āGet to Know Your Reporterā is a series of interviews weāre having with journalists covering topics that are both timely and relevant to our audiences. Our aim is to advocate for and highlight the issues & policies that affect the children and families we serve, and one way is by providing information directly from experts in the field.
This month, we had the privilege of meeting with Alina Tugend, a freelance journalist from The New York Times.
Hello Alina – thank you for making time to meet and share with us. Can you please start of by taking time to meet with us. Letās start off by getting to know you a little better.
I’m a life-long journalist, reporting on a variety of topics – from the environment to education and reporting over the years from California, Rhode Island, Washington DC, New York and the United Kingdom. For the past 24 years, I’ve been a freelance journalist for numerous national publications, including The New York Times,Ā The Washington Post,Ā The Chronicle of Higher Education and Kiplinger Retirement Report. Ā I have also written several explainers for the Education Writers Association and currently much of my work is focused on education, both K-12 and higher education.
From 2005-2015 I wrote the biweekly, āShortcuts,ā column for The New York Times business section. I’m also the author of the book āBetter by Mistake: The Unexpected Benefits of Being Wrong,ā and one of 25 women featured in the book āMistakes I made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting it Wrong.ā
What motivates you as a journalist?
I love both reporting and writing. Journalism allows me to talk to a wide variety of people about so many different topics – even ones that sound dull usually end up being interesting in some way.Ā And it’s often a challenge to fit that information together in a relatively small space in a way that is (hopefully) understandable, interesting and makes people consider an idea or concept in a way they haven’t before. I believe journalism, done thoughtfully and rigorously, is incredibly important in creating an engaged and educated citizenry – which, of course, is essential to a democracy.
It took me a long time to find a place to publish, report and write. I learned a lot while in the process, including how to better write on complicated and delicate issues that involve race and class, as education so often does. As an editor on a project once told me, it’s important not to try to smooth over contradictions, but write into the complexity. That means giving readers a real understanding of the possible ambiguity of an issue without simply falling into “on the one hand, on the other hand.”
What story/project are you the proudest of working on and why?
I would like to write some longer, in-depth stories, particularly on what good research has shown works successfully in helping students thrive inĀ K-12 education.
āGet to Know Your Reporterā is a series of interviews weāre having with journalists covering topics that are both timely and relevant to our audiences. Our aim is to advocate for and highlight the issues & policies that affect the children and families we serve, and one way is by providing information directly from experts in the field.
This month, we had the privilege of meeting with Ana B. Ibarra, a health reporter at CalMatters.
Hello Ana and thank you for taking time to meet with us. Let’s start off by getting to know you a little better.
I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, specifically in Rosemead, California, as the daughter of Mexican and Salvadoran immigrants. My introduction to journalism was in high school, where I joined a class and helped with the school newspaper, The Pantherās Tale. Journalism forced me out of my comfort zone to connect with people I might never have encountered otherwise.Ā
Ten years after starting my career, I consider myself lucky to still be a reporter. Itās challenging yet it gives me the opportunity to meet people throughout the community, allowing me to understand the issues that affect us all. I get to speak with those who have the power to make policy and changes, as well as the people impacted by those decisions.
What drives me is my commitment to keeping people informed and making news more accessible. I started my journalism career covering health and Iām still at it today. Itās a field that impacts everyone in one way or another and remains a strong area of interest for me.
I began my journey with the Merced Sun-Star then moved on to Kaiser Health News, part of the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), before landing my current role at CalMatters. I look forward to continuing this work, connecting with people from all walks of life and amplifying the stories that matter.
How has the transition from Sacramento to Los Angeles been for you as a reporter?
Iāve had the opportunity to report from different places across California ā from the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento and now to my hometown of Los Angeles. Each transition has offered unique perspectives and insights. In Sacramento, I covered the Capitol and various government agencies, translating decisions made by leaders and lawmakers into stories that reached the public. My goal was to make these decisions at the top accessible and relevant to the communities they directly impact.
Now I work outside of Sacramento, focusing on issues people deal with in their communities. Iām tracking things from health care concerns to economic challenges that might go unnoticed yet impact everyday lives. Often, these stories bring fresh insight to decision-makers in Sacramento, reinforcing how community-level issues need representation at the state level.
