nal partners to identify and address and Domestic Violence, as well as other key develop domestic violence policies, for- Nancy Chapman, Senior Mental Health areas within ACS. We strive to strengthen mulate practice guidelines and protocols, Advisor 212-442-8567 our practice and ensure that ACS achieves and inform best practice. its priorities for those we serve. Below is This unit is responsible for promoting mental health best practice through tech- a brief overview of each of our units. MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATION UNIT (MHCU) nical assistance, training, case review, CLINICAL CONSULATION PROGRAM facilitation and support. The unit is also (CCP) Gita Thadhani, Director 212-341-2671 responsible for assessing mental health
The Mental Health Coordination Unit needs within the child welfare system and Michael Hernandez, Director 212-341- (MHCU) is responsible to track psychiatri- developing operational mechanisms, pro- 8940 cally hospitalized children in foster care tocols and programs to address these
CCP was designed to enhance decision and provide mental health technical assis- needs, both within Children’s Services and making and case outcomes through use of tance to case planners as requested. The in collaboration with other governmental consultant teams with specialized three criteria for MHCU eligibility are: A agencies. The unit also participates in the knowledge and skills in mental health, child is in ACS Custody, under age 18, and Office of Mental Health Pre-Admission domestic violence and substance use. The is admitted to an acute psychiatric inpa- Certification Committee (PACC) review program places clinical consultation teams tient unit (not an Emergency Room, Chil- meetings and provides technical assis- in ACS Borough Offices throughout New dren’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emer- tance for this process. York City. The CCP Teams partner with gency Program, Extended Observation ACS child protection and provider agency Bed, or State hospital). MHCU must be staff to build capacity, promote best prac- notified of admissions and discharges tice, and enhance efforts to serve children within 24 hours. We work closely with and families through case consultation, case planning teams, acute hospitals that
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continued from previous page We partner with Federal, State and City ATLAS PROJECT continued from previous page Agencies to expand the resources availa- ble to our staff and clients to assist with Valerie Dewberry, Project Coordinator SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES training, as well as engagement of clients 212-341-8997 (SUDS) so as to improve our outcomes with this The Atlas Project, which is funded population. The unit strives to support through the Administration for Children, Shernet Neufville-Gray, Director staff and families by bringing evidence- Youth and Families, aims to make chang- 212- 341-3134 based practices in Substance Use Ser- es to New York State’s child welfare sys-
This unit is responsible for creating and vices to our client population in a way tem that improve the social and emo- maintaining the on-going cross-systems that improves client’s show-rate for tional well-being of children by applying collaboration with Provider Agencies, the treatment and ultimately outcomes. We a trauma lens across systems. The Atlas Office of Alcoholism and Substance utilize data driven decision making to Project will bring therapeutic foster care Abuse Services (OASAS) and the ACS Divi- evaluate outcomes and plan for improve- and mental health providers together to sion of Child Protection to oversee the ment. share information and better coordinate unique implementation of Substance Use services. The Atlas Project’s key activities Disorders screening, assessments and include trauma screening and assess- referral and treatment by CASACs in each ment as well as treatment using the Trau- of the ACS Borough Offices. ma Systems Therapy (TST) model devel-
oped by Dr. Glenn Saxe.
Standing: Gitanjali Thadhani, Michael Hernandez, Andrea Goetz, Rae McMillan, Indira Ramsaroop. Sitting: Shernet Neufville-Gray, Valerie Dewberry, Nancy Chapman
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Hidden in Plain Sight; Teen Suicide Crisis and the Unheeded Call to Action
Michelle Sicignano, ACS Clinical Consultant
mental health and suicide and self-harm these statistics only account for a small n the last week in one city in the statistics. We are especially informed as portion of youth in psychiatric distress, I United States five teenager suicides to where to go for help and what products the 30% who get some degree of help. occurred. Five young people, barely out of to use to look better, lose weight and get childhood, not yet old enough to vote, rich quick and often see heartbreaking We know that treatment works. 80-90%of some not even old enough to drive, end- commercials lobbying for funds to prevent all adolescents that receive treatment for ed their lives. Though these tragic losses against cruelty to animals, yet have never depression are successfully treated often occurred in New York City, it could be any seen commercials frankly discussing the with a combination of therapy and medi- city or any community across the nation. reality of teen mental illness and suicide. cation. So why do only about a third of Headlines abound with sad, disturbing those experiencing mental illness seek The disturbing reality in New York State is stories of teen suicide clusters, of 7 and 8 help? How do we bridge the gap and get that is suicide is the 3rd leading cause of year olds who kill themselves or try to at more of those in need of treatment into death in children age 10-14, the 2nd in school and at home, of teens jumping in effective treatment? How do we reach young people 15- 24, and the 12th leading front of trains, of the growing emotional youth and their caregivers in a meaningful cause of death for children age 5-9. distress facing our nation’s youth across way? How do we alleviate parent’s fears Roughly 4600 adolescents between the socioeconomic, race, and gender lines. regarding stigma and the use of antide- ages of 10-14 commit suicide annually in pressants in children and adolescents, and The Center for Disease Control notes sui- the US, and about 12 youth suicides occur cide is a growing cause for concern citing daily. Over half a million adolescents how do we raise awareness that children the need for more research to study the attempt suicide annually and over 20% of can be depressed and suicidal and yes, steady rise in suicide related deaths. all high school students report having seri- adolescent angst is normal, but normal Newsweek and Date Line investigate “The ously considered committing suicide. In angst is not adolescent depression. Ado- Suicide Epidemic” and “Teen Suicide Clus- New York City at least 30% of public high lescent depression is a very real, fairly ters.” There is no doubt that suicide is a school students experience depression common, very treatable illness which, if growing public health crisis and limited annually, 10% report a suicide attempt, left untreated, is potentially lethal. public awareness