
12/22/2022
From the UYTC team, Happy Holidays! Best wishes to you and your loved ones this holiday season! ✨❄️
Promoting Resilience among Youth and Families Affected by Community Violence Through Leadership, Collaboration, and Action
The Urban Youth Trauma Center focuses on addressing the needs of traumatized youth and families affected by community violence, with a special emphasis on traumatized youth with co-occurring disorders including substance abuse and disruptive behavior problems.
Operating as usual
From the UYTC team, Happy Holidays! Best wishes to you and your loved ones this holiday season! ✨❄️
The Winter Storm is coming! The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services six community service centers operates as warming centers and are open today from 9am-5pm! So spread the word!
Our Garfield Center, located at 10 S. Kedzie is available 24/7 to connect residents to shelter!
Seniors are also welcome at our 21 Senior Centers throughout Chicago.
Call 3-1-1 to find your nearest warming center & for well being checks for you, your neighbors, Seniors and the Homeless!
Why is deep breathing important?
"When you experience a stressful event, your body automatically goes into what is known as “flight, fight or freeze” mode. Your heart rate increases, your stomach stops digestion, and your breathing becomes more shallow.
The goal of calming exercises is to get yourself from “flight, fight or freeze” mode back to “rest and digest” mode. Deep breathing helps get more oxygen into your bloodstream, opening up your capillaries. It has a physical effect on your body to help you calm down and lower stress."
Here are some fun ways to introduce deep breathing to kids:
https://copingskillsforkids.com/deep-breathing-exercises-for-kids?fbclid=IwAR3x9S_RwZRQyS2wiziJ_eC6K0ePL85qXhS04-l2G2nxXWh_zxjvNLxLtlM
Inside: A child therapist's favorite ways to help kids learn to take a deep breath, including quick explanations and videos of deep breathing techniques.
Meet the UYTC team!
Today's ✨: Meet Sungha Kang!
Wishing a happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights.
"Black children and adolescents are more likely to be diagnosed with a disorder involving hostility or aggression than their white counterparts are, even when their symptoms are similar, according to an analysis published in 2019 in the journal Families and Society. And they are less likely to be diagnosed with “internalizing” disorders, such as depression and anxiety."
This article demonstrates the urgent need for Black children and adolescents, as well as other youth of color to receive specialized mental health care that takes into account their culture, lived experiences, and societal forces, including structural racism and bias, that form the emotions and behaviors of children and adolescents.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/health/adolescents-mental-health-psychiatry.html?fbclid=IwAR0KVi2UeNEhMFa-26U4uFMepEPSO9Nu-Vm386pPq4v4vr7O9RWvxGTgA6U
In Atlanta, a team of Black mental health experts is bringing care to adolescents whose needs often go unaddressed and misunderstood.
Meet the UYTC team!
Today's ✨: Meet Jenna Sims!
This applies to when kids meltdown in general. All behavior is usually a form of communication.
Meet the UYTC team!
Today's ✨: Meet Yvonne Livingston!
Could crime prevention begin with addressing childhood trauma? An expert weighs in
Policing and crime are hot issues for most politicians running for office this fall. That conversation is mostly about how we treat people after they have committed a crime.
The Home Free program was developed from a partnership between the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) and the commercial bus transportation company, Greyhound Lines, Inc. It is the only national free transportation program for at-risk, runaway, and homeless youth. This program offers a bus ticket and support services for youth seeking to reunite with their families or travel to alternative safe living arrangements.
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/success-story/power-partnerships-how-national-runaway-safeline-and-greyhound-are-supporting
November 2, 2021 The Power of Partnerships: How the National Runaway Safeline and Greyhound Are Supporting Runaway and Homeless Youth The National Runaway Safeline Visit disclaimer page (NRS) reports transportation to safe and supportive housing is a frequent request from youth in crisis who reach o...
Meet the UYTC team!
Today's ✨: Meet Dr. Lynda Gibson!
This one is for all parents and caregivers who are or are working towards becoming cycle-breakers. We see you & you're doing amazing!
"Generational trauma is healed in small ways through each healthy interaction we have with our kids and other loved ones. It’s not a black-and-white, healed versus toxic dichotomy. It’s a multilayered spectrum, and each time you make a healthy choice, each time you soothe yourself instead of lashing out, each time you choose to listen to yourself rather than abandon yourself, one small part of the spectrum shifts toward something healthier."
"Your kids don't need a perfect parent or an anti-conflict parent."