At CalMatters, the heart of what we do is rooted in policy, always keeping a close watch on Sacramentoās decisions. But itās equally important for us to investigate how these policies play out on the ground and observe how policies impact different cities, from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, highlighting how unique each communityās challenges are.
Ultimately, our reporting is about bridging that gap, showing how policy decisions in Sacramento impact the lives of people across California.
We’ve heard the news & media being affected quite a bit these days. Have you noticed any major trends or changes in the media landscape? And if so, what are you noticing and how are you pivoting?
In my 10 years in journalism, Iāve seen newsrooms, especially local ones, shrink to become skeletons of what they used to be. That means there are fewer eyes and stories coming out of these communities. This challenge has also resulted in more collaboration between newsrooms and reporters. At CalMatters, we partner with many local outlets to expand access to important news across California.
As news consumption evolves, weāre having to adapt too, reaching readers through print, radio, TV, newsletters and even TikTok. At the same time, weāre working to combat misinformation and build trust. This adaptability is essential, as accurate, accessible news is more critical than ever.
Can you share about your recent accomplishments and highlights?
Iāve learned that everyone interacts with the healthcare system in some way, and it can be a very complicated system to navigate. When someone reaches out to say my reporting has helped them or their family, itās the ultimate compliment and achievement.Ā
This year, my health team took on a major project: investigating maternity ward closures across California. It required months of work, from gathering data, conducting interviews, and traveling across the state, including to Imperial County, where we spoke with people affected by these closures. The project was a labor of heart and hard work and weāve been working on that since last year and up until this year. Here is the investigation that led to Governor Newsom signing a law to create more transparency around maternity ward closures:Ā Gov. Newsom signs law to slow closures.
What a powerful article with so much impact! Thank you for reporting on such critical issues. For our final question, what is a message you’d like to convey with your readers? Do you have any tips on how people can reach the media?
Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult. If youāre struggling to find the information you need, donāt be shy to reach out to journalists. Often the questions you have are shared by others. Readers sometimes contact me for help accessing resources, and even if I donāt have the answer, I can connect them with someone who does. When readers share their questions and concerns, it also helps us understand the areas where the public may need more information.
CalMatters is a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization bringing Californians stories that probe, explain and explore solutions to quality of life issues while holding our leaders accountable. We are the only journalism outlet dedicated to covering Americaās biggest state, 39 million Californians and the worldās fifth largest economy. Our mission is to improve Californiaās democracy by making its government more transparent and accountable and giving Californians the information they need to understand and engage with that government.
Ana reports from a health fair in Calexico (Imperial County). Photo credit: Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters.
āGet to Know Your Reporterā is a series of interviews weāre having with journalists covering topics that are both timely and relevant to our audiences. Our aim is to advocate for and highlight the issues & policies that affect the children and families we serve, and one way is by providing information directly from experts in the field.
In continuing this series, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jackie Mader, an award-winning reporter from The Hechinger Report.
Thank you, Jackie, for taking time to meet with us. We are honored to have this time with you. Could you please start off by telling us about yourself?
Iām Jackie Mader, Senior Reporter for Early Childhood at The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit news organization dedicated exclusively to reporting on education. Based out of Columbia Universityās Teachers College, we collaborate with both local and national news outlets to publish in-depth stories on critical education issues, including early childhood, which I define as spanning from prenatal family support programs and infancy through third grade, covering the developmental period up to eight years of age.
What motivates you to cover early childhood education and development?
I am deeply passionate about early childhood education. My journey into covering this critical age group began about nine years ago, while I was living and reporting in Mississippi for The Hechinger Report. I was on assignment, visiting childcare centers as the state debated funding preschool programs. That was my first introduction to early learning and it sparked my interest in this field. Prior to journalism, I worked as a middle school teacher, where I saw firsthand the lack of foundational skills many students had. It became clear to me how vital those early years are, as I witnessed the long-term effects of missed opportunities for quality early learning.
When I first began reporting on early childhood, I was astonished by how essential those first few years are to a person’s development and yet, how little attention they received in media coverage. While education reporting largely focuses on K-12 and higher education, early childhood is often overlooked.
Around the same time, I became pregnant with my first child, who is now eight and a half. Reporting on early childhood issues while pregnant brought a new depth to my work. As I visited childcare programs, I imagined leaving my own child in those settings, knowing I would soon rely on these services. This personal connection strengthened my desire to cover early childhood and deepened my understanding of the issues. It also made me more aware of how policy decisions affect parents on the ground, myself included.
