State Youth Hosting 1 st Youth M.O.V.E. Arkansas Conference

1. Children’s System of Care DHS Spring 2011 Issue In This Edition: By Josh Heimburg Spring always brings new opportunitiesand so it does for System of Care in Arkansas. In this edition you’ll find: ways the Arkansas System of Care experience is shaping training and learning; Wraparound Train the Trainer Training is coming to an area near you; a summary of the FYAN spring conference of April 12th; an introduction to Youth M.O.V.E. Arkansas; updates from the Family Youth Support Partner (FYSP) Work Group; a Community Care Director’s (CCD) experience in the “In My Own Words” column; and a data brief describing the increase in Wraparounds and Multi-Agency Plans of Services (MAPS) reviews occurring within the Arkansas Wraparound Demonstration projects. For comments, questions or to contribute an article please contact me at: Josua.Heimburg@Arkansas.gov State Youth Hosting 1st Youth M.O.V.E. Arkansas Conference Submitted by Kimberly Roberts Youth M.O.V.E. (Motivating Others through Voices of Experience) Arkansas (YMA) is a statewide youth-led organization devoted to improving services and supports provided to children and youth in the state of Arkansas. Our first statewide conference for youth and those that serve them will be held on June 24 and 25, 2011 at Arkansas State University-Jonesboro Campus in the Student Union. This conference is open to all youth and people who are concerned about issues that affect youth. This conference has been completely planned and is to be presented entirely by youth of this organization! YMA was originally formed in 2006 as Youth in ACTION (Arkansas Collaborating to Improve Networks), a youth council of ACTION for Kids System of Care Demonstration project in Craighead, Lee, Mississippi and Phillips County. YMA is excited to announce a new chapter starting in Pulaski County. Continued on page 3 The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. Dolly Parton Youth M.O.V.E representatives from Left: Kaneisha Gilmore, Angelica Roberts, Kendra Brooks and Syreeta Tucker, Youth Engagement Specialist, ACTION for Kids

2. Wraparound Training Academy Evolves Train the Trainer Set to Begin The largest System of Care training effort has been the two day Wraparound Training Academies that started in the fall of 2009 and continues today. The training was made possible through a Person Centered Planning grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). The Wraparound Training curriculum was developed in partnership with DHS and the Family Youth Assistance Network (FYAN). The Wraparound curriculum was informed by roundtables with professionals and families from over 14 sites representing every mental health service area in the state. The resulting Wraparound Academy trainings have been attended by over 600 individuals. The goal of this initial training was to have participants achieve a basic level of understanding and competency in the Wraparound process. However, The evaluations, feedback, and requests from Wraparound demonstration project sites indicated the need for more training and specifically coaching for Wraparound facilitators. To ensure mastery in the various skills and knowledge needed to facilitate the Wraparound process, additional training has been developed. The new Wraparound Training was created for DHS by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funded System of Care project ACTION for Kids. The training has six training modules, a coaching component and an evaluation of skills. The training is based on content and best practices from the National Wraparound Initiative, Wraparound training used in other states, and feedback received from demonstration project sites. However, because the training has been untested in Arkansas the initial year will target a small group of existing Certified Wraparound Facilitators to pilot the training. Those in the pilot will work within their community and use their experiences to contribute to a high quality final product. The intention is that those participating in the pilot will be able to train, coach, assess and certify others in Wraparound. The kick-off of the Wraparound Train the Trainers will be May 18, 19 and 20, 2011, with another session on August 3, 4, and 5, 2011. The original Wraparound Academy two day training will continue for those seeking Certification. Learn. Practice. Master. Teach. Learn. Practice. Master. Teach. Learn. Practice. If you are a certified Wraparound facilitator and are interested in attending either of these sessions please contact Becky Webber: rebecca.webber@arkansas.gov 2