This Thanksgiving, help us welcome our new neighbors to Illinois. At the city, state, and federal level- there are ways to assist. Learn more about ways to volunteer, where to donate & policy suggestions to support migrants arriving to Illinois at https://welcometoil.org/
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Este Día de Acción de Gracias, ayúdanos a dar la bienvenida a nuestros nuevos vecinos en Illinois. A nivel municipal, estatal y federal, hay formas de ayudar. Aprenda más sobre las formas de ser voluntario, dónde donar y sugerencias de políticas para apoyar a los migrantes que llegan a Illinois en https://welcometoil.org/
Meet the UYTC team!
Today's ✨: Meet Dr. Roberto Lopez-Tamayo!
Are you grieving this holiday? Here's how to cope with loss and honor loved ones
The holidays can be stressful for lots of reasons, but when grief is one of them, it can make the season even more challenging.
Psychologists are partnering with jurisdictions nationwide to revise juvenile probation policies and practices to more closely align with developmental science.
Some of the practices that psychologists are advocating for include: ensuring that all youth entering the system are screened for trauma, then receive psychoeducation and treatment & training caregivers and facility staff in trauma-informed approaches.
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/juvenile-justice-system-teens
Psychologists are partnering with jurisdictions nationwide to revise juvenile probation policies and practices to align with developmental science.
Providers, please see the new guidelines on best practices, implementation strategies, and practical guidance for services to help children, youth, and their families experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
https://store.samhsa.gov/product/national-guidelines-child-and-youth-behavioral-health-crisis-care/pep22-01-02-001
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), today released a new report, National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care, which describes the urgent need to improve crisis response servi...
Meet the UYTC team!
Today's ✨: Meet Dr. Liza Suárez!
Mental health reminders for men.
"Co-resident grandparents can serve as a vital source of care and emotional support to grandchildren. Grandparents can also share housing and other economic resources and help buffer young families from the impact of parental unemployment, divorce, incarceration, and health problems. Other research also suggests the importance of grandparent co-residence in a child’s life, such as developmental benefits—particularly for young Latino children."
Discover an analysis that finds that one in seven Latino children live with grandparents.
In recognition of National School Psychology Week, today we would like to highlight UYTC school psychologist, Dr. Mayra Gaona! Dr. Gaona earned a B.S. in Psychology from Dominican University, an M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, and Ph.D. in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. Her research and clinical work focuses on implementation of practices to create trauma-informed schools, facilitating professional development activities for school professionals, and the delivery of mental health interventions with newcomer immigrant youth. Since joining UYTC earlier this year, Dr. Gaona has had an integral role in supporting our school-based partnerships, connecting with parents, and helping with the launch of the Safe First Steps program.
Today we celebrate Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. We honor and celebrate the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us 🏵️🕯️
Today, we celebrate Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition in memory of our loved ones who are no longer with us. Hoy recordamos a nuestros seres queridos en esta tradición mexicana 🇲🇽💀🎉 Feliz día de los mu***os de parte de SCAN 🍞🍬🥂
***os
Meet the UYTC team! Every Monday for the next couple of weeks a team member will be featured/highlighted on our social media accounts.
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✨ Meet Dr. Jaleel Abdul-Adil!
Happy Halloween! 🎃 Wishing you all a safe and fun night!
🎃 👻 No matter what you're experiencing today, if you need someone to lean on for support, we're here for you. https://samhsa.gov/find-help
Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event
Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event
This past Friday, Dr. Gibson & additional UYTC team members led a trauma training for staff at Haugan Elementary School, as a part of the Safe First Steps program!
A huge shoutout to the Haugan Elementary staff for the invitation & for engaging in thoughtful conversation with us on childhood trauma & trauma-informed practices within their school.
Tips & suggestions for how to have a trauma-informed Halloween 🎃
Congrats, Dr. Gibson! 🎉
The Board of Directors of the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology has awarded Dr. Lynda Gibson the Child Mental Health in Action (CMHA) Award. Funding from this award will be used to support a new early childhood trauma training & consultation program, known as Safe First Steps.
This program was created to support young children experiencing chronic community violence and trauma exposure. By partnering with schools, Head Start centers, and other child-focused agencies, Dr. Gibson hopes to share information with child-focused providers and parents about the areas of child development that are impacted by trauma, and the strategies that can be implemented to reduce re-traumatization and promote recovery.
Talking with your children about stress
Parents can offer assistance and support to help their children better manage life’s challenges by being available, listening actively and responding thoughtfully.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) offers information and tips for helping survivors to identify abuse in their relationships and seek help.
If you are experiencing domestic violence or if you need advice to help someone else, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
https://www.dvawareness.org/seeking-help
SAFETY ALERT: If you are in danger, please use a safer computer and consider calling 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 / TTY 1-800-787-3224 or the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1−844-762-8483 (call or text) are available to assist you.