Iām so passionate about this subject because of the general lack of public understanding about the first few years of life and how profoundly they impact a child’s brain development. I strive to highlight this in my reporting because those early interactions ā between caregivers and children and within home and childcare environments, have lasting consequences on a childās development. This period shapes the rest of their lives and itās a critical time that is too often overlooked. I feel a sense of urgency to raise awareness because many people donāt yet grasp the importance of early childhood. Thatās what drives me ā to educate the public on these crucial early years and bring them into public discourse.
Can you tell us about your career in journalism? What advice would you give young people interested in pursuing a career in journalism?
My path to journalism was a bit unconventional. My undergraduate degrees were in screenwriting and elementary education, and I spent several years teaching. It was during my time as a teacher that I realized I wanted to write about education, which ultimately led me to graduate school for journalism. From there, I transitioned into education reporting.
For those interested in journalism, my biggest advice is to start writing as much as possible. Take every opportunity you can to write, whether it’s for school publications, blogs or even internships. The more you write, the better you’ll become. I also recommend studying the work of great writers and journalists, paying close attention to their techniques, storytelling and how they structure their pieces. While there’s a lot you can learn on the job, taking journalism classes is also valuable if they’re available to you. Those classes can provide you with useful tools and foundational skills for the field.
Are there any upcoming projects that youāre excited about?
Yes, Iām really excited about a few things Iāve been working on. Last year, I took a fellowship leave and traveled to Norway, where I studied their early childhood education system. I’ll soon be publishing stories from that experience. Itās been fascinating to explore what the U.S. can learn from countries that have heavily invested in their childcare systems and in creating a high-quality childhood for children. I plan to continue pursuing international comparisons in my reporting, looking at how different countries approach early childhood education.
Another project Iām working on focuses on the quality of childcare in the U.S. In the aftermath of the pandemic, thereās been a push for deregulation to fix the childcare system, but some of these proposed solutions, such as increasing child-to-staff ratios or reducing staff training requirements, could harm the quality of care. Iām investigating these issues to better understand their potential impact.
Iām also delving into classroom management, which is a topic I’ve been interested in since my own days as a teacher. Iām currently working on a story inspired by my children’s experiences in school and what Iāve observed as a parent. Classroom management is a major challenge for teachers, and itās often cited as one of the main reasons educators leave the profession. My goal is to explore both personal experiences and research to understand the best practices and ongoing challenges in this area.
Jackie Mader can be reached at mader@hechingerreport.org
The Hechinger ReportĀ is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based atĀ Teachers College,Ā Columbia University, covering issues of inequality and innovation in education, from the earliest years through college and careers. We tell stories that will have an impact on the future of American schooling.Ā The news industry faces collapse in many parts of the country. Thorough, reliable news is needed more than ever. As the corporate journalism industry struggles, The Hechinger Report fills the gaps and elevates the quality of coverage about education.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In order to remove the shame, stigma and silence often associated with domestic violence, we opted to share a client’s story of strength & survival. As this client mustered up the courage to share her story, her hope is that in doing so, it gives others the courage to share their stories and heal in the process.
When I look back on my life, it’s hard to believe how much has changed in such a short time. Not long ago, I was trapped in a cycle of fear and abuse, unable to see a way out ā not even really understanding what I was experiencing was abuse. Today, I stand with a renewed sense of hope, strength and a determination to help others find their own path to freedom & safety.
My story began, like many others, one of excitement. I was in a relationship with someone I loved and when we found out we were expecting a child, we took the next step and moved in together. But it was then that the cracks started to show. My partnerās behavior became increasingly aggressive, something I initially blamed on the daily stresses of life, especially after our child was born. My partner struggled with addiction and while there were moments of peace, they were momentary.
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the situation. The isolation, job loss and the impacts on mental health associated with the pandemic took a toll on both of us which caused him to spiral and quickly. His habit of drinking returned aggressively, strangers from the street would frequently show up at our doorstep and the environment became dangerously unpredictable. On top of it all, his abusive behavior had intensified.
Despite my best efforts to keep my child safe and hold our young family together, the situation reached a breaking point. One night, after a particularly violent outburst from my partner where he threw me against a wall, my partner unexpectedly kicked us out of the home.