3. State Youth Hosting 1st Youth M.O.V.E. Arkansas Conference Continued from page 1 Over the last five years, YMA has grown into an organization with a goal: to be respected community leaders who partner with systems, programs and agencies to meet our needs, from the perspective of youth. YMA has already made strides toward our vision, through peer-to-peer counseling, speaking engagements, and several statewide initiatives with a focus on improving services for children, youth and families. The conference is to be held June 24 & 25, 2011 in the Student Union on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and will offer five tracks. Each track was designed in cooperation with the youth conference planners and the workshops are being hosted by youth. This is a unique opportunity to truly hear and understand just a few of the issues that affect youth on a daily basis. As community leaders, YMA members will continue to strive to increase awareness of youth issues. YMA is always actively seeking partners to help accomplish their mission. If you would like more information on how you can partner with YMA, please contact Syreeta Tucker, state director at 870.762.8228 or stucker@youthmovear.org. www.Youthmovear.org CONFERENCE TRACKS: Transition to Independence Track: This track offers conference attendees workshops addressing the transition from childhood to adulthood. This includes developing a personal transition plan, money management, career planning, planning for higher education, housing and other areas relating to making a successful transition to independence. Parent, Family and Provider Track: This track offers conference attendees workshops addressing ways to support transition-age youth and young adults as they transition into adulthood. Workshops are provided by youth working with family members and/or professionals as partners. Multicultural Diversity Track: This track is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Arkansas State University and offers workshops related to increasing participants awareness of different cultures and explores strengths and challenges in diversity. Leadership and Advocacy Track: This track offers conference attendees workshops related to the development of skills in the areas of leadership and advocacy. YMA Chapter Development Track: This track offers conference attendees workshops focused on developing and sustaining a chapter of Youth M.O.V.E. Arkansas. These workshops include increasing chapter membership, establishing committees, fundraising and running a meeting. It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent. Dave Barry 3

4. Arkansas Children’s Behavioral Health Care Commission Commission Appointments Made Governor Mike Beebe, on March 14, 2011, appointed two new members to the Commission; Dr. Jeremy Thompson, Medical Director of Alternative Opportunities and DaySpring Behavioral Health Services, replacing Wes Robbins and David C. Laffoon, FACHE, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) who is replacing Jay Bradford, former DBHS Director. Members that were reappointed are: Dr. Jennifer Lang; Carol Lee; Clarence Perkins; Georgia Rucker-Key; Joyce Soularie; and the Honorable Joyce Williams Warren. With the exception of David Laffoon and Dr. Jeremy Thompson (whose terms expire August 15, 2011), the reappointed Commissioners' terms will expire August 15, 2013.  Highlights from the April 21, 2011 Meeting • • DHS System of Care Team’s Data and Outcomes Supervisor Dr. Linda Nelson shared an update on the implementation of the Youth Outcomes Questionnaire in Arkansas and indicated that the instrument had been used over 70,000 times statewide. The Clinical Operations Director from Perspectives Behavioral Health Management, LLC. , Dr. William Thornton presented his analysis of adaptation and change in practice that was occurring in their agency due to the use of the YOQ • • Success stories and corresponding data results from Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in schools was presented to the commission by representatives from the Blytheville School District (Randy Jumper, Blytheville Dean of Students), the Hot Springs School District (Terry Lawler, Director of the Safe Schools/Health Students Grant) and the National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention (Beth Freeman, Technical Assistance Specialist). • • Family and Youth Support Partner (FYSP) workgroup representatives (Joyce Soularie, Family Support Partner Coordinator; Gayle Taylor Mid-South Health Systems Family Support Partner; and, Cynthia Hastings Health Resources of Arkansas Family Support Partner) presented on the current workgroup progress then sought and subsequently received commission approval of the following recommendations: • Approve the definition for Arkansas Family support Partners; • Approve the role of the FSP; • Approve the initial training curriculum; and • Approve the next steps laid out by the FYSP committee. • See also the complete recommendations of the FYAN to the Commission on pages 7 and 8 of this Newsletter. See the 2010 Annual Report to the Governor at: https://ardhs.sharepointsite.net/ARSOC/default.aspx The agenda, handouts and minutes from the Commission Meeting can be found at: https://ardhs.sharepointsite.net/ARSOC/default.aspx Commission Members: Joyce Soularie, Dr. Gary Wheeler and Rhonda Sanders 4