campaigns have done and 3% experience an attempt that re- We must begin by normalizing mental little to end the stigma against mental quires medical care.” Despite this crisis, illnesses in the same way we normalize illness and have failed to reduce increas- and the knowledge that as many as 90% juvenile diabetes, strep throat, and the ing suicide rates. of the people who die from suicide have a flu. All of these common diseases, if left diagnosable mental health problem, less We are more exposed to news bytes and untreated can worsen and cause devasta- than one-third of people in need of men- commercials or infomercials featuring tion and even death. Mental illness is no tal health services ever engage in appro- adults who go through life with a gray different, yet we often do not insist on priate, effective treatment. cloud over their heads hawking alterna- full, immediate and appropriate treat- tively antidepressants or medication free Self-harm is the 5th leading cause of non- ment. We write off emotional distress as cures, older couples preparing for intima- fatal injury in 5-9 year olds, the 2nd in moodiness, irritability, hormonal changes, cy pushing erectile dysfunction meds, and youth 10-14 and in the 15-24 age groups. peer struggles, school struggles, teenage the debate regarding children on the au- Mental disorders is the 7th leading cause drama, attention seeking, and a whole tism spectrum and whether or not im- of hospitalization in NYC for children age 5 host of excuses which serve to help us munizations are a contributing factor then -9 and the 2nd leading cause of hospitaliza- avoid looking at emotional wellbeing and we are regarding adolescent depression, tion 10-15 and 15-24 age groups. Yet recognizing anxiety, depression, and other
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mental disorders which may be negative- are about 4 times more likely to commit illnesses in the same way we normalize ly impacting our children. We fail to see suicide than females; however females juvenile diabetes, strep throat, and the emotional distress in driven teens work- express higher rates of suicidal ideation, flu. All of these common diseases, if left ing hard to maintain perfect averages make more non-fatal attempts and suf- untreated can worsen and cause devas- and the fer rates of depression at 2 to 1 com- tation and even death. Mental illness is immense pressure they are under. We pared to males. We must realize that no different, yet we often do not insist fail to look at school avoidant and truant impulsivity, a normal part of adolescence on full, immediate and appropriate kids, and instead see “behavior prob- is also a risk factor for suicide. We must treatment. We write off emotional dis- lems,” poor family dynamics, violent realize that the strongest risk factors for tress as moodiness, irritability, hormonal neighborhoods, and other social prob- attempted suicide in youth are depres- changes, peer struggles, school strug- lems that allow us write off any underly- sion, substance abuse, and aggressive or gles, teenage drama, attention seeking, ing mental illness which is very amena- disruptive behaviors, that there 25 at- and a whole host of excuses which serve ble to treatment. We rule out the possi- tempted suicides to one completed sui- to help us avoid looking at emotional bility of treatable mental illness before cide with the ratio even higher in youth, wellbeing and recognizing anxiety, de- we have even acknowledged the scope and that there are biological risk factors, pression, and other mental disorders of the problem. We may be uniformed psychological risk factors, social risk fac- which may be negatively impacting our about warning signs, afraid to address tors and stressors such as death of loved children. We fail to see emotional dis- concerns over fear of triggering some one, bullying, or loss of a home which tress in driven teens working hard to suicidal impulse, or simply not able to can all increase potential risk. We must maintain perfect averages and the im- recognize and acknowledge that children take all suicidal statements and gestures mense pressure they are under. We fail and adolescents may be in potentially seriously and insist upon full, profession- to look at school avoidant and truant serious emotional distress. Our own al evaluations and consistent ongoing kids, and instead see “behavior prob- fears may blind us to potential risks. treatment the same as we would if our lems,” poor family dynamics, violent children had diabetes or asthma, or our neighborhoods, and other social prob- Since we don’t normalize the issue, we partners had erectile dysfunction or lems that allow us write off any underly- don’t openly discuss and acknowledge rheumatoid arthritis. ing mental illness which is very amena- this major health crisis, funding for out- ble to treatment. We rule out the possi- reach, mental health and other social “Anyone can experience the depressive, bility of treatable mental illness before programs which help build supports and stressful or traumatic feelings that can we have even acknowledged the scope resilience get cut, routine screenings lead to suicide, no matter what their of the problem. We may be uniformed which may help are seen as an invasion education, economic or social standing about warning signs, afraid to address of personal rights, and, as in much of or personal relationships.” It’s time to concerns over fear of triggering some life, people are afraid to get involved or take children and adolescents, and how suicidal impulse, or simply not able to speak up. We don’t want to be alarmist, do we raise awareness that children can recognize and acknowledge that children or have a friend get mad, or perhaps we be depressed and suicidal and yes, ado- and adolescents may be in potentially are simply unsure of how to help. lescent angst is normal, but normal serious emotional distress. Our own Help we must though. We must recog- angst is not adolescent depression. Ado- fears may blind us to potential risks. nize that many depressive and anxiety lescent depression is a very real, fairly Since we don’t normalize the issue, we illness have a basis in and impact upon common, very treatable illness which, if don’t openly discuss and acknowledge physical health and concerns should be left untreated, is potentially lethal. this major health crisis, funding for out- raised with doctors without fear of stig- We must begin by normalizing mental reach, mental health and other social matization. We must realize that males
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continued from previous page programs which help build supports and cation, economic or social standing or per- pageid=P00767
resilience get cut, routine screenings sonal relationships.” It’s time to take off The Samaritans of New York, Inc. 2011, NYC which may help are seen as an invasion of our rose colored glasses regarding children Guide to Suicide Prevention, Services and Re- and mental illness, end the stigma related sources personal rights, and, as in much of life, to mental illnesses which are much more people are afraid to get involved or peak common than many people may be com- http://www.nyhq.org/diw/content.asp? pageid=P00767 up. We don’t want to be alarmist, or have fortable with, and engage appropriate a friend get mad, or perhaps we are simply resources and treatments, promptly and The Samaritans of New York, Inc. 2011, NYC Guide to Suicide Prevention, Services and Re- unsure of how to help. vigorously. That is how we respond to this sources. unacknowledged crisis and answer this
