Anchorage Assembly Health Policy Committee 6/3/2020 Sherrie Hinshaw, MS President & CEO VOA Alaska
VOA: Overview Behavioral health prevention, early • intervention, housing, and treatment provider All services focused on youth and their • families Relevant programs: • Substance abuse prevention coalition • Kinship care program • Substance abuse treatment • School-based mental health services • Supportive housing for homeless youth (18-24yo) •
Substance Abuse Prevention Substance Abuse Prevention Data In Anchorage, more than 25% of students report drinking one or more alcohol drinks in the last month. In the 2019-2020 school year, ASD reported 2,657 out-of-school suspensions. Many of these were consequences for alcohol or other drug use on campus or at school events. Students who receive out-of-school suspension for their first alcohol/drug related offense can attend VOA’s Prime for Life course, which gets them back to school 5 days earlier . The data indicates alcohol is used not in isolation rather, youth and adults misuse multiple substances (such as MJ, opioid, vaping, etc.). What works Potential benefits ahead of us thanks to the tax: Increasing price of alcohol is associated with: Reduced underage drinking, Reduced adult drinking, Reduction in sexually transmitted diseases among youth and adults, Reduction in number of traffic fatalities involving youth Reduction in college campus violence and crime Other effective prevention strategies include: Increase perception of harm of alcohol/tobacco/marijuana Increase perception of parent disapproval of alcohol/tobacco/marijuana Recommendations Fund activities/initiatives that increase youth perception of harm of substance use (including alcohol, marijuana, Rx drugs, tobacco). Fund activities/initiatives that increase perception of parent disapproval of youth substance use. Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for youth in a variety of settings. This is an evidence-based tool to detect risk for developing alcohol problems early, and referral to services that can effective intervene to prevent future problems. It can be implemented in multiple settings (i.e. primary care, emergency departments, anywhere youth access health services) to screen all youth – potentially youth who’s drinking would otherwise go undetected. Has the potential to impact other risk behaviors as well such as other drug use.
Kinship Care as Prevention Kinship Data According to DHSS, the number of children in Out-of-Home care has increased every year since 2015. (DHSS, 2019) In Alaska, an estimated 9,000 children are living with a relative and no parent at home. (Kids Count, 2019) 16,488 children are living in homes where householders are grandparents or other relatives. Since 2009, the rate of children in the foster care system has increased from 12/1,000 to 15/1,000 (Kids Count, 2019) What works When biological parents are not able to care for their kids, family members are the next best option to promote their health, development and wellbeing. Children cared for by relatives have better behavior, safety and wellbeing outcomes compared to those in foster care. (Winokur, Holtan & Batchelder, 2015) VOA Kinship Program provides support services for relatives raising children. Caregivers do not have to be foster parents, they just have to be biologically related to the children, and the children must be living in their home. The goal of the program is to promote the health and wellbeing of caregivers, so they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones in their home, for as long as is needed (sometimes this is indefinitely). Services include a Family Needs Scale Assessment; information and assistance; case management; respite; support groups; training and education; and financial assistance for essential goods and services (i.e. nutrition, transportation, etc.). Services build resilience in caregivers and children. The Program connects children to education and mental health services. Connects caregivers to peer support; legal and other special services for their unique challenges. Recommendations Relative caregivers, especially under informal arrangements, may not have access to the same training and supports available to licensed foster parents. Invest in support services for relatives raising children to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes of these children. Examples of crucial family supports are caregiver training; mental health screening and referrals for youth; positive before & after school activities for children and teens; legal assistance and support for caregivers.
ACES: Prevention ACES Data In Alaska, 26% of children have experienced 2 or more adverse experiences (Kids Count, 2019). New YRBS data What works Strengthening Families is an evidence based framework that has been found to improve family building and parenting skills; improve family communication and reduce youth substance misuse (including alcohol, marijuana, illicit drugs and prescription drugs); youth depression and youth aggression. It can be incorporated into a variety of settings including schools, after-school programming, youth service organizations and at home. As caregivers and parents build their skills and stress management abilities, child maltreatment decreases. Screening for mental health services and connecting families to support. Recommendations Provide concrete support and services that address family needs (nutrition, safe and affordable homes, quality childcare options). This contributes to healthy and nurturing environments for youth to grow up in. Fund programs that build positive relationships between youth and caregivers, mentors. For example, those that incorporate Strengthening Families programming or other evidence-based programs.
School-Based Behavioral Health Services List of s ser ervices ces Short-term brief intervention • Crisis intervention services • Behavioral Health Integrated Assessment • Substance abuse counseling and education • Individual and family therapy • Psychoeducation • Case management, referral and linkages to outside services • as necessary Community recovery support services • Training and technical assistance to school personnel • (funding dependent)
Benefits of School Based Behavioral Health Care Increased attendance Able to connect to • • appropriate community Better academic • providers for services performance beyond can provide (PCP, Higher graduation rates • Dental, Behavioral Health Providers - Improved student behavior Psychiatrist, long term therapy) • Appropriate screening and Positive school climate • • referral Staff retention • Decreases stigma related to • All students/families can be seeking services/treatment • referred Students are able to/learn • to seek help on their own Opportunity for earlier • intervention
Homeless Services Use identified solutions to address gaps: Actual housing interventions Not just patching symptoms Prevention & diversion Community prioritization Supportive housing: housing + support services Innovative housing options Modular Living Facilities – Ask me about Sage Street!
Conclusion This is an opportunity to focus on prevention & early intervention Thank you to the other presenters and the Assembly.
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