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An important focus area of the Children’s Coalition is Youth Development. Statistics show that supportive relationships bring safety, stability, and encouragement to young people’s lives.
In addition to the empowering and supporting youth, adults must work together to address some of the serious problems faced by our teens. The Coalition utilizes data and works with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and concerned citizens to develop strategies addressing these issues using both school-based programs and community-based initiatives. |
“1 out of every 5 teens in America suffers from emotional problems, and most never get help. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even suicidal tendencies are all common problems in our area. We want to make sure that our youth are not only physically healthy but mentally healthy—because healthy children are better prepared to learn” |
SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS
SOS: SIGNS OF SUICIDE
This is a secondary school-based suicide prevention program that includes screening and education. Students are screened for depression and suicide risk and referred for professional help as indicated. Students learn to recognize signs of depression and suicide in themselves and others. They are taught that the appropriate response to these signs is to use the ACT technique: acknowledge that there is a problem, let the person know you care, and tell a trusted adult. Students also participate in guided classroom discussions about suicide and depression. The program attempts to increase knowledge about suicide and depression, develop desirable attitudes toward suicide and depression, and increase help-seeking behavior among youth. For more information, contact Jan Daniels, SOS program Director at JDaniels@childrenscoalition.org.
LOVE 146: NOT A NUMBER
Not a #Number is an interactive, five-module prevention curriculum designed to teach youth how to protect themselves from human trafficking and exploitation through information, critical thinking, and skill development. Not a #Number uses a holistic approach focusing on respect, empathy, individual strengths, and the relationship between personal and societal pressures that create or increase vulnerabilities.
Effective prevention often starts by raising awareness of harmful stereotypes and attitudes that create vulnerabilities and keep youth from seeking help.
Through open conversations, engaging activities, the use of media, and opportunities for self-disclosure, participants will:
Effective prevention often starts by raising awareness of harmful stereotypes and attitudes that create vulnerabilities and keep youth from seeking help.
Through open conversations, engaging activities, the use of media, and opportunities for self-disclosure, participants will:
- Raise their awareness of what constitutes human trafficking and exploitation.
- Learn how to recognize recruitment tactics and understand vulnerabilities.
- Challenge harmful stereotypes and societal attitudes.
- Identify healthy support systems.
- Develop skills to safely navigate potential and existing exploitative situations.
- Learn how to access community resources when situations occur that increase their vulnerability (or if exploitation is already underway).
OUACHITA YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
The Ouachita Youth Summit is an opportunity for youth ages 12-17 across Ouachita parish to come together to hear from experts about issues that matter to youth, develop their leadership skills and get the tools to create an action plan so they can make their community a better place.
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"The Ouachita Youth Summit has been a wonderful and fun learning experience that has meant so much to me! It has truly been an honor attending and representing my school the past three years. I have learned so many life lessons around social media, suicide, confidence, and making wise decisions that have shaped the way I think today. I strive to be the best I can be for myself and my community and I credit the OYS for that. It has helped me challenge myself, face my fears, and help others as I have grown tremendously as a person to prepare for college and the real world!" -Brooke Edmonson Ouachita Youth Leadership Summit Attendee & Scholarship Recipient |
COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS
Louisiana Public Health Institute: Adolescent Reproductive Health Mapping
Working closely with Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) staff and local health, school and community-based organizations, the Children’s Coalition will engage in coalition building to help identify and meet the reproductive health needs of adolescents. The goal of the 10-month project is to map the assets of the community to better understand the barriers to, and opportunities for, services to support adolescent reproductive health in Ouachita Parish.
SEIZE THE AWKWARD
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in partnership with the Ad Council and The Jed Foundation (JED), aims at empowering teens and young adults to talk about mental health by launching a new Coronavirus page designed to provide young people with informative and creative ways to stay connected during this uncertain time, Seize the Awkward.
In conjunction with the new webpage, Seize the Awkward has developed a new suite of social graphics and GIFs to encourage connection and conversations about mental health, providing fun and easy ways to do so. We hope these resources encourage young people to check in with their friends during this difficult time, as well as provide guidance in managing their own emotional well-being.
For further information, click the button below – and be sure to check back in, as more resources, graphics, GIFs and videos will be added throughout the month!
In conjunction with the new webpage, Seize the Awkward has developed a new suite of social graphics and GIFs to encourage connection and conversations about mental health, providing fun and easy ways to do so. We hope these resources encourage young people to check in with their friends during this difficult time, as well as provide guidance in managing their own emotional well-being.
For further information, click the button below – and be sure to check back in, as more resources, graphics, GIFs and videos will be added throughout the month!
STAFF
Jan Daniels
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