Help we must though. We must recognize silent call to action. That is how we begin that many depressive and anxiety illness to address teen suicide, and how we affect have a basis in and impact upon physical more positive outcomes across the life span for millions of people annually. Don’t health and concerns should be raised with doctors without fear of stigmatization. We stigmatize mental illness. Don’t look the other way if we suspect someone is in must realize that males are about 4 times crisis. Don’t cut funds for community and more likely to commit suicide than fe- school based mental health clinics. Don’t males; however females express higher assume the family will or can address con- …”suicide is a rates of suicidal ideation, make more non- cerns, they may not recognize concerns or, fatal attempts and suffer rates of depres- like you, they may want to believe it is just growing cause sion at 2 to 1 compared to males. We normal teen angst and will blow over. Even one adolescent or child suicide is too must realize that impulsivity, a normal part for concern citing much. 5 adolescent suicides in one week of adolescence is also a risk factor for sui- in one of the wealthiest, most culturally cide. We must realize that the strongest the need for rich and diverse, educated, and well risk factors for attempted suicide in youth equipped cities in the world is an incom- more research to are depression, substance abuse, and ag- prehensible failure. gressive or disruptive behaviors, that there study the steady 25 attempted suicides to one completed ______suicide with the ratio even higher in youth, rise in suicide re- and that there are biological risk factors, Rep. Tim Murphy Congressman for 18th District psychological risk factors, social risk fac- of Pennsylvania; Chairman, Energy & Com- lated deaths.” tors and stressors such as death of loved merce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investiga- one, bullying, or loss of a home which can tions. all increase potential risk. We must take Centers for Disease Control statistics. all suicidal statements and gestures seri- The Samaritans of New York, Inc. 2011; NYC ously and insist upon full, professional Guide to Suicide Prevention, Services and Re- sources. evaluations and consistent ongoing treat- http://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI- ment the same as we would if our children Media/Infographics/Children-MH-Facts- had diabetes or asthma, or our partners NAMI.pdf had erectile dysfunction or rheumatoid Source: Statewide Planning and Research Co- arthritis. operative System, NYS DOH, updated March 2013. Analyzed by: Injury Surveillance and “Anyone can experience the depressive, Prevention Program, Bureau of Environmental Disease Prevention, NYC DOHMH. stressful or traumatic feelings that can lead to suicide, no matter what their edu- http://www.nyhq.org/diw/content.asp?
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Casework Tips Regarding Mental Health Evaluations
When conducting assessments on our does not perform psychological eval- n our daily assessments, interven- families, below are some red flags or uations. I tions and decision-making with our concerns that may lead to a referral for a A psychologist has a doctorate in families, we may find ourselves some- mental health evaluation: Psychology (PhD) or another ad- times struggling about whether to make vanced degree, most commonly in a referral for mental health services. Depression, anxiety, bizarre behavior, self clinical psychology and has extensive What is clear is that when families are -medicating, previous hospitalization for post-doctoral training in research struggling with problems or issues in the mental health issues, sporadic behavior and psychotherapy. Some psycholo- home it is helpful to have a mental management issues, early age onset of gists specialize in psychological health evaluation. This article hopes to drug/alcohol use, strong fears, paranoia, testing and evaluation. Psychologists explain: aggression, sexual abuse, loss, trauma treat mental disorders through the related issues including emotional and use of psychotherapy. Purpose of a mental health evalua- physical abuse, family history of mental tion and how it is helpful to children health, defiant, truant, excessive irrita- What comprises a mental health evalua- and families tion, signs of post-traumatic stress disor- tion? Who does mental health evalua- der including flashbacks, compulsive be- Psychological Evaluations: tions? haviors, hoarding, psychosis including What comprises a mental health believing that someone is spying on them A psychological evaluation focuses evaluation? or hearing voices that other persons are upon the use of psychological Casework planning after a psychiat- not able to hear, previously prescribed testing to ascertain the intellectual ric/psychological evaluation medication for mental health reasons, and emotional health of the client. prior therapy, homicidal ideations, eating Testing involves the use of tests such Purpose of a mental health evaluation disorders and poor money management. as questionnaires and check lists. and how it is helpful to children and Psychological testing is not like tak- A mental health evaluation may also pro- families ing a multiple choice exam that you vide a platform for the family to speak either pass or fail. Psychologists use The purpose of a mental health evalua- about problems/issues that impair their the information from the various tion is to help assess the support that a capacity to best help themselves or their tests and assessments to reach a client or their family may need in order children. to function better as a family. The evalua- specific diagnosis and develop a tion can help uncover contributing fac- Who does mental health evaluations? treatment plan. tors of problems which may be linked to Psychological tests include: mental health and/or emotional prob- Mental health evaluations are done by lems and cognitive disabilities or devel- psychologists and psychiatrists. A clinical interview. When a psy- opmental disabilities. The problems for chologist speaks to a client about his A psychiatrist is a medical doctor which one would have an evaluation can or her concerns and history, they are (MD with special training in emo- be based on sudden arising problems able to observe how the client tional and mental illness. A psychia- such as a panic attack or thoughts of sui- thinks, reasons and interacts with trist is able to do psychiatric evalua- cide. There may be also the more long- other people. Assessments may in- tions, conduct psychotherapy and term issues such as feelings of sadness, clude interviewing other people who prescribe medications and other hopelessness or anxiousness that never are close to the client, such as teach- medical treatments. A psychiatrist seem to go away.
