PPAL PATHFINDER PPAL PATHFINDER
PARENT/PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY LEAGUE, INC.
PARENT/PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY LEAGUE, INC.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Welcome Fall!
Just one look outside, with all the beautiful leaves – red, orange, yellow, green –reminds us of how very different leaves can come together to create a beautiful view. I suspect we all look forward to this beauty and see the wonder in it. I hope too that you can see the wonder in people of great diversity in every way coming together to create a masterpiece for all of us.
In this issue, we are sharing PPAL’s joyful multiculturalism. Having grown up in South Florida, I was lucky to experience Hispanic culture (among others) throughout my young years My high school had kids from all over the world, particularly South and Central America. In fact, I traveled with one of my friends to Venezuela, her home country. I was always in awe of the importance that my Latine friends put on family, community, traditions. I continue to be lucky to experience it now in the work that we do at PPAL.
I urge you to look at others with the same awe and wonderment that we look at the beautiful fall colors with. Our lives are richer, our communities stronger, and our hearts fuller when we embrace differences.
Be well, my friends. Que le vaya bien, mis amigos.
Pam Sager
Caregiver
Parents'
CONNECT WITH US!
OCTOBER WORKSHOPS
CLICK ON A TITLE FOR MORE INFO!
or visit http://ppal.net/events/
Panel de Trabajadores de la Salud de la Comunidad
Martes, 10/15/24, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
PAX Tools: Simple Strategies for Teaching Kids Behavior
Wednesday, 10/16/24, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Qué Saber, Qué Esperar: Justicia Juvenil 102
Miercoles, 10/16/24, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
What to Know, What to Expect: Juvenile Justice 102
Thursday, 10/24/24, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Employment Basics for Parents of Young Adults
Monday, 10/28/24, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Building Partnerships with Youth
Wednesday, 10/30/24, 9:30 - 11:00 am
CONNECT WITH US!
NOVEMBER
WORKSHOPS
The Mental Health IEP
CLICK ON A TITLE FOR MORE INFO!
or visit http://ppal.net/events/
Wednesday, 11/4/24, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Active Parenting for Teens
Wednesday, 11/6/24, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Conceptos Básicos de Justicia Juvenil: Justicia Juvenil 101
Jueves, 11/7/24, 12:00-1:30 pm
Family Partner Community Healthcare Worker Panel Tuesday, 11/12/24, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Juvenile Justice Basics: Juvenile Justice 101
Wednesday, 11/13/24, 12:00 - 1:30
Panel de Trabajadores de la Salud de la Comunidad
Martes, 11/13/24, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Qué Saber, Qué Esperar: Justicia Juvenil 102
Jueves, 11/14/24, 12:00 - 1:30
Moving To Young Adult Life: Transition Planning And Post
Secondary Options
Tuesday, 11/19/24, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Building Partnerships with Youth
Monday, 11/25/24, 10:00 - 11:30 am
The Inside Track: A PPAL Briefing
Tuesday, 11/26/24, 10:00 - 11:30 pm
PPAL
Parent/Caregiver Support
For More information go to PPAL NET
MONDAY
Are you navigating the mental or behavioral health systems for a child, teen, or young adult?
Request 1:1 peer support!
We have NO waitlist!
Virtual: Grupo de Apoyo Hispanol
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Virtual: Parents Raising LGBTQIA+ Children
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Hybrid: Parenting Young Adults - Looking to the Future
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAY
Virtual: Soul Sessions
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Virtual: Relax & Connect 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Virtual: Parenting Young AdultsLooking to the Future
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
THURSDAY
Virtual: Grandparents Lunch and Learn 2nd Thursday 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Virtual: Soul Sessions 5:00 - 5:30 PM
Virtual: Grandparents Connections 4th Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 PM
FREEServices. Noinsurance required.
TUESDAY
Hybrid: Caregiver Connections
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Virtual: Soul Sessions 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Do you need help navigating and advocating in the school system for a loved one with mental or behavioral health needs? Book an Ask The Advocate Appointment parentsupportgroup@ppal net
Virtual: Parent Support Group 6:00 - 8:00 PM
FRIDAY
Virtual: Parenting Power UP 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
¡Visita el grupo privado de Facebook “PPAL en Español“!
ENESPAÑOL Bienvenidos a
Haga Clic Aquí
Meet PPAL’s Multicultural Team
Johana Rodriguez
Multicultural Outreach Coordinator
Hablo Español
Zaida Gomez
Gabriela Ortega
Multicultural Outreach Specialist
Falo Português
Hablo Español
Multicultural Family Support Specialist
Hablo Español
PPAL Volunteer
Magali Galvis
PPAL’s Multicultural Outreach
Participation in the Colombian Consulate Services Fair
On July 12, the Parent Professional Advocacy League (PPAL), the Multicultural Team participated in the Services Fair organized by the Colombian Consulate in Boston. This event gathered 106 exhibitors and over 2,400 attendees. Our presence reaffirmed our commitment to supporting families in accessing mental health and education systems. We thank the Consulate for this valuable opportunity.
