The Other Side May 2024

the OTHER S I D E

may 2024

Youth in Care “b” feature If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?

Quiet, introverted, and funny What is your favorite memory or favorite thing about the family you are living with?

Just spending time and getting to know the family.

And that they let me buy what I want (instead of picking my clothes out for me).

What do you want to be/do/accomplish when you “grow up”?

I want to be an EMT. Because you never know what is going to happen.

What are your favorite interests or hobbies?

I like to write fiction, and maybe get published someday. I also like photography If you had the chance to provide advice or encouragement to other youth in care, what would you say to them?

Don’t let other people push you around.

Stand up for yourself.

It gets better.

If you would like to be featured in August’s edition of The Other Side, please reach out to us via our email address and we will be in touch!

may is mental health awareness month Mental health is how we think, feel, and behave, and it’s just as important as physical health. It’s how we relate to others, how we cope with life’s ups and downs, and how we feel about ourselves and others.

Youth Bill of Rights

As a youth in foster care in the state of Illinois, you have the right to be well and to have your well-being needs met. The Oxford dictionary tells us wellbeing is a noun meaning “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.” Here at CYFS we believe to be well and have your well-being needs met means so much more. Please see below what this means in regard to your Youth Bill of Rights.

To be well and to have my well-being needs met: • To receive medical, dental, vision and mental health services; You have the right to have timely and quality medical, dental, vision, and mental health services. If you are not comfortable with a provider, talk with your worker and caregiver about seeking a provider you trust.

• To be free of the administration of medication or chemical substances unless authorized by a licensed prescriber; The only medications that should be administered to you must be authorized by a licensed prescriber. If you have concerns about your medication talk with the licensed prescriber before you adjust dosage or stop taking the medication to ensure you do not experience any severe side effects.

• To receive adequate and healthy food that meets my dietary needs; You should have access to healthy foods that meet the nutritional requirements for your body to function optimally and remain in good health. You have the right to have access to foods that align with your cultural and religious needs.

Books to Help Kids Understand Their Emotional and Mental Health This book list contains materials related to the topic of Mental Health Awareness Month, which takes place in May. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness, please seek professional assistance.

Self-Care is vital to your mental health. Be sure to take care of yourself!! Here are some resources for you if you need help with your mental health.

National Suicide Hotline: suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call: 1.800.273.8255 The Trevor Project (suicide prevention for LGBTQIA+ youth): www.thetrevoproject.org To Write Love on Her Arms: twloha.com

We would love to see how you practice self-care.

Send us a photo to TheOtherSide@cyfsolutions.org

jessica wolf

Behavioral Health Clinical Director

Hello there! I am Jessica Wolf, LCPC, Clinical Director of the Counseling Program at The Center for Youth and Family Solutions.

Our program serves youth, adults, and families from the age of 3 throughout the lifespan. We believe in partnering with youth and families to help them achieve their goals. If you are interested in services, you can talk to your caseworker or contact our local office. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Youth in care can access crisis services through the CARES hotline at (800) 345-9049.

Here are some tips for taking care of your mental health: • Take good care of yourself! Eat healthy foods, stay active, and get enough sleep.

• Connect with others, including family, friends, teachers, mentors, etc.

• Learn about things that are interesting to you or make you feel like you mastered something • Plan or participate in activities that are enjoyable to you • Spend some time outside—you could go on a nature walk or play with friends • Perform an act of kindness • Take some time to relax

why surveys matter It’s our mission in action!

Engage & serve – When we get feedback on how we are engaging with youth and families, we can improve and develop new techniques to reach more clients Build on strengths – When we find a method that works, we build upon that to strengthen the services we provide to clients Resolve life challenges together – We work with youth and families by connecting them to services that help them resolve life difficulties

Youth Client Comments: • I like that my worker listens while I ramble.

• My worker’s always there when I need her she never turns her back on me or let’s us go without see if we need anything.

• I learned to ride a bike- I can ride 4 miles.

• The biggest success story I could ever tell is how amazing college has been for me. it’s opened up so many opportunities for me and given me a chance to become my true self. I’ve met so many amazing people and gotten executive positions in multiple organizations.

• My worker is willing to fight for me in any situation.

craft Journal Cover

For this project, I used a plain old journal, scrap book paper, some ribbon, a white pen, scissors and glue.

Be sure the paper is big enough. I used 2 pieces which looked cute together and glued the together. And added some lacy ribbon. Open up the journal and lay it on top of the paper, you should have about 1 inch more paper on each side.

Cut triangles out from the top and bottom of the scrap book paper.

And cut the 4 corners off.

Then I folded the paper in half, so you know where the middle is. Put the journal on the right side of the middle of the paper (see picture above).

Gently fold the scrap book paper over the inside of the journal covers and glue in place.

You can leave the journal as is, or you can use magazine pictures and all kinds of things to decorate your new journal!

Journal Prompts for Kids to Process Big Emotions Happy: • What makes you feel really happy?

• If you could do anything tomorrow that would make you smile, what would it be?

Sad: • Make a list of things that make you feel better when you’re sad or overwhelmed.

• What do you usually do when you’re feeling down?

Frustrated: • What do you usually do when you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed?

• Describe a time when you got mad at yourself for not getting something right.

If you have ideas, questions or topics you would like to see covered in our upcoming editions, please submit them to our email box at TheOtherSide@cyfsolutions.org.