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ers, coworkers or family members. Psychiatric Evaluations: case to follow-up on the recommenda- tions from the psychiatric and psycholog- Intelligence tests [IQ tests] and other A psychiatric evaluation can be done at ical reports in order to best strengthen Cognitive tests such as the Wechsler any time and reports on the current psy- the family, reduce risk and ensure safety Adult Intelligence Scale [WAIS-IV] chiatric status of a client. and well-being. and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale The evaluation frequently includes the for Children [WISC-IV] It is helpful to consult with your office’s following: Clinical Consultation Program to help Objective Tests of personality func- with the understanding of the client’s Descriptions of a client’s present tioning such as the Minnesota Multi- evaluation and recommendations. Staff is emotional problems and symptoms phasic Personality Inventory [MMPI] encouraged to refer our families to PPRS. Information about health, illness and Neuropsychological testing which Special thanks to the OCPPS/MHEP Team treatment both physical and psychi- includes specifically designed tasks for this article. atric including current medications. to measure psychological function- Director, Rae McMillan, LCSWR ing known to be linked to a particu- Family Health and psychiatric histo- Program Coordinator, Mirva Michel lar part of the brain. They are used ries Psychologist Consultant, Stephen Ruffins, PhD when there are suspicions of demen- Contact info: [email protected] tia -Alzheimer’s, serious cognitive Information on a client’s develop- deficits, severe memory deficits, ment significant head injury or trauma. The neuropsychological testing is Information about family and work relationships. generally recommended by a psy- The purpose of a chologist. The psychiatrist then develops a formula-
tion and recommendations. A formula- Specialty evaluations include fire setting mental health tion describes the client’s problems. Bio- risk, sex offending risk, special sensory logical, psychological and social aspects evaluation is to needs (blind, deaf), and forensic evalua- of the problem are combined in the for- tions that are generally used in TPRs, mulation with the history of strengths help assess the criminal and custody cases. These evalua- and vulnerabilities of the client. Psychiat- tions are conducted by psychologists that support that a cli- ric evaluations are typically for medica- are specialized in the respective fields. tion. ent or their family The psychological evaluation report also Casework planning after a psychiatric/ consists of the present problems, a de- psychological evaluation may need in order velopmental history, a report on the re- sults of the IQ, Objective tests, and rec- The recommendations from the psycho- to function better
ommendations. logical/psychiatric report provide case- workers with an understanding on how as a family. Note: It is not recommended that a psy- to plan and coordinate services to lessen chologist perform another psychological the threat of harm to a child and lower evaluation if one has been done in the the vulnerability of the family. It is im- last six months portant for the worker assigned to the
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Workplace Stress and Staff Wellness by Nancy Chapman, Ms Ed., CRC, CASAC Senior Mental Health Advisor, Office of Clinical Practice, Policy & Support Workers would like to be able Dragging yourself to the job any ACS employees spend to speak more honestly to their Lacking energy to get work more than the American aver- M done age of 45 hours at work each week. supervisor without worry about Our work environments affect our health job security. Feeling dissatisfied with your and wellbeing. Stress has a large impact achievements on employee mental and physical health Many employees feel the need Feeling disillusioned by your job and this may manifest itself as a decrease to put their jobs ahead of their Change in sleeping, eating and in job satisfaction, morale and production. It is critical that we learn how to manage own health, families and/or alcohol consumption stress and take good care of ourselves. personal lives. Body aches, colds/coughs and Balance is key. In a stressful workplace, other health issues every individual will be experiencing a Staff members are exposed to unique response based on their percep- excessive heat/cold and air pol- We are in the field we are in and do the tions of the problem and their personal work that will help our children and fami- lution or loud noises. lies. It can be incredibly difficult to do reactions to it. Being mindful of these in- teractions in our workplace may help us Individuals may be victims of what we do and to keep some balance in our lives, so we can stay happy and joy- put our feelings and behavior into per- sexual harassment or bullying spective. Our reactions depend on a num- ous. It is critical, no matter where we are ber of factors including past experiences from coworkers. in life, to take responsibility for ourselves and to be the best that we can be, - on and trauma, culture and physical and men- Employees face dangerous or tal health. any given day. This way we are able to do potentially violent conditions - what we can for our collective families and Common workplace stressors: for our colleagues. There are so many fab- sometimes from working with Staff members don’t feel as ulous ways to honor ourselves, our bodies the families they serve. and our minds. though they’re equipped to do Most stressful events in our lives are short their specific tasks. They may Strategies for Self-Care: lived, and the symptoms are temporary. need information, support, We use our coping skills to help us get Plan and take vacations training, or resources to rein- through those times. But, when we are Take mental health days under a prolonged time of stress, our per- force existing skill or to learn Don’t do working lunches sonal coping skills may no longer be Take five-minute breaks new ones enough. We may feel blah or in pain and Do deep breathing exercises Employees feel little or no drag ourselves around from morning until we get home again. We may not have had Have a break buddy sense of control over what they a goodnight’s sleep in months. We may be De-stress between work and do each day, their skills are not on an emotional rollercoaster. We might home well utilized and/or there is lit- become self-destructive in the hopes that Self-assess on a regular basis we find some relief. When long-term tle room for advancement. stress goes unaddressed, it can seriously Spend time with friends and family Individuals feel unsupported or affect the way we think, act, and feel.