UYTC Clinical Child Psychologist Dr. Lynda Gibson will be a speaker at the 2022 National Head Start Association's Parent and Family Engagement Conference. programs are instrumental in addressing the wellness needs of children and families. This year's national conference features over 75 workshops, and Dr. Gibson will be discussing the use of trauma-informed practices within Head Start and home settings.
Register today to join hundreds of Head Start administrators, staff, and families December 12-15, 2022 in Dallas, TX.
Registration Link: https://go.nhsa.org/Parent
Did you know that NIMH offers information in Spanish on mental health?
During & we thought it was important to share that the National Institute of Mental Health offers resources & information in Spanish on mental health disorders and related topics for families, health professionals, and the general public. Access these resources here: https://go.usa.gov/xvs6Y
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¿Sabía que el NIMH ofrece información en español sobre la salud mental?
Durante el y el pensamos que era importante compartir que el Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental ofrece recursos e información en español sobre trastornos de salud mental y temas relacionados para familias, profesionales de la salud y el público en general. Acceda a estos recursos aquí: https://go.usa.gov/xvs6Y
Today is . Let's take the day to check in on our mental health and our loved ones. Together we can eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health & mental illness.
The UYTC congratulates Dr. Suárez, UYTC Co-Director, on being recently awarded the 2022 Faculty Award from the UIC Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Latinos 🎉 We are proud of the work she has done and continues to do for Latinx youth and their families.
To read more about Dr. Suárez and other award recipients see the link here: https://today.uic.edu/recognizing-uic-latinx-community-members/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/therapist-latinx-mental-health_l_632c8ff5e4b087fae6fdafaa
Members of all communities deserve access to comprehensive and affirming mental health care.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/sep/21/gen-z-mental-health-therapy-treatment-costs
Young people report higher rates of mental illness than earlier generations but are often unable to get treatment
When we discuss implementing trauma-informed change, the conversation largely surrounds how we live trauma-informed values. How does our behavior reflect our values? What about our lifestyle choices, how we engage in relationships, or our attitude toward life’s challenges? When we reflect, we reco...
https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2022/mental-health-hurricane-fiona
In the wake of yet another deadly hurricane hitting Puerto Rico, psychologists are in triage mode, working to reach those with the greatest needs first.
1747 W Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL
60608
The Urban Youth Trauma Center at the Institute for Juvenile Research is a Treatment and Service Adaptation Center for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network aiming to raise awareness about the needs of youth and families exposed to community violence and increase access to trauma informed services in urban communities. UYTC disseminates treatment programs specifically developed to meet the needs of urban youth and families impacted by community violence exhibiting traumatic stress, who may also be engaging in risky behaviors, including conduct problems and substance abuse. Additionally, the Center provides leadership through national and local collaborations to develop and disseminate resources for consumers, service providers, and policy makers targeting urban community violence and associated problems. Finally, UYTC develops partnerships with numerous community representatives in the Chicago area to share information and resources to improve the local community’s ability to organize and mobilize responses to community violence, as they impact youth and their families.
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UYTC’s Best Practice #5: Change the Message. Being surrounded by violence can make it difficult to practice peaceful solutions. Help youth by emphasizing peaceful solutions, inclusivity, by embracing diversity and promoting mutual respect. On National Youth Violence Prevention Week, take a stand against community violence and take our pledge to Change the Message. Get more information at https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention, #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #ChangeTheMessage #BecomeEmpowered #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
UYTC Community Engagement Coordinator Yvonne Livingston explains that "losing the stigma of talking to a therapist is the first step in advocating for you and your children." In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week (April 29-30), the Urban Youth Trauma Center invites you to take part in efforts to prevent violence by learning about ways to support families impacted by gun violence: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 Please join our efforts! Take the pledge! Share this post! #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention, #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #IncreaseSafety #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience #ChangeTheMessage
UYTC Co-Director Jaleel Abdul Adil explains that "restorative justice and practices aim to repair the harm and prevent future problems with youth violence." In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week (April 29-30), the Urban Youth Trauma Center invites you to take part in efforts to prevent violence by learning about ways to support families impacted by gun violence: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 Please join our efforts! Take the pledge! Share this post! #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention, #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #IncreaseSafety #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience #ChangeTheMessage