Thankfully, my parents took me and my child in but the cycle of abuse from my partner continued for another two years. There were periods where he seemed to get better, only for his abusive behavior to intensify. It wasnāt until one night, after finding him passed out and covered in blood in the kitchen, that I finally saw the reality of the situation. I tried to handle the situation myself but as usual, I was met with his aggression ā to the point that my partner nearly ended my life in that moment. He wasnāt just hurting himself; he was endangering my life and my childās life. When he woke up and tried to end my life, I knew we had to escape for good.
Filing a police report brought Child Protective Services (CPS) into my life and through them, I was connected to Children’s Institute. My goal was to find counseling for my child, who had witnessed far more than any three-year-old should ever have to see but what I found at Children’s Institute was more than just help for him ā it was a lifeline for the both of us.
At first, I was hesitant to accept the help offered. I had always been the kind of person who believed I could handle things on my own, but this time was different. I was exhausted, scared and felt utterly defeated. I took a leap of faith and enrolled in the domestic violence and parenting classes, not knowing just how transformative this decision would be.
During the group session at Childrenās Institute, I was connected to other people who understood my pain in a way I had never experienced. For the first time, I learned that the things I had been through werenāt just part of life ā they were signs of abuse. This realization was both shocking and liberating. And what was key for me was that I wasnāt alone and that this wasnāt my fault. Prior to this, I blamed myself for the abuse I experienced. Somehow, I told myself that I put myself in these situations.
The support I received at Children’s Institute allowed me to start rebuilding my life. I learned about self-care ā something I had never considered important before ā and the importance of setting boundaries. These werenāt just abstract concepts; they were tools that helped me protect myself and my child from ever falling back into the cycle of abuse.
Additionally, it was through my therapy sessions that I was encouraged to find a community of friends outside of therapy. So, with some courage, I started getting involved in a church. Thatās where, for the first time, I found a community of people & friends who embraced and understood me. The love and acceptance that my child and I felt were incredible. Before getting therapy and becoming involved in my church, I was never able to connect with others and form friendships. I even got to throw a friend their baby shower ā and for me, I felt like that was a huge success.
Today, I am a different person. Iāve built a strong support system that I can rely on. I have the support system through my church and through it, I have friends who accept and love me and my child unconditionally. Iāve learned how to find joy in lifeās little things. The constant state of fear has been lifted off my shoulders and replaced by a newfound sense of peace and purpose.
But my journey isnāt just about surviving ā itās about thriving. I want to share my story because I know there are others out there who are afraid and feel trapped. I want them to know that there is hope for them and that there are people and organizations like Children’s Institute who can help them find their way out of the darkness.
I am forever grateful for the support I received, and I wish I could give back more. I know that one way of giving back is through sharing my story. I hope that my story can be a light for someone else.
*Clientās name has been omitted for anonymity.
For more information & resources on domestic violence, please see below:
We recently opened the doors of our Otis Booth campus, in the heart of Historic Filipinotown, to welcome our community partner organizations for a much-anticipated roundtable discussion. Hosted by our Community Relations team, this marked the first community roundtable at Otis Booth since the onset of the pandemic, with partners eager to come together and engage in person.
āThereās been a hunger to reimagine the collaborative spaces we enjoyed pre-pandemicāto welcome back community partners, old and new. It reminded us that there is so much power in simply sharing space, breaking bread, in discussing common experiences and opportunities for partnership in service to families. This was an exciting first step,ā says Deborah Riddle, the Senior Community Relations Specialist at Childrenās Institute.
The gathering reflected our North Star, which centers on four pillars: educational success, emotional well-being, economic mobility and lifelong health. These pillars ground us as we work in underserved communities and guide us in the relationships we build. And we know that our work cannot be done alone. True impact is achieved through collaboration, which is why weāre so proud of the strategic partnerships weāve developed with organizations like Wesley Health, Saban Clinic, P.S. Arts and Twinspire.
As we sat down to discuss current challenges, opportunities and to better understand community needs, one thing was clear: while our missions aligned, each of the organizations brought a unique set of strengths and areas for growth to the table. This diversity in experience reinforced our belief that we are better together.