5. Building on Family Strengths Conference The Building on Family Strengths Conference was highly praised by the 52 family members and others in attendance at this year’s first training event sponsored by the Family and Youth Assistance Network (FYAN) according to the program evaluations received. Speakers, chosen for their work in family support, advocacy or empowerment positions within the Arkansas Behavioral Health System, shared information about the FYAN Resource Center, family support, children and family rights and other elements of the mental health system. The morning session began with, Gayle Taylor, Family Support Provider, ACTION for Kids, who gave the presentation, “Celebrate Good Times; Family Strengths”. Her focus was on using a family’s strengths to elicit change and how to communicate needs. Following Ms. Taylor, SyrettaTucker, Youth Engagement Specialist, ACTION for Kids, presented “Youth Guided Systems Transformation: An Open Discussion”. Ms. Tucker explained what youth involvement really means in practice and talked about communicating with and empowering the youth of Arkansas. During lunch, Angi Taylor, FYAN Resource Center Coordinator, familiarized the group with the FYAN and AMHPAC websites. Three concurrent sessions were held that afternoon with the following topics: Family Support Partners, by Joyce Soularie and Rochelle Nelson; FYAN: The Next Steps, by Kim Arnold of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); and New Family Training by Dana McClain of the Disability Rights Center, (DRC.) The event was held at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s (UALR) Donaghey Student Center on April 12, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. There was no charge for the training and to make attending the conference possible for more families, stipends to assist with the travel expense were available. The training was a wonderful opportunity for families to network. Comments made indicated those in attendance particularly enjoyed the participatory aspect of the training, the new knowledge gained, the handouts, the mock scenarios, and the presenters. 5

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7. Family First - The Progress of the Family • Submitted by Joyce Soularie, Arkansas Family Support Partner Coordinator • The Family Youth Support Partner (FYSP) work group started its work in the fall of 2010 after approval from the Governor’s Behavioral Health Commission. Joyce Soularie has chaired this work group since its inception; this prepared her for her current role as the Arkansas Family Support Partner Coordinator which began February 1, 2011. The FYSP workgroup continues its focus on the development of the Family Support Partner position and on April 21, 2011 the Arkansas Children’s Behavioral Health Care Commission heard a presentation of the work completed to date. The recommendations, as shown below were approved by the Commission. • Approve the definition for Arkansas Family Support Partners • Approve the role of the FSP • Approve the initial training curriculum • Approve the next steps laid out by the FYSP committee. • Definition of Arkansas Family Support Partners (FSP) • Family Support Partners are peer counselors who model recovery and resiliency in overcoming obstacles common to those who live with children or youth with behavioral health care needs. Family Support Partners come from legacy families and use their lived experience, training, and skills to help caregivers identify goals and actions that promote recovery and resiliency for their family. Family Support Partners are employed, contracted or supported by agencies committed to family driven, culturally competent and individualized care. Family Support Partners have completed all required training programs and received certification. • Peer Counselors- families working with other families. • Legacy Family- a family that has multiple experiences with the mental health and other social service systems often spanning generations and family members. • Lived Experience- Knowledge and insights that can only be obtained by having a child with mental illness, whose care you are responsible for, in your family.   7