UYTC’s Best Practice #4: A sense of Safety. Identifying safe spaces, building supportive relationships, talking about ways to protect those living in the community, and working with law enforcement and local organizers can help to keep a community safe. On National Youth Violence Prevention Week, take a stand against community violence and take our pledge to Increase Safety. Get more information at: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #IncreaseEmotionalSafety #SelfCare #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
UYTC program evaluator Roberto Lopez-Tamayo explains that "engaging in trauma-focused therapy has a powerful potential to change the pathway between early adversity and negative health outcomes." In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week (April 29-30), the Urban Youth Trauma Center invites you to take part in efforts to prevent violence by learning about ways to support families impacted by gun violence: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 Please join our efforts! Take the pledge! Share this post! #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention, #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #IncreaseSafety #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
UYTC’s Best Practice #3: A sense of Mastery. Early traumatic experiences may cause children and adolescents to develop low self-esteem, poor self-mastery, and the sense that they can't influence the world around them. It is important to work with youth on building new skills and developing a sense of mastery. On National Youth Violence Prevention Week, take a stand against community violence and take our pledge to Support Mastery and Empowerment. Get more information at: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #SupportMasteryAndEmpowerment #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
UYTC Clinical Research Coordinator Lynda Gibson explains that "creating a trauma-sensitive learning environment where students can feel safe and supported is critical." In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week (April 29-30), the Urban Youth Trauma Center invites you to take part in efforts to prevent violence by learning about ways to support families impacted by gun violence: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 Please join our efforts! Take the pledge! Share this post! #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #SupportMasteryAndEmpowerment #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
"Trust" by Angel Pantoja "We learned to tell our truth this way, unafraid to be ourselves." @Free Write Arts & Literacy alumni Angel Pantoja's poem titled "Trust" is inspired by the invaluable importance of developing safe, stable and nurturing relationships between children and their parents, caregivers and caring adults, and is part of the Urban Youth Trauma Center’s violence prevention awareness campaign, #IfYouthCanThenICan. For lyrics and more information: bit.ly/2ooSrow #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #InstillTrust #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
UYTC’s Best Practice #2: A sense of Trust. There are a range of traumatic experiences that may cause children to feel that they cannot rely on anyone for safety or support. The presence of positive and stable relationships is extremely important for all children. On National Youth Violence Prevention Week, take a stand against community violence and take our pledge to Instill Trust. Get more information at: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #InstillTrust #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
UYTC Co-Director Liza Suarez explains that "everyone responds to loss differently. There is no right or wrong way to grieve." In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week (April 29-30), the Urban Youth Trauma Center invites you to take part in efforts to prevent violence by learning about ways to support families impacted by gun violence: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 Please join our efforts! Take the pledge! Share this post!
UYTC clinical psycholgy Intern Laura Perrone explains that "when supportive adults participate in a child's treatment, it helps them feel loved, protected and understood." In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week (April 29-30), the Urban Youth Trauma Center invites you to take part in efforts to prevent violence by learning about ways to support families impacted by gun violence: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 Please join our efforts! Take the pledge! Share this post! #NYVPW #violenceprevention #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
UYTC’s Best Practice #1: Know the Signs...Be Supportive. Children living in areas where there are high levels of violence exposure may often feel that they are caught in a cycle of violence. It is important that individuals identify the signs that youth are struggling with trauma and the best ways that they can provide support. On National Youth Violence Prevention Week, take a stand against community violence and take our pledge to Know the Signs...Be Supportive. Get more information at: https://bit.ly/3rPYog2 #NYVPW #ViolencePrevention #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #KnowTheSigns #GiveSupport #StopGunViolence #TraumaResilience
In recognition of National Youth Violence Prevention Week (April 25-30), the Urban Youth Trauma Center Co-Directors would like to highlight strategies for supporting families impacted by gun violence. Please join our efforts! Take the pledge! Share this post! https://www.psych.uic.edu/research/urban-youth-trauma-center/community-violence-and-trauma-recovery-strategies-for-supporting-families-impacted-by-gun-violence #NYVPW #violenceprevention #Takethepledge #IfYouthCanThenICan #StopGunViolence #traumaresilience
Center for Research on Women and Gender at UI
W Roosevelt RoadChicago Children's Advocacy Center
S Damen AvenuePilsen Neighbors Community Council
S Blue Island AvenueAlderman Byron Sigcho Lopez 25th Ward Office
W. Cermak RoadUIC Global Asian Studies Program
South Morgan StreetUIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affa
S Peoria StreetAmerican Friends Service Committee--Chicago
S Dearborn StreetAlpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc; Omicron Xi C
S Wabash AvenueCornerstone Community Outreach
N Clifton AvenueNational Futures Association Careers
S Riverside PlzBoy Scouts of America- Troop 973- Chicago, Il
N Hermitage AvenueSteve Roach Law Offices & Proline Legal
N. Michigan Avenue 14th FloorGreater Chicago Food Depository
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