Among the voices at the table was Twinspire, an organization that has become near and dear to us. Not only are they our new partners, but theyāve also recently moved into our campus. Twinspireās work is transformative, as they advocate for marginalized young adults and foster youth, equipping them with financial literacy and life skills. By empowering their youth to open doors to educational and career opportunities, they break down barriers and elevate voices that often go unheard.
What stands out most about Twinspireās approach is their intentionality behind the relationships they build with their youth. Not an easy task. The leaders of the organization, often take the first step to connect with the youth on a deeper level by sharing in their own personal experiences as Black men who have navigated similar struggles. Angelo Agunae, Twinspire’s Program Director, shared, āI love the youth we serve, and I relate to them. I relate to their struggles, and I believe it is our duty to invest in youth and kids because when we do that, they become the people theyāre supposed to be.ā
Their shared experiences form the foundation of trust, allowing vulnerable stories to be told, real emotions to be felt and healing to begin. This relationship-building is just the first step to making their programs so successful and resonant, in topics including financial literacy, career development, social-emotional learning and social justice.
Tae Thompson, Twinspire’s co-founder and Executive Director, eloquently framed it during our discussion. He says, āItās not about seeing individuals as independently sufficient but rather, as community sufficient.ā This powerful mindset highlights the interconnectedness of our work, emphasizing that we all play a vital role in the development of the whole person within the larger community ecosystem.
Weāre thrilled to continue our collaboration with Twinspire and as we embark on our new joint initiative supporting foster youth, LAUNCH, aimed at supporting system-involved youth, we canāt wait to share more about the impact weāll create together. Stay tuned for exciting updates on this partnership!
Suicide is a complex issue affecting countless families, making awareness essential for prevention. Our Director of Intensive Behavioral Health, Kelly Hwang, LMFT, shared her insights with L.A. Parent Magazine about how recent societal changes have impacted suicidal ideation, particularly among youth and wants to highlight two major influences including the pandemic and social media. While both issues are attributed to rising mental health concerns, they also provide opportunities for dialogue and support.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic has profoundly affected youth mental health, resulting in alarming increases in suicidal ideation and self-harm. A key driver of this crisis is social isolation including lockdowns which stripped youth of social interactions, leaving many feeling lonely and disconnected.
Additionally, the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic shifted conversations about mortality into the forefront of young minds. Children, who may have previously been unaffected by death, were suddenly inundated with news about COVID-related hospitalizations and fatalities, heightening their anxiety and contributing to feelings of despair. Some even experienced the death of a family member as a result of COVID.
The pandemic, however, also sparked a cultural shift towards open discussions about mental health and wellness. The stigma that once silenced these conversations quickly began to dissipate, creating an environment where people felt more comfortable opening up about their struggles. While this openness may explain the uptick in reported rates of suicidal ideation, it also facilitates supportive dialogue.
The Role of Social Media
Social media serves as a double-edged sword for youth. On the negative side, it perpetuates unrealistic standards, leading to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. Social media users tend to showcase their “best sides,” which skews perceptions of reality and can exacerbate underlying anxiety and depression to certain users. Social media can also promote harmful behaviors in schools including bullying and harassment.
Additionally, easy access to content about suicide poses risks to youth. Despite these challenges, social media can be a source of information for mental health and suicide prevention. Online resources can be life-saving ā including for parents, who can benefit
from increased awareness of warning signs and strategies to support their children.
Tips for Parents
If youāre a parent concerned about your childās mental health, consider the following tips:
1) Recognize Depressive Symptoms
ā¢ Loss of Interest: If your child no longer engages in activities they once enjoyed.
ā¢ Loss of enjoyment: Notice this sign in activities and things previously enjoyed.
ā¢ Changes in Eating and Sleeping: Deviations in usual patterns should be noted.
ā¢ Preoccupation with Death: Frequent talk about death or suicidal thoughts should not be dismissed.
ā¢ Low Energy and Fatigue: Persistent low energy levels.
ā¢ Traumatic Exposure: Past traumas that may affect their mental health.
2) Encourage Open Dialogue
Engaging in conversations about mental health and suicide is crucial.
ā¢ Ask Directly: Ask if your child has thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
ā¢ Validate Their Feelings: Listen empathetically and acknowledge their emotions.
ā¢ Connect Them with Trusted Adults: Encourage seeking support from other family members, mentors or counselors.
ā¢ Consult a Mental Health Professional: If concerns escalate, donāt hesitate to involve a professional.