even disrespected by coworkers Signs of burnout: Resources: www.dayoneny.org and MHA
and/or supervisors. Becoming very critical at work of NY – Staying in Balance
Being late/missing a lot of days
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MAY IS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE
MONTH
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FOSTER CARE FAMILY STRONG Strong Families NYC – A Focus on Permanency and Well-Being
behavioral cues. A young child’s ability ance Committee consisting of Family Per- trong Families NYC is a new ACS to form secure attachments is a prov- manency Services (FPS); Office of General S initiative funded through Title IV-E en, powerful protective factor against Counsel (OGC); Policy, Planning and Meas- aimed at building strong families by ensur- stress and trauma and is associated urement (PPM); and Financial Services. ing that parents, children and foster par- with lifelong positive outcomes. Ina Mendez, Acting Assistant Commission- ents receive the supports that will help er of FPS’s Office of Title IV-E Waiver Im- Partnering for Success builds new reduce the trauma of out-of-home place- plementation and Monitoring, and Kerri bridges between foster care case ment and speed up permanency for chil- Smith, Associate Commissioner of PPM’s planners and mental health clinicians dren who have been placed in ACS care. Office of Performance Measurement, to address the challenges of providing Monitoring & Improvement and their staff In 2013, the federal and state govern- appropriate behavioral and mental are supporting the provider agencies and ments granted ACS a five-year waiver from health care for children and families. overseeing the implementation of Strong the requirements that determine how Through this model, foster care agen- Families NYC. local governments spend their federal cies will be better equipped to assess child welfare dollars. In 2014, ACS mental and behavioral health needs. launched Child Success NYC (CSNYC), the Case planners work closely with clini- first part of its waiver initiative. Through cians to improve access to trauma- CSNYC, the agency introduced and funded informed Cognitive Behavioral Thera- key improvements to services provided by py (CBT+), which has been proven all 23 of our contracted family foster care effective in addressing anxiety, de- providers. Through the use of innovative, pression, behavioral issues and trau- research-based strategies, CSNYC resulted ma, and to improve child and family in reduced foster care caseloads and intro- well-being. duced the CANS-NY trauma-informed Partnering for Success training is being functional assessment tool, which helps rolled out to family foster care agency case planners identify each foster child’s staff and mental health clinicians through strengths and needs in order to provide our new ACS Workforce Institute, in part- the most appropriate services and sup- nership with CUNY’s School of Profession- ports. al Studies. Implementation began in the Strong Families NYC is an expansion of the Bronx in January and is being implement- initiative to include two highly regarded, ed by borough, with staff from 18 foster evidence-based interventions: care providers and their mental health
Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch- partners expected to complete their three -day classroom training this year. up provides young children and their caregivers with a 10-week interven- Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up tion that boosts bonding and atten- began in the Brownsville and East New tive caregiving. The program’s tightly York neighborhoods of Brooklyn in Octo- structured in-home coaching sessions ber and recently expanded borough-wide. offer caregivers—including parents, The program will expand to all five bor- foster parents and kin— oughs and provide services to all 23 family Gladys Carrión, Esq., Commissioner encouragement and support to foster care providers by 2018. strengthen their response to their Strong Families NYC is being overseen by infant’s or toddler’s emotional and the Title IV-E Waiver Executive Govern-
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AWARENESS MONTHS
National Autism Alcohol Awareness Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention
Mental Health Month National Asthma & Allergy
National Physical Fitness & Sports
National Women’s Health
Child Sex Trafficking
LGBTQ Pride Month Hernia Men’s Health
National Safety
Juvenile Arthritis
Cord Blood
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Nearly four years ago The NYC Administration for Children Services (ACS) established the ground breaking LGBTQ Office of Policy and Practice, with the vision of improving all outcomes for LGBTQ youth and families. With the help of the LGBTQ office, all youth who enter into ACS’ system have a chance to feel respected, affirmed and empowered, all fac- tors leading youth to thrive into healthy and happy adulthoods.
Since implementing the 2012 LGBTQ Policy, ACS made great strides to fulfill the need for safe, affirming and permanent foster care placements, by having a strong visible presence in all of NYC’s borough wide Pride celebrations during the months of June through August. With the help of dedicated ACS staff members, The LGBTQ Office has been successful in seeking safe, affirming and loving homes by recruiting prospective foster and adoptive families.