8. Youth Support Partner Work Group • The Role of the Family Support Partner • The role of the FSP will vary depending on the need in the area of the state they serve; these will be needs that the local Care Coordinating Council (CCC), Care Coordinating Director (CCD) and Family Support Partner identify as a priority for their area: • FSP’s will work with families that have a child or youth diagnosed with a severe to moderate behavioral health care need that requires intensive individualized services and supports. These will be families involved in Wraparound or Multi-Agency Plans of Services (MAPS). The interventions and supports that the FSP will provide to these families and/or the youth will be a specific part of the Wraparound or MAPS plan and linked to specific objectives. • FSP’s will work with families that have a child or youth with a mental health diagnosis with moderate or intensive short term needs. These families will need or have multisystem involvement and may have a MAPS. Supports provided are based on the individual family needs will be shorter term and less intensive than families involved in Wraparound. • FSP’s will work with families on the universal or prevention and early intervention level that could serve all families, children and youth in the community. The FSP will offer training, develop family nights for their area, guide and direct family groups that are interested in starting a family organization or a family run support group. • Family Support Partner Training • For the initial training of FSPs, Arkansas will rely on already existing trainings from the National Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI) as well as trainings in the area of ethics, cultural competency, family engagement, Wraparound and others. These curriculums were chosen as a starting point because there are existing local NAMI state trainers and curriculums. This will be a first step, the work group will continue to research training in Arkansas and beyond to identifying training that is readily available for use, or to develop training for the Arkansas FSP curriculum. • The Next Steps • Develop Outcome Measures; • Develop an Implementation Plan for FSP in the Current Demonstration Projects; and • Begin to Explore Youth Support. 8

9. Wraparound Reviews and Multi-Agency Plans of Services Increase Submitted by Dr. Linda Nelson, DHS, Evaluation and Data Specialist The Arkansas Department of Human Services System of Care Wraparound Demonstration project has been fully funded in its current form, with full time Community Care Directors and Wraparound Facilitators, for over 18 months. The project has been working to create local Systems of Care and enhance the already existing service array in communities. The goal of the demonstration project is to help families stay together and to keep children in their homes communities and schools. • The demonstration project steps to accomplish the goal: • Increasing access to both existing and non-traditional services and supports, • Increasing agency and community collaboration and resource sharing, • Increase care coordination efforts through Wraparound and Multi Agency Plans of Services (MAPS). Wraparound Demonstration sites and CASSP sites have reported increased Wraparounds and more successful follow-up reviews during the SFY2011 with the aid of full-time Wraparound Specialists. Each Wraparound Plan or MAPs developed represents engagement with a family by the Wraparound Specialist or another trained Wraparound facilitator to help the families develop a “Wraparound team” that can help them develop local supports and services in the community. Among other duties, Wraparound Facilitators help the Wraparound team coordinate regular reviews of existing plans. The reviews check for the plans effectiveness, revise the Wraparound plan as needed, and measure the progress of each child along six possible domains: Home and Family Relationships, School/Vocational, Emotional and Behavioral Health, Community, Physical Health/Development, and Legal System, Juvenile Justice. All demonstration sites have provided Wraparound plans, services and supports for approximately a year and a half and are reporting successes in meeting the goals of the involved families. 9

10. “In My Own Words” Submitted by Jeannie Tindal, Community Care Director (CCD) For: Pope, Yell, Faulkner, Johnson, Conway, and Perry Counties We believe System of Care is making a difference in our communities and in the lives of our families. By engaging families, we are empowering them to take the lead with the kinds of supports and services that are unique to their success. Our families seem to benefit significantly from our mentoring program. Our mentors interact with the child as well as the family. They are a valuable team member. We staff with each mentor weekly. The mentors attend the wrap meeting and provide valuable Information as to the child’s and family’s progress. Our mentors are required to engage the child in a predetermined amount of community volunteer work each week along with a fun activity. This allows for traditional mentoring but also promotes a sense of worth and belonging for the child. Also, our community is embracing the value of our children and families contribution as they participate in volunteerism. Volunteering is a significant component of some of our most successful families in Wraparound. We work to help the families identify ways in which they can give back to the community for the help they are receiving in hopes of eliminating the risk of any out of home placements. Most of our families are eager to help out where they are needed. This seems to promote self-worth and a pay it forward mentality. Our families volunteer at soup kitchens, community clean-ups, senior citizens centers, animal shelters, food pantries and the Boys & Girls Club. What has been evident about this component is that it builds on strengths and enables families to network their own natural supports and services. Also, community partners benefit from the assistance of our families and are eager to help when the need arises. In the future, we hope to get our families involved with Habitat for Humanity, family- to- family support and community service projects. As we continue the work of engaging our families, we are providing opportunities for them to have fun and network with other families. During Spring Break, we had a cookout for our families. The attendance was 40 plus family members and mentors. Our families reported this event was helpful in giving the children as well as the parents, a positive activity in which to interact with each other as well as their mentors and treatment team. Other activities that have been successful for our families have been family support groups, Bingo, CASSP Poster Contest and linking our parents with other community activities. Upcoming events are nutritional and fitness education and assistance with starting book clubs. We believe these events are beneficial to our families and community. This is evident by increased family and youth participation in our Community Care Council. However, the most important outcome of the above approach of supports and services is the success of our families. Selena Collier, Delta Counseling Associates and Bessie Lancelin, Clinical Supervisor, Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System, Inc. Mandy Voliva, Diondra Williams and Jeannie Tindall Counseling Associates, Inc. Danny Stanley & Jennifer Lacefield, Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center 10