Resources
For additional support, organizations like Childrenās Institute offer resources and counseling for qualifying families. For families under Medi-Cal with youth 0-21 years of age that are seeking resources, please see here.
Get a glimpse into the Community Public Health Teams initiative
Jocelyn Medinaās journey began in the heart of Los Angeles, within the vibrant neighborhood of Koreatown. With a passion for social justice and a commitment to underserved communities, Jocelyn beams with joy when talking about her community, her work at Children’s Institute and the Community Public Health Teams (CPHT).
Jocelyn first joined Childrenās Institute in February 2020 as a Transitional Development Specialist where she guided foster youth aged 16 through 21 into adulthood, aiding their transition out of foster care. She assisted with employment, housing and vital document procurement, all vital steps towards independence. Becoming a Community Health Worker for CPHT was a natural progression. Her deep-rooted desire to continue supporting families and individuals aligned perfectly with the household and community-level activities that CPHT implements.
Jocelyn immerses herself in the Watts community, leveraging her prior experiences and familial connections to bridge gaps and foster relationships. Home visits are a pivotal aspect of Jocelyn’s work, offering an eyewitness perspective of community dynamics. Despite theĀ stigma often associated with Watts, Jocelyn only found warmth and hospitality. Whether talking with clients or neighbors, she experiences respect and camaraderie, which allows her to dispel misconceptions and foster trust.
Jocelyn actively engages with the community through initiatives like the Watts Community Conversations which is a monthly event that provides Watts residents to share with Children’s Institute and other partners so there is mutual understanding of their concerns and the ability to identify areas for collective improvement.
Reflecting on the challenges facing Watts and Lynwood neighborhoods, Jocelyn names two major obstacles: limited awareness of available resourcesĀ and transportation barriers. She believes engaging community to connect them to resources is critical, emphasizing the importance of building trust and accessibility.
Jocelyn’s motivation stems from her upbringing in an underserved community, where language barriers and limited access to resources posed significant hurdles for her own family. Jocelyn knew that if her community had a person who could help them understand the health system and the process, it would have made a difference and sheās determined to be that kind of person, āI saw my family face all these challenges that I see some of the community members struggle with as well.ā She knows people may hesitate or feel intimidated, but she remains undeterred.
Sometimes we just need someone to push us, to motivate us, to support us, so that we donāt feel aloneā¦ We want to make sure that our community members do not feel alone and know they have someone there to help them no matter what they are struggling with.
Jocelynās drive to empower communities embodies the values of CPHT and serves as a beacon of hope for Watts and beyond.
An interview of Jocelyn Medina by James K. Miller Jr. from the LA County Department of Public Health.
To learn more about Children’s Institute’s new initiative in partnership with the LA County Department of Public Health, please see here.
What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured, short-term evidence-based treatment developed by Drs. Anthony Mannarino, Judith Cohen and Esther Deblinger that effectively improves a range of trauma-related outcomes in 8-25 sessions with the child/adolescent and caregiver. This form of therapy can be useful for a variety of experiences and traumas and has proven to be highly effective at improving youth post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and diagnosis (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 2024).
Currently, 25 randomized controlled trials have been conducted in the U.S., Europe and Africa, comparing TF-CBT to other active treatment conditions. The totality of this research is what distinguishes TF-CBT from other child trauma interventions and finding it superior for improving childrenās trauma symptoms and responses (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 2024).
At Childrenās Institute, TF-CBT can be an important tool in helping children and families who have experienced trauma and/or violence in their life.
First-Hand Experience from Ingrid E. MĆ¼rrle, LMFT, CII Therapist and Training Center Clinical Manager
āOne of the adjunct benefits of TF-CBT is caregiver involvement. Studies have shown that the more involved a caregiver is in treatment, the better the outcome.
In one case, we had a caregiver who was feeling hopeless; yet she came to our sessions each week. I had the opportunity to work closely with her and we went through each of the TF-CBT components just like we did with the child, both separately and together. During the treatment, we began to look at how thoughts can impact behaviors which impact feelings. This is an intervention we use with the kids and with caregivers. We approached it little differently by helping them work backwards from what they see to what the child is experiencing.
