Children's Mental Health

To achieve this goal, we work with schools, community mental health centers, child welfare officials, and juvenile justice systems on behalf of individual clients and their families.  We also collaborate with state and local policymakers to foster systems change reforms.

Achieving child-focused, family-centered practice means not only valuing the family's involvement in decision-making, but listening to the voice of older children and teenagers regarding their needs. Why is it so difficult to focus on the underlying needs of children and teenagers?

Youth Family Team Meetings (YFTM) are strengths/need-based that emphasize a young person taking charge of his/her change process: the meeting is youth-centered while also engaging the family. Skilled facilitation at the YFTM supports the young person in speaking up and committing him/herself to steps to achieve his/her aspirations.