2024.01.08 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Child Centered Play Therapy Launched NYFS is proud to have launched Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) this year! CCPT is a therapeutic intervention that is developmentally targeted to children 3-12 years of age that uses non-directive play therapy — where the child directs their play — as the healing intervention. CCPT is an evidence-based, trauma-responsive, and culturally responsive therapy intervention for a variety of mental health concerns and challenges youth may face in childhood. We are fortunate to have expert CCPT practitioners at NYFS that have been able to lead the way in developing this program, provide training to new therapists and interns, and offer consultation groups and supervision. As our Mental Health Director, Sarah Lockhart, MSW, LICSW shares, “When given the opportunity and space to express themselves through play, children heal at their own readiness and pace.” At NYFS we are aware of the attrition from the nonprofit sector, especially in youth-serving mental health agencies. We are dedicated to the training and development of strong and diverse practitioners who are able to sustain in the field long term. To support this goal, we launched a cohort internship program. We have seven interns this year working across our three mental health programs. Our new Internship Supervisor, Leah Martin, MSW, LICSW, is building the program and helps to support interns and staff throughout the year. “We have a great cohort of interns this year who have been willing to grow alongside the program itself,” she says. “It is exciting for me to get to support them as they deepen their understanding and foster their passion for this work.” One of NYFS’ core values is equity, inclusion, and belonging, and the first pillar of our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is to provide culturally-responsive care. In commitment to our initiatives, NYFS launched our STEPS Program for BIPOC interns. This program provides a stipend, specialized training in culturally responsive clinical interventions, and other mentorship and support. We have been grateful for the support of the Sauer Foundation and Ramsey County to get this program launched at NYFS. NYFS.ORG 5 WHY PLAY IS A DEVELOPMENTALLY- TARGETED INTERVENTION: A child’s work is play – it helps children to understand and make sense of their world. Children often do not have the words they need (for their thoughts, feelings, and actions) to verbally process their experiences. Sometimes the difficult experiences a child has had are stored more in their body than consciously in their mind, so movement-based interventions are helpful. Investments help NYFS meet current and emerging needs. Preparing for Brighter Futures The Community Connections Program meets youth exactly where they are while helping them plan and dream about where they could go in the future. This innovative model of service offers a seven-week group- based experience for youth that builds social skills, self- confidence and resilience through career exploration, self-reflection, volunteering and meaningful interactions with other community service organizations. The concept was developed as a direct response to our clients’ needs. “Youth and parents were requesting a program to continue the support that was provided in our Diversion Program,” says Jackie McGovern, Manager of Community Services and Diversion Coordinator. “Our answer was to develop a program where youth could have continued support, education, and healthy conversations.” Based on success of the initial sessions, the Community Connections program has now expanded to serve youth outside of the Diversion Program who live primarily in the Roseville area. While this model is relatively new, it is based on years of experience working with youth and our community partners. Together we are helping youth prepare for a brighter future than they had ever imagined. Steps Toward Equitable Practices Scholar (STEPS) Program empower support&