This National Foster Care Month, be the Champion; Support Youth Mental Health

April 28, 2023
| Michaela Guthrie, LCSW | Capacity Building Center for States and Jennifer Lee, Child Welfare Program Specialist | Children’s Bureau
Woman sitting in the grass talking with a group of children

Mental health is a lifelong journey of pursuing a healthy mind despite all life's twists and turns. We each benefit from daily strategies to improve or maintain our mental health. For children and youth in foster care—who have faced adverse childhood experiences, separation from family members, and inconsistent support from adults—mental well-being is especially important. This National Foster Care month —and all year long—be the champion that children and youth need to value and support their mental health.

Mental health care looks different for everyone and should be individualized to meet the unique needs of each person. Dina, a former youth in foster care , shares their mental health-care journey now as a young adult, "I put a lot of effort into having a healthier and consistent diet to lessen anxiety and depression…With these new strategies in place, I started living with intention and purpose no longer focused on my trauma. I practice a holistic approach and self-discipline to intentionally heal and break generational traumas as I grow into the person my inner child was always meant to become."

Tiana, another former foster youth , shares how they wish they had pursued caring for their mental health when they were in foster care. "With working on my mental health, I am happier, and I have a healthier mind…I spent so much time hating myself and getting mad at other people because of my pain not realizing something as simple as practicing self-care by taking time in nature, going on walks, or learning breathing exercises would've changed that narrative."

Strengthening or maintaining the mental health of youth may include enhancing their support system, encouraging them to write poetry, teaching them to voice their needs and emotions, or going for a walk or meditating with them. While we all benefit from basic mental health-care approaches, sometimes a child or youth may need more advanced resources and supports, such as medication, therapy, in-patient or out-patient rehabilitation, or more comprehensive supervision. Frequent collaboration with others involved in the mental health-care plan of the youth, such as their therapist, parent, or psychiatrist, ensures that you are collectively providing the best care possible.

Connections to a child's culture, community, and family can also make a difference. Try incorporating relevant traditions and practices into their mental health-care plans. Connection to who they are and where they are from may contribute to better outcomes for youth by strengthening their sense of identity and resiliency. Championing the mental health of families and caregivers may support youth mental health. When families and caregivers are well, they may have the capacity to better care for others. Strengthening the mental health of all involved helps to uplift families, which may lead to a greater likelihood of reunification and better outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Be the champion. Encourage, empower, advocate, and help build successful mental health practices for children and youth that they will use on their lifelong mental health journey. Walk the journey alongside them to determine what activities or practices best support their mental health and offer to try the activities or practices with them. Building a trust-based relationship with the child or youth in foster care can be a key factor to mental well-being. Champions like you can encourage and empower youth to take control of their mental health journey!

Visit the National Foster Care Month website to learn more about supporting youth in their mental health journey. Don't wait for the traditional signs that mental health support is needed. Make efforts now to support the mental health of children and youth you serve.

 

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