Participation in the Brazilian Independence Festival
PPAL Participated in Boston's 28th Brazilian Independence Festival, providing an open environment to discuss Mental Health." It's inspiring to see communities coming together to prioritize mental health and create a supportive space for important conversations.. For 28 years, the Brazilian Independence Day Festival in Boston has been an annual highlight for the community. It offered activities for children, information tables, handicrafts, typical foods, live music, and many other attractions. The festive atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the people made it a truly unforgettable time. We look forward to attending next year's festival and creating more cherished memories.
Hispanic Heritage and the Stigma of Mental Health: A Cultural Reflection
By Gabriela Ortega, Multicultural Outreach Specialist
Hispanic culture is rich in traditions, colors, and resilience. It is a vibrant blend of history, languages, and customs that vary from country to country but share one common heart: family. However, over the years, certain aspects of our culture have been more challenging to address, such as the stigma surrounding mental health. In many Hispanic families, for generations, any different behavior in children was quickly labeled as misbehavior. What we now understand as a potential developmental or mental health disorder, such as ADHD or autism, was often minimized, ignored, or attributed to a "lack of discipline."
This attitude is not due to a lack of love or care but rather a combination of misinformation and social shame. For a long time, mental health was not a topic openly discussed in our culture, and acknowledging that a family member had a mental challenge was seen as a sign of weakness or shame. Instead of seeking professional help, Hispanic families tended to focus on "correcting" these behaviors through socialization. The belief was that close family contact, celebrations, and daily interactions could shape the person to "fit in" better with social norms.
Celebrations, family gatherings, and community events are central to Hispanic culture. We express ourselves through the colors of our clothes, the music we listen to, and the ways we connect with others. Our approach to facing difficulties has always been collective, which gives us a unique advantage. At the same time, however, this reliance on collectivism has, in many cases, postponed the need for individual intervention, especially when it comes to mental health.
In recent years, though, we have started to see significant changes in how the Hispanic community approaches mental health. One of the clearest examples of this transformation can be seen in organizations like PPAL (Parent/Professional Advocacy League), which have opened safe and welcoming spaces for the Latine community. At PPAL, we offer services in Spanish and have a support group for Latines every Monday at 10 a.m., where Hispanic families can share their experiences and receive guidance in their language. This group is specifically designed to provide support to the Hispanic community, understanding the cultural barriers, and stigma surrounding mental health in our countries of origin.
Additionally, we are growing to be more inclusive, reflecting the increasing multiculturalism in the state of Massachusetts. This state has taken great strides toward inclusion, integrating more and more services for Latines of all kinds. We are seeing more leaders from our community taking important roles, advocating for our rights, and facilitating access to mental health services, education, and social support. This integration not only strengthens our community but also enriches the state's cultural diversity.
Resilience is one of the most deeply ingrained values in the Hispanic community. In the face of adversity, such as poverty, displacement, or economic hardship, we have always found ways to keep hope alive. We do not give up easily, and we often embrace life with an optimistic attitude, even if we suffer internally. But it is time to recognize that being resilient also means seeking support when we need it and opening up to conversations about mental health without fear or shame.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize not only our culture and contributions but also to reflect on the issues we still need to address as a community. Embracing our diversity also means accepting that mental health issues exist among us and that there are healthy and constructive ways to face them. Thanks to organizations like PPAL and the growing inclusion of services in Spanish and other non-Hispanic languages like Portuguese, our families have more resources and tools to tackle these challenges.
It is a time to rediscover our cultural identity while also making space for an honest conversation about mental well-being. Because in the end, mental health is also part of our heritage, and facing it with compassion and understanding is the next step in our collective resilience.
La Herencia Hispana y el Estigma de la Salud Mental: Una Reflexión Cultural
By Gabriela Ortega, Multicultural Outreach Specialist
La cultura hispana es rica en tradiciones, colores y resiliencia. Es una mezcla vibrante de historia, idiomas y costumbres que varían de país en país, pero que comparten un mismo corazón: la familia. Sin embargo, a lo largo de los años, ha habido ciertos aspectos de nuestra cultura que han sido más difíciles de abordar, como el estigma en torno a la salud mental. En muchas familias hispanas, durante generaciones, cualquier comportamiento diferente en los niños era rápidamente etiquetado como mal comportamiento. Lo que hoy entendemos como un posible trastorno del desarrollo o de la salud mental, como el TDAH o el autismo, en el pasado a menudo era minimizado, ignorado o atribuido a "falta de disciplina".
Esta actitud no se debe a una falta de amor o cuidado, sino a una combinación de desinformación y vergüenza social. Durante mucho tiempo, la salud mental no era un tema del que se hablara abiertamente en nuestra cultura, y reconocer que un miembro de la familia tenía un desafío mental se veía como una señal de debilidad o vergüenza. En lugar de buscar ayuda profesional, las familias hispanas tendían a enfocarse en "corregir" estos comportamientos a través de la sociabilización. La creencia era que el contacto cercano con la familia, las celebraciones y las interacciones diarias podrían moldear a la persona para que "encajara" mejor en las normas sociales.