The ACS LGBTQ Office of Policy and Practice invites you to join us for 2016 Pride celebrations.
ACS 2016 Pride Event Schedule
LGBT Family Building Expo, (Saturday, May 7)
Heart Gallery Pride Exhibit Kick-Off (Wednesday, June 1)
Queens Pride (Sunday, June 5, 10am- 6pm)
Brooklyn Pride (Saturday, June, 11, 9am- 5pm)
Manhattan Pride (Sunday, June 26, 9am- 6pm)
Bronx Pride (TBD)
Staten Island Pride (Saturday, July 16, 9am – 5pm)
Foster Parent Recruitment Event (Wednesday, Sept 7, 6-8pm)
For information on LGBTQ resources and for details on upcoming events, visit our website at www.nyc.gov/acs/LGBTQ or email us @ [email protected]
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ACS Staff Recruit Foster Parents at the Manhattan Pride
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THE READING CORNER
the Democratic National Conven- tion that, despite President John- son’s interference, aired on nation- al TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Demo- crats. Featuring vibrant mixed- media art full of intricate detail, Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a Author: Charles R. Smith Illustrator: message of hope, determination, Author: Marilyn Hilton
Shane W. Evans and strength. “Full Cicada Moon” - It's 1969, 28 Days: Moments in Black History and the Apollo 11 mission is getting that Changed the World” - Each day ready to go to the moon. But for features a different influential figure in half-black, half-Japanese Mimi, African-American history, from Crispus moving to a predominantly white Attucks, the first man shot in the Bos- Vermont town is enough to make ton Massacre, sparking the Revolution- her feel alien. Suddenly, Mimi's ary War, to Madame C. J. Walker, who appearance is all anyone notices. after years of adversity became the She struggles to fit in with her wealthiest black woman in the country, classmates, even as she fights for as well as one of the wealthiest black Author: Carole Boston Weather- her right to stand out by entering Americans, to Barack Obama, the coun- ford Illustrator: Ekua Holmes science competitions and joining try's first African-American president. “Wonderstruck” - Ben and Rose Shop Class instead of Home Ec. And With powerful illustrations by Shane are two children who both secretly even though teachers and neigh- Evans, this is a completely unique look wish their lives were different. Ben bors balk at her mixed-race family at the importance and influence of longs for the father he has never and her refusals to conform, Mimi’s African Americans on the history of this known, and Rose dreams of a mys- dreams of becoming an astronaut country. terious actress whose life she never fade—no matter how many chronicles in a scrapbook. When times she’s told no. Ben uncovers a clue to his father's This historical middle-grade novel is whereabouts in his mother's room told in poems from Mimi's perspec- and Rose reads an enticing head- tive over the course of one year in line in the newspaper, both set out her new town, and shows readers alone on desperate quests to find that positive change can start with what they are missing. Set fifty just one person speaking up. years apart, these two independ- Author: Carole Boston Weatherford ent stories - Ben's told in words Illustrator: Ekua Holmes and Rose's in pictures - weave back “Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: and forth with mesmerizing sym- The Spirit of the Civil Rights Move- metry. How they unfold and ulti- ment” mately intertwine will surprise you, "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired." challenge you, and leave you and Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, your children breathless with won- even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a der. Prepare to be wonderstruck champion of civil rights from the 1950s by this fantastically conceived and until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer stunningly wrought novel.
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continued from previous page But it wasn’t long before they noticed a marked difference between Jonas and his brother, Wyatt. Jonas pre- ferred sports and trucks and many of the things little boys were “supposed” to like; but Wyatt liked princess dolls and dress-up and play- ing Little Mermaid. By the time the twins were toddlers, confusion over Author: Margarita Engle Illustrator: Author: Reem Faruqi Wyatt’s insistence that he was fe- Edel Rodriguez “Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan male began to tear the family apart. “Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Story” - Lailah is in a new school in In the years that followed, the Wings: A Memoir” - In this poetic mem- Maineses came to question their long a new country, thousands of miles oir, Margarita Engle, the first Latina from her old home and missing her -held views on gender and identity, woman to receive a Newbery Honor, to accept and embrace Wyatt’s tran- old friends. When Ramadan begins, tells of growing up as a child of two sition to Nicole, and to undergo an she is excited that she is finally old cultures during the Cold War. emotionally wrenching transfor- enough to participate in the fasting Margarita is a girl from two worlds. Her mation of their own that would but worried that her classmates heart lies in Cuba, her mother's tropical change all their lives forever. won't understand why she doesn't island country, a place so lush with vi- Becoming Nicole chronicles a journey join them in the lunchroom. Lailah brant life that it seems like a fairy tale that could have destroyed a family solves her problem with help from kingdom. But most of the time she lives but instead brought it closer togeth- the school librarian and her teacher in Los Angeles, lonely in the noisy city er. It’s the story of a mother whose and in doing so, she learns that she and dreaming of the summers when she instincts told her that her child need- can make new friends who respect can take a plane through the enchanted ed love and acceptance, not ostra- her beliefs. air to her beloved island. Words and cism and disapproval; of a Republi- images are her constant companions, can, Air Force veteran father who friendly and comforting when the chil- overcame his deepest fears to be- dren at school are not. come a vocal advocate for trans rights; of a loving brother who brave- Then a revolution breaks out in Cuba. ly stuck up for his twin sister; and of a Margarita fears for her far-away family. town forced to confront its prejudic- When the hostility between Cuba and Author: Don Brown es, a school compelled to rewrite its the United States erupts at the Bay of rrules, and a courageous community “Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina Pigs Invasion, Margarita's worlds collide of transgender activists determined and New Orleans” - On August 29, in the worst way possible. How can the to make their voices heard. Ulti- 2005, Hurricane Katrina's mon- two countries she loves hate each other strous winds and surging water so much? And will she ever get to visit mately, Becoming Nicole is the overwhelmed the protective levees her beautiful island again? story of an extraordinary girl who around low-lying New Orleans, fought for the right to be herself. Louisiana. Eighty percent of the city Look for these and other books at flooded, in some places under BarnesandNoble.com, Ama- twenty feet of water. Property zon.com or at specialty children’s damages across the Gulf Coast bookstores such as Books of
topped $100 billion. One thousand Wonder 18 W 18th Street, New
eight hundred and thirty-three York
people lost their lives. The tale of Or The Bookmark Shoppe 8415 this historic storm and the drown- Author: Ann Ellis Nutt “Becoming Nicole: The Transformation 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. ing of an American city is one of of an American Family” - When Wayne selflessness, heroism, and cour- and Kelly Maines adopted identical twin age—and also of incompetence, boys, they thought their lives were com- racism, and criminality. plete.