With this caregiver, we made a list of the childās behaviors that were challenging. After going through the list, I challenged this caregiver to think about the internal effect a child behaving in those ways would feel. The last step was to imagine what someone with all these behaviors and feelings would be thinking of themselves. The caregiver began to cry as she realized that the child was feeling unworthy, unloved, and unimportant. It was one of those sessions where you walk out drained yet knowing something powerful had just happened.ā
At CII, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been proven to help children and their families process and heal from the effects of traumatic experiences. If you would like to learn more about TF-CBT as a clinician or parent, please visit tfcbt.org.
Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., Kliethermes, M., & Murray, L. A. (2012). Trauma -focused CBT for youth with complex trauma.Ā Ā Child Abuse & Neglect, 36(6), 528-541.Ā http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2012.03.007
Gillies D., Taylor, F., Gray, C., OāBrien, L., & DāAbrew, N. (2012). Psychological therapies for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents.Ā Ā Cochrane Database System Review. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006726.pub2
NBC News recently published an article reporting on the increase in youth suicide rates, featuring insights by Dr. Diane Elias, Vice President of Behavioral Health at Childrenās Institute (CII). While the findings may not be surprising, especially to those familiar with recent mental and behavioral health trends, it serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of understanding and bringing awareness to this complex youth mental health crisis.
The rising rates of youth suicide and suicidal ideation can be seen locally in Los Angeles but also nationally, affecting rural, suburban, and urban areas, alike. What is interesting about the statistic is that not all groups are affected equally. According to NBC News,Ā the suicide rate for Hispanic people in the United States has increased significantly over the past decade. Even elementary school-aged Hispanic children have tried to harm themselves or expressed suicidal thoughts.
The statistics show that the rise in youth suicide has been more pronounced in communities of color, including Latino communities, where thereās been a staggering 92.3% increase in suicide among Hispanic children 12 and younger from 2010 to 2019. There is a significant increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations among young people for risky behavior and suicidal thoughts. Children as young as eight have required hospitalization for attempting to harm themselves, said Dr. Elias.
What makes this issue even more complex is that often, there are multiple layers and contributing factors and no one-size-fits-all solution. Issues including anxiety, a sense of uncertainty, a lack of access to mental health resources, and underlying mental health issues can exacerbate the problem but there are other factors that are unique to certain ethnic and racial groups that act as obstacles including, but not limited to, cultural and language barriers, stigma surrounding mental health, and even societal and economic pressures attributed to oneās residency status. The article states that,Ā about one in five Spanish-language calls ended with the scheduler hanging up or informing the caller that no one was available to assist in Spanish, further proving how mental health care is often difficult to access. Itās critical to note these cultural and language factors in providing the right access to care.
Childrenās Institute is keenly aware of and considers these factors when developing specialized approaches to treatment. According to Dr. Elias, Childrenās Instituteās approach includes the following methods & services:
Trauma-Informed Care: addresses underlying issues and appropriately responds to the impact of trauma on mental health.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): identifies and focuses on building coping skills and resilience.
Family Therapy: strengthens family support systems and communication within the family structure.
Crisis Intervention: provides immediate support and develops safety plans catered to the individualās needs.
Collaborative Care: coordinates efforts with schools, other healthcare professionals, and community services for comprehensive care.
Holistic Approach: explores creative therapies, mindfulness, and self-care practices.
Culturally Competent Services: aligns with cultural sensitivities and beliefs held within different groups.
Additionally, Childrenās Institute aims to support families and youth in reducing the risk of suicidal ideation by providing comprehensive mental health services. Individuals seeking help or those looking to support someone in need can benefit from Childrenās Instituteās diverse and personalized approach to mental health and well-being. To start the process, you can call 213-260-7600.
It is critical to approach any warning sign seriously and with compassion. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, seek help immediately. Reach out to mental health professionals for support and guidance and if there is an immediate risk of harm, call emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
If you are someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, itās crucial to seek immediate help.
Steps to Reduce the Risk of Suicidal Ideations and Suicide for Families and Youth:
Open Communication:
Encourage open and honest communication within the family.
Create a safe space for youth to express their feelings without judgment.
Establish Support Networks:
Build strong support networks involving family, friends, and community.
Foster connections that provide emotional support during difficult times.
Encourage Professional Help:
Promote the importance of seeking professional help including counseling/therapeutic services.
Find mental health professionals and organizations that can provide support.