11. We would like to take the opportunity to share a success of one of our families. We received a referral on Sam, an eleven year old male who had four siblings. Sam was involved in the legal system; he had significant behaviors at school with many suspensions, and was having difficulty in the community. Mom was unemployed and the family had received an eviction notice and did not know how to manage this crisis. The family was willing to work with Wraparound and a plan supports and services were developed. The team assisted Mom with finding employment, provided budgeting and credit counseling and a mentor was provided for Sam. The team assisted Mom with school meetings to develop a behavior plan for Sam and assistance was given to Mom to address legal issues. The mentor involved Sam in community service projects to help build his own natural supports. Mom was willing to participate in Wraparound activities and sought her own natural supports through attending church. Currently, the family is doing well. Mom is employed and they are living in a stable environment. The budgeting class provided education for Mom to establish and sustain a small savings account. Sam is doing great in school with his current behavior plan. He is off all medications and has no legal problems at this time. We feel this family is a testimony for System of Care. Patti Yates and Brenda Willis, Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System, Inc. Cole Mitchell, Daysprings and Precious Williamson, Professional Counseling Associates "I once had a leather jacket that got ruined in the rain. Why does moisture ruin leather? Aren't cows outside a lot of the time? When it's raining, do cows go up to the farmhouse, "Let us in! We're all wearing leather! Open the door! We're going to ruin the whole outfit here!"“ Jerry Seinfeld 11

12. One Day Retreat Rewards Beyond the Intended Purpose Retreat Reinforces Arkansas System of Care- Experience Evolves Only From Experiences This event, held for Community Care Directors and Wraparound Specialists throughout the 14 Wraparound Demonstration Project sites, was projected to bring together the collective wisdom of Arkansas System of Care developers; to form a community of the SOC students in a learning atmosphere; and spread best practices in the areas of Wraparound, CCC development, and effective Services and Supports for families. The added benefit was provided that morning by the Arkansas Department of Human Service’s System of Care Staff’s (DHS SOC Staff) inventive introductions of themselves. To create an atmosphere for sharing and welcomed participation, the DHS SOC Staff dressed and acted parts to demonstrate their understanding of what a retreat should be or to explain their role in the Arkansas System of Care. Each tied their own introduction back to the purpose of the retreat. This set the mood for the day to one of renewal, heightened energy, and kinship of purpose. The retreat, held on March 3, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza in Little Rock, was one of many efforts to increase support, training and encouragement for those working in communities. Currently the SOC DHS Staff provides monthly community technical assistance conference calls, statewide skill building trainings and individual community level technical assistance and training. The knowledge and experience of families, service providers and community supporters who are working and living in the System of Care have proven to be the key to identifying and training for “what works” in Arkansas. The DHS SOC Staff look forward to making the retreat an annual event and expanding it as directed by recognizing what is working. 12