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Movies for Families
For ages 12 & up For ages 10 & up EDDIE THE EAGLE – The story of Ed- I AM ELEVEN - Parents need to know die Edwards, the notoriously tena- that I Am Eleven is a poignant docu- cious British underdog ski jumper mentary that follows 11-year-olds who charmed the world at the 1988 from around the world as they share Winter Olympics. their thoughts, triumphs, and chal- lenges. The kids, who hail from Aus- tralia, Bulgaria, China, France, Ger- many, India, Morocco, Japan, Swe- den, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, openly share Ages 8 & Up everything from their experiences Zootopia - In the animal city of Zoo- with bullying and discrimination and topia, which is populated by mam- their ideas about love to the passions mals, birds, fish, Invertebrates, rep- and pastimes that make them happy. tiles, amphibians, Primates, Marine Sometimes the kids discuss upsetting Mammals, dinosaurs, Arthropods, issues -- like the boy in the UK who Insects, Mollusks, annelids, Echino- talks about feeling suicidal after be- derms and Arachnids a fast-talking ing bullied or a kid from his council fox who's trying to make it big goes estate who was shot; or the girl from on the run when he's framed for a Morocco who's being asked by a crime he didn't commit. Zootopia's relative to talk about how poor her For ages 11 & UpRACE -- Jesse Ow- top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot family is on camera; or the immigrant ens' quest to become the greatest on his tail, but when both become kids who talk about being different track and field athlete in history targets of a conspiracy, they're or picked on for not being native to thrusts him onto the world stage of forced to team up and discover even their countries of residence. the 1936 Olympics, where he faces natural enemies can become best off against Adolf Hitler's vision of friends. Aryan supremacy.
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Many experts share their thoughts on the topics the movie covers, which include tech addiction, violent video games (some clips from the games are shown), digital citizenship, and more. It's sure to prompt conver- sations about family communication and responsible tech use if kids and For ages 10 & up parents watch together. Ages 14 & Up SCREENAGERS - Parents need to How to host a screening: http:// VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN - Told from know that Screenagers is a documen- www.screenagersmovie.com/host-a- Igor's perspective, we see the trou- tary that will likely strike a chord with screening/ bled young assistant's dark origins, many parents. It explores how teens his redemptive friendship with the interact with each other using elec- young medical student Viktor Von tronic device (smartphones, comput- Frankenstein, and become eyewit- ers, social media, etc.) and looks at nesses to the emergence of how whether parents can-- or should -- try Frankenstein became the man - and to limit or control this behavior. the legend - we know today.
http://www.uft.org/parent-news/free-summer-programs-pre-teens-and-teens
RECEIVE FREE BOOKS, LOG ONTO Firstbook.org
Free Kids Books
http://freekidsbooks.org/
Open Library Online
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ACS Staff NYC Family Strong
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RESOURCES
Girls Educational & Mentoring Domestic Violence City-Wide Hot- Services (GEMS) line and Online Resource B 212-926-8089 (Phone) Bereavement English: 800-942-6906 212-491-2696 (Fax) All languages, 24 hours, referrals to http://www.gems-girls.org/ shelters, legal assistance, counseling,
other benefits.
Violence Intervention Program, INC.