Identify Warning Signs:
Changes in behavior such as sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or activities previously enjoyed.
Communicating a sense of hopelessness
Engaging in reckless or impulsive behaviors without regard for consequences
Avoiding social interactions and isolation
Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or sudden unexplained mood swings
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for free and confidential support 24/7. This Lifeline provides crisis intervention and emotional support for people in distress or for those around them.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis. Help is available.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 in the United States to connect with a trained crisis counselor. This service is available 24/7 and provides support via text message.
Emergency Services: If the situation is urgent or life-threatening, call emergency services (911 in the United States) immediately.
An exciting new opportunity for foster youth with postsecondary education aspirations was announced last month (July) with Senate Bill 307 being signed into the state budget. This new legislation expands financial aid for foster youth to not only support the cost of tuition, but the cost of living as well! Although this marks significant progress toward supporting foster youth with postsecondary education attainment, barriers such as lack of a supportive network continue to hinder this population in earning their college degree. Childrenās Institute (CII) has worked diligently with Transition Aged Foster Youth (TAY) for many years to support them in identifying their postsecondary educational goals and take the necessary steps to make their dreams a reality.
To help paint the picture of what itās like for this population, we connected with a recent graduate from our foster youth program, Beatrice, to discuss her experiences during her first year of college and the challenges she faced.
āI do not want to burden my foster mother to provide transportation. It can be a lot.ā said Beatrice. Although the college she attends is only about a 30-minute drive, it takes more than an hour and a half and multiple connections for her to get to campus on public transport.
One of the most significant barriers for foster youth in college is the financial resources needed for housing, transportation, food, the cost of books, technology, and supplies. SB 307 addresses this barrier by providing the additional financial support needed to ensure foster youth are successful in meeting their postsecondary education goals.
On a more relational level, foster youth havenāt yet honed self-advocacy skills, nor do they have consistent, supportive adults in their lives to advocate on their behalf. There are a multitude of resources and services both on college campuses and in the community, but this information isnāt always readily apparent. Foster youth need to both know about the existence of those resources and have the confidence to access them. Beatrice shared that even when a resource is shared, on occasion, she didnāt know how to utilize it and needed more hands-on support to take full advantage of services and programs she was entitled to receive. CII provides current and former foster youth with mentors who support learning how to identify and access needed resources. These mentors are trusted adults that assist TAY in navigating the challenges of postsecondary education.
āIāmĀ going into my 2nd year of college, and I still feel like a freshman,Ā because Iām not engaged,ā said Beatrice, āThere are some people from my old high school that I go with, and even though we are in the same campus now, I still donāt interact with them. I see them through social media, and they are in their dorm and hanging out with people. I feel like I should have ādormed,ā but at the same time, growing up, I have always been around family.ā Building community and networking is a vital part of the college experience, but many foster youth face financial challenges surrounding reliable, stable, and safe housing in between college semesters when many dorms are closed.
CII has served almost 300 current and former foster youth in South Los Angeles County between July 2022 and June 2023 in meeting education, employment, and housing goals. CII mentors meet with youth individually and in group settings to provide targeted support around postsecondary education goal identification and attainment. Our mentors support students in researching the best education fit, whether that includes vocational programs, community colleges, or a four-year university. Mentors support with the application process and even the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
We see these outcomes as a result:
83% of High School Seniors enrolled in CIIās TAY program earned their High School Diploma in 2022
87% of High School Seniors enrolled in the program applied to postsecondary education in June of 2022 and 2023 Compared to California
70% of foster youth earned their High School Diploma by age 19
56% of foster youth were enrolled in an educational program at age 19
58% of foster youth earned their High School Diploma by age 19
48% of foster youth were enrolled in an educational program at age 19
We asked Beatrice what advice she would give other foster youth starting their college journey. She encourages youth to take the opportunity to live in the dorms in order to develop meaningful relationships with peers. She also recommends making time for life on campus, such as clubs to decrease feelings of isolation and get the full college experience.
We need to continue to make efforts to identify barriers impacting foster youth earning their degrees and taking full advantage of the experience they worked so hard to attain, and ensure we create a collaborative effort to effectively overcome those barriers. California continues to progress toward equipping foster youth with the tools to succeed in college. Childrenās Institute, and other community-based organizations support foster youth in accessing the resources and support to ensure foster youth have every opportunity to achieve their dreams.
