HELP TEAM

Screening Tools and Resources for Pediatricians

Using materials from Columbia University's TeenScreen for Primary Care program, the Coalition is offering a screening tool and training to help pediatric practices screen their adolescent patients. The screening tool is currently being used in four Dallas pediatric practices with positive results, and the Coalition is now rolling out this initiative to additional practices.

EDUCATION TEAM

Bully Prevention Conference

The team is organizing its second Bully Prevention Conference on August 13, 2011. Get more information.

HERE is Hope

This new training program for people who work with youth outside schools will be launched in August 2011.

Bully Prevention Leader Workshop

Planning to launch in the 2011-12 school year.

"Step Up!" PSA Awareness Campaign

"Step Up!" is a PSA video contest for high school students. Planning to launch in the 2011-12 school year.

RESOURCES TEAM

Resource Databank

The Resources team continues its work on H·E·R·E For You, a website that will offer all stakeholders in the health and well-being of young people easy accesses to resources in our community related to teen and young adult mental health, including information, education, support and provider and agency names. The website will be launched in early 2012.

ENCOURAGEMENT TEAM

Peer Support Groups in Schools

Through a collaboration with Communities in Schools (CIS), peer-to-peer support groups were launched in six area high schools in February 2011. The groups provide a place for teens with depression, bipolar disorder, or other behavioral health issues to come together and share experiences, encourage one another, and know that they are not alone. In the peer-to-peer model, the students direct the discussion themselves. A trained CIS staff member acts as a facilitator to keep the conversation in a safe place and be available for crisis intervention. While not treatment itself, peer support is an effective complement to treatment for mental or behavioral health issues as well as a crucial support for young people who have behavioral health issues but are not in treatment. At the end of this school year, the Encouragement team will work with CIS staff to analyze the results of the program.

Peer Support Groups in the Community

Through a collaboration with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the Encouragement team will launch two additional weekly support groups for adolescents, beginning in summer 2011. More information coming soon.