Caring Hands (on page 43) D 800-664-5880 229-CARE (2273) Domestic Vioence Turn to page 43 for more The Brooklyn Conservatory of Battered Women’s Legal information Music Therapy - Domestic Hotline Violence 718-624-7700 58 Seventh Ave., Brooklyn, NY Dominican Women’s Develop- 718-622-3300 C ment Center (DWDC) Child Sexual Traffick- Outside scholarship/grant if qualify. 24 HOURS HOTLINE: 212-568-6616 ing Domestic Violence & Child Wel- Day One fare Initiative (DVCWI), Chil- National Organization for Women P.O. Box 1507 dren’s Aid Society’s Family NYC Canal Street Station Wellness Program and Abusive http://nownyc.org/service-fund/get- New York, NY 10013 Intervention Program help/domestic-violence/
P 212.566.8120, ext 5692 212-503-6842 The DOVE Program (Domestic Email: SocialWork- Violence Emergencies) [email protected] NYC Mayor’s Office to Combat 622 West 168th St. http://www.dayoneny.org/ Domestic Violence http://www.nyc.gov/html/ocdv/ New York, NY The Door html/home/home.shtml 212-305-9060
555 Broome Street Safe Horizon Crisis Hotlines Safe Horizons New York, NY 10013 Domestic Violence Hotline: 212-262-7655 212-941-9090 800-621-HOPE(4673) (24-Hour Hotline) www.door.org TDD phone number for all hotlines Seaman Society for Children and 866-604-5350 Ali Forney Center Families/ Safe Passage http://www.safehorizon.org/page/ 224 W. 35th St. 15th Floor Domestic Violence Intervention who-we-are-35.html New York NY 10001 50 Bay Street
(212) 222-3427 (Tel) Staten Island, NY National Domestic Violence (212) 222 5861 (Fax) 718-447-7740 Hotline www.aliforneycenter.org 800-799-7233(SAFE) American Family Community Ser- Hetrick Martin Institute 24-hour hotline vices, Inc. 2 Astor Place 76-05 Roosevelt Ave. New York, NY 10003 Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Phone: 212-674-2400 718-639-8370 www.hmi.org
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The Riverdale Mental Health As- I sociation (RMHA) F Parent-child play therapy IMMUNIZATION 917-441-0119 http://www.nyc.gov/html/ For more information call doh/html/living/immun- MENTORING clinics.shtml Community Mediation Services 212-566-7855 or log on Youth Development Services to 89-64 163rd Street
http:// Jamaica, NY 11432 www.foodbanknyc.org/ L LGBTQ 718-523-6868
FOR REFERRALS TO FOOD LGBTQ Guide of Services PANTRIES ALL OVER THE Big Brother Big Sister CITY, CALL NYC EMERGENCY and Resources 212-686-2042 FOOD HOT-LINE AT 866-888- New York City Comptroller 8777. Scott M. Stringer The Possibility Project
Office of Public Affairs 212-924-2300 http:// http://the-possibility-project.org/.
www.comptroller.nyc.gov/ Turn to page 16 for more G lgbtq Information. GANG INTERVEN-
TION Ali Forney Center Gang Resistance Education 224 W. 35th St. 15th Floor and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) R New York NY 10001 Program T 212-222-3427 RECREATION Phone: 800- 726-7070 F 212-222-5861 Parks & Recreation Programs http://www.nycgovparks.org/ Fax: 850-386-5356 www.aliforneycenter.org Email : information@great-
online.org Hetrick Martin Institute
https://great-online.org/ 2 Astor Place Home/GREAT-Home New York, NY 10003 T Phone: 212-674-2400 Transgender and Gender
Non-Conforming (TGNC) Guide
from the ACS LGBTQ Office M http://www.nyc.gov/html/acs/ downloads/pdf/lgbtq/ MENTAL HEALTH FINAL_06_23_2014_WEB.pdf Albert Einstein College of National Gang Center (NGC) Medicine Early Childhood Henry Kan, Research Associate Center 850-385-0600, Ext. 224 Offer developmental therapy, [email protected] parent-child psychotherapy, https://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/ children’s therapy group and special services for children in foster care 718-430-8900
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Harriette Nieves Retired
After 21 years of service, Harriette Nieves retired on April 29. She began her government career as the program director for the Teenage Ser- vices Act Program (TASA), a state-mandated program providing home-based case management to over 2,000 parents annually, youth under age 18 in receipt of Medicaid. The services were provided in all NYC community districts through 6 ACS offices and 7 contractors. The program also included two contracts for services to young fathers under the age of 26 and a city-wide collaboration called Cities in Schools wherein ACS case- workers were placed in public schools to provide case management to children and families. During her tenure as director, TASA expanded to serve young parents through age 21. The TASA Program was well-known for its annual Mother’s Day Card Contest and Educational Awards Contest and Ceremony, vehicles for giving voice to the experience and talent of young parents. New Yorkers For Children provided contest prizes and financial awards. In collaboration with other divisions, TASA initiated the annual celebration known as Fathers Matter at ACS. At the end of 2011, the TASA Program closed due to the loss of Medicaid funding.
In 2012 Harriette continued her interest in services to young families by working with contracted preventive agencies through the ACS Office of Preventive Technical Assistance. As she likes to say, “Only children are born. Parents learn to parent at each stage of child develop- ment." Many mothers and fathers in their mid-20’s and 30’s continue to need the support of the NYC preventive network of services.
Harriette has expressed deep gratitude for all of her experiences, professional and personal growth during her years at ACS and for all the sup- port of fellow staff members. She says, “Even with all the ups and downs, government service has been my good fortune. For me, it was the best of times.” Harriette has no definite plans for retirement, but she will continue to pursue her interests in politics and human services and her creative drive for crafting and baking. She will also continue as an active retiree member of the ACS Reading Group. And she is issuing an invitation on behalf of the group: “Y’all come for lively discussion and homemade desserts!" We will miss you!!!
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continued from previous page Harriette Navies Retirement, May 6, 2016
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ACS Staff NYC Family Strong
Harriette Navies Retirement Party, May 6, 2016
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ACS Celebrates 20 Years Join in the celebrations! Stay tuned!
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