13. DHS SOC Staff l to r: Sherry Cobb, Technical Assistant; Wiletta Crain CASSP Financial AA; and Christina Westminster, Program Technical Assistant Lynn Kell, MAINTAINING Ms. Kell, described her interpretation of a retreat as a time to relax and spend the day in comfort. She related this to those performing services for others on a daily basis by encouraging everyone to take time to “fill your own cup”. She stated, ‘in order to stay healthy, one must learn to take care of themselves to avoid “burn-out”. Joyce Soularie, Arkansas Family Support Partner Coordinator Dr. Linda Nelson, DHS, Evaluation and Data Specialist OUTCOMES Dr. Nelson, related a retreat was, as a day spent in one of her gardens. She explained the process there starts by: planting a seed; using the right soil mixture; providing protection; and, following up with a consistent supply of water and nutrients. The effort, she stated, results in an outcome. She compared this to the Wraparound process. The time and care given to a family produces an outcome. Nena Williams, CASSP Interagency Coordinator and Josh Heimburg, Social Marketing and Training Specialist Darren Reeves, Children’s System of Care Director 13

14. Important Dates and Events - Past and Future • Ann Patterson, Arkansas Head Start State Collaboration Office, reported the Infant Mental Health Conference is June 6th. • http://aaimh.org • FYAN SAVE THE DATES • Submitted by: Angi Taylor, FYAN Resource Center Coordinator • September 30-October 2, 2011 • FYAN Fall Conference • 4-H Center in Ferndale, Arkansas • This will be a free weekend training for caregivers and youth 13 and up. Youth will have their own track, including an outdoor teambuilding exercise with the 4H staff. • Friday, September 30, 2011 Staff and Family are invited to Ross Greene’s Collaborative presentation. • Saturday, October 1, 2011 will be a day of Skills Training in Collaborative Problem Solving led by Ross Greene. • Sunday, October 2, 2011 will be a half day about Arkansas Advocacy and will be led by Angi Taylor, Joyce Soularie, and other FYAN Steering Committee Members. • Laughter Yoga and an Open Mic Question and Answers session will be on the agenda due to your requests. • May Mental Health Events Planned • Submitted by: Nena Williams, CASSP Interagency Coordinator • Consevella James, Treatment Homes, reported the Annual Foster Family-Based Treatment Association (FFTA) Institute is scheduled for May 13th at the Centers for Youth and Families Beth Chism Stevens Child Center. Guest Speaker is Dr. Richard Delaney. The topic was ‘Traumatized Children and Youth Strategies for Dealing with Challenging Behaviors’. • AETN will air a documentary on children’s mental health on May 17th from 7 – 9 p.m. There will be an open panel discussion after the documentary. • Nancy Holder, Developmental Disabilities Services, reported the “Team Up Autism 2011” Conference May 19th – 21st at the Holiday Inn Airport. • Kim Arnold, NAMI AR, reported the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walks is scheduled for May 21st. • There will also be a workshop on May 25th on “Wraparound-Nothing about Me without Me.” You will hear from Mid-South professionals and family members as they explore the wraparound model as it has been developed and utilized at Mid-South. • Derek Spiegel, Mid-South Health Systems, reported on the movie made in Jonesboro called ‘Rise of Eli’. It is a story of a youth in his area who struggles with multiple mental health systems. He eventually becomes a mentor. Release date is unknownat this time . • Health Resources of Arkansas announced hosting a Regional Family Adventure in Ozark Hills at the Mountain View Folk Center that took place on Saturday, April 30, 2011. They were expecting participation of over 100 family members and staff. • Joy Carrington, Department of Health, reported the following events held in April for National Minority Health Month. • Monday, April 4th – Cooking demonstration 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. and 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. • Tuesday, April 5th – Fitness workshop 11:15 – 2:45 p.m. • Wednesday, April 6th – Unnatural Causes documentary 9:00 – 2:00 p.m. • Thursday, April 7th – Ground Rounds 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. • Friday, April 8th – Taste of the World. 14