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| Volume 15 Issue 5 |
November 2019 |
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This month we share:
Also included: employment opportunities, and links to Support Groups around the state.
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| Self-Care: 10 Habits of Emotionally Resilient People
 Transitions and challenges are a part of everyone’s life. You might have noticed that some people just seem to be able to handle these stressors with a sense of calm and a positive outlook. The difference seems to be that
they have cultivated emotional resilience. While there may be a biological component that predetermines our temperament, there are also traits that you can develop with practice that will help you live your life with less resistance and more ease.
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| Screen Time and Youth Wellbeing
 National statistics regarding youth mental health are troubling. More and more students report feeling depressed. Even more alarming, between 2009 and 2017, the number of high school students who reported contemplating suicide increased 25 percent. It could be that more teens are willing to admit they are struggling, but deaths by suicide among teens have increased as well. Among youth aged 10-24, suicides climbed 56 percent between 2007 and 2017.
It is unclear what has caused this disturbing trend. Some people point to the tremendous increase in the use of digital technology by youth, particularly smartphones, as the culprit. There has been a dizzying array of articles about recent studies with a variety of negative claims about “screen time.” At the same time, the use of digital technology remains a significant component in the lives of many youth. If this is true for your child, don’t panic. We at MCF have reviewed the studies and have some reasonable suggestions.
Read More
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Finding a Behavioral Health Provider through Your Private Insurance
 If you have a loved one struggling with mental health challenges or substance use, you may have trouble finding an in-network behavioral health provider through your private insurance.
Here at MCF we hear stories about tremendous barriers families face including:
- Online provider directories that are inaccurate or out of date. They fail to note that a provider is not taking new patients, or is no longer taking a certain insurance plan, or has moved. This results in repeated phone attempts to identify a provider that can help.
- Potential providers have lengthy waiting lists, which makes it difficult to find help, especially during a crisis.
- Potential providers are located too far away from your home, which adds stress and time to your busy lives, especially when your family is struggling.
These problems can be especially difficult when looking for a child and adolescent therapist and psychiatrist.
You have certain rights as a Maryland family and there are many resources to help you.
Read More
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Local Care Teams: A Resource for Families of Children with Intensive Needs
Are you familiar with your Local Care Team (LCT)? It can be a great resource in finding help for your child. LCTs were funded across Maryland by the Governor’s Office for Children with the express purpose of helping families of children with intensive needs. They can help identify potential resources for your family through a coordinated interagency approach.
Read More
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| APPLY NOW! Leadership and Advocacy Program for Parents and Caregivers Who Have School-Age Children with Mental Health Challenges
 Parents and caregivers who are ready to be stronger advocates for their child and community are invited to apply for MCF’s 2020 Family Leadership Institute (FLI). This 60-hour, six-weekend intensive training program is available at no cost to participants, thanks to a grant from the Maryland State Department of Education. Applicants must have school-age
children with mental health challenges and must commit to attend all six weekends.
FLI participants will gain in-depth information on children’s mental health issues and develop skills for more effective leadership within their family, school and community. They will meet professionals working in the system to improve outcomes, and graduate with clear action plans. Now in its 17th year, FLI graduates have described the program as a “life-changing” experience.
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| Support for Young Adults: Share Your Experience in a National Survey
 The “National Survey of Supports Family Members/Adult Allies Provide to Young People during their Transition Years” will document the support family members, parents and friends provide for young people with behavioral health needs during the transition years (16-25 years old).
The information you provide will help youth- and family-run organizations, policy makers and service providers better understand and respond to the needs and preferences of young adults and their families. The survey is confidential and will take about 25 minutes to complete.
Please consider participating if you are:
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a family member or other adult who has provided support to a young adult with behavioral health challenges during their transition years (16-25 years old). Take the Adult Survey.
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a young adult who is currently at least 18 years old and has experienced behavioral health challenges during your transition years and has received support from a family member or other adult. Take the Young Adult Survey.
The survey was developed through a collaboration between the Pathways Research and Training Center at Portland State University and FREDLA, the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association.
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| MCF's 20th Annual Family Day in Annapolis: SAVE THE DATE!
Join us on Thursday, February 27 for Family Day in Annapolis to advocate for children, youth and adults with behavioral health needs.
| When: |
Thursday February 27
9:30 am – 1:00 pm |
| Where: |
Miller Senate Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401 |
Don’t miss this opportunity to:
- Make your voice heard about the need for more behavioral health services
- Learn about relevant legislation and committee work in Maryland’s House and Senate
- Meet with your legislators and/or their staff
MCF will:
- Organize free buses from various locations around the state
- Identify your legislators and organize your visits
- Provide you with talking points and information about bills
More details coming soon!
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Also online:
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Upcoming Training & Events
Social Media Safety for Kids
Attend this informative workshop to learn the benefits and risks of social media and get ideas for how to protect and educate your children. Dinner will be provided.
When: Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: MCF Waldorf Office, 105 Paul Melon Court, Unit 16, Waldorf, MD 20602
Read More and RSVP
Winter Wonderland Holiday Event
Join other Washington County families for an evening of food and fun activities as we celebrate the holidays together. All ages are welcome.
When: Tuesday, December 17, 2019, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Valley Grace Church, 17310 Gay Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Read More and RSVP
Winter Bliss Celebration
Join other Baltimore City families for a day of food and fun as we celebrate the holidays together. All ages are welcome.
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Where: St. John's United Methodist Church, 2640 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
Read More and RSVP
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MCF Employment Opportunities
MCF is growing, and we have employment opportunities that might be perfect for you or someone you know! We currently have job openings for:
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Parent & Caregiver Support Groups
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