Las fiestas, las reuniones familiares y los eventos comunitarios son parte central de la cultura hispana. Nos expresamos a través de los colores de nuestras ropas, la música que escuchamos, y las formas en que nos relacionamos. Nuestra manera de enfrentarnos a las dificultades siempre ha sido colectiva, lo que nos da una ventaja única. Pero al mismo tiempo, la dependencia en la colectividad ha pospuesto, en muchos casos, la necesidad de una intervención individual, sobre todo cuando se trata de salud mental.
Sin embargo, en los últimos años, hemos comenzado a ver cambios importantes en la manera en que la comunidad hispana aborda la salud mental. Uno de los ejemplos más claros de esta transformación se puede ver en organizaciones como PPAL (Parent/Professional Advocacy League), que han abierto espacios seguros y acogedores para la comunidad latina. En PPAL, ofrecemos atención en español y tenemos un grupo de apoyo para latinos todos los lunes a las 10 am, donde las familias hispanas pueden compartir sus experiencias y recibir orientación en su idioma. Este grupo está especialmente diseñado para brindar apoyo a la comunidad hispana, entendiendo las barreras culturales y el estigma que rodea la salud mental en nuestros países de origen.
Además, estamos creciendo para ser más inclusivos, lo que refleja la creciente multiculturalidad en el estado de Massachusetts. Este estado ha tomado grandes pasos hacia la inclusión, integrando cada vez más servicios para latinos de todo tipo. Cada vez vemos a más personas líderes de nuestra comunidad tomando roles de importancia, abogando por nuestros derechos y facilitando el acceso a servicios de salud mental, educación y apoyo social. Esta integración no solo fortalece a nuestra comunidad, sino que también enriquece la diversidad cultural del estado.
La resiliencia es uno de los valores más arraigados en la comunidad hispana. Frente a las adversidades, como la pobreza, el desplazamiento o las dificultades económicas, siempre hemos encontrado maneras de mantener la esperanza. No nos rendimos fácilmente, y a menudo abrazamos la vida con una actitud optimista, aunque internamente suframos. Pero es hora de reconocer que ser resilientes también significa buscar apoyo cuando lo necesitamos, y abrirnos a conversaciones sobre la salud mental sin miedo ni vergüenza.
La celebración del Mes de la Herencia Hispana es una oportunidad para reconocer no solo nuestra cultura y contribuciones, sino también para reflexionar sobre los temas que aún debemos abordar como comunidad. Abrazar nuestra diversidad también significa aceptar que los problemas de salud mental existen entre nosotros y que hay maneras saludables y constructivas de enfrentarlos. Y gracias a organizaciones como PPAL y a la creciente inclusión de servicios en español, nuestras familias tienen más recursos y herramientas para enfrentar estos desafíos.
Es un momento para redescubrir nuestra identidad cultural y, al mismo tiempo, abrir espacio para una conversación honesta sobre el bienestar mental. Porque al final, la salud mental también es parte de nuestra herencia, y enfrentarla con compasión y comprensión es el siguiente paso en nuestra resiliencia colectiva.
Únase a nosotros para conectarse, aprender y apoyar a otros padres que crían niños con necesidades sociales, emocionales o de salud mental. ¡Únase a nosotros en su teléfono, computadora o tableta desde la comodidad de su hogar para una conversación confidencial.
parentsupportgroup@ppal.net
Advocating for Language Access: Parents' Rights
to Translation Services in Schools
Effective communication between schools and families is crucial for children's success in school. For parents, in general, understanding their children's educational needs can be a significant challenge, particularly when it comes to special education For non-English speaking parents, it can be doubly challenging. Fortunately, federal and state laws give parents the right to translation services in their children’s schools.
Why and When Parents Need Translation Services
Parents might require translation services for various reasons, such as participating in IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 meetings, understanding school communications like report cards, school policies, and information about disciplinary action, and engaging in ParentTeacher conferences. Effective communication during these times means all of those involved with the child can act in their best interest.
Legal Obligations for Translation Services
Multiple laws mandate that schools provide translation services to non-English speaking parents:
1.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): This federal law requires schools to provide necessary language assistance to ensure that parents can participate meaningfully in discussions about their child's special education needs. This includes providing qualified interpreters at IEP meetings.
2.
Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI: This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal funds, which includes public schools. Schools must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to educational programs for non-English speaking families, which includes providing translation services.
3
Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974: This act further enforces the requirement that all children, regardless of language proficiency, have equal access to educational opportunities. Schools are obligated to take appropriate measures to overcome language barriers.
4.
Massachusetts 2022 Settlement with the Justice Department: This settlement ensures that schools provide equal educational opportunities to all students, specifically addressing the needs of K’iche’ speakers in Massachusetts. It underscores the state's commitment to addressing language access in education.
5.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71A: This law outlines the responsibilities of schools to provide language assistance for parents whose primary language is not English.
Parents' Rights Regarding Translation Services
Non-English speaking parents have specific rights when it comes to translation services:
Access to Translated Materials: Schools must provide essential documents— like report cards and notices—in the parent’s primary language.
Interpretation Services at Meetings: Parents have the right to request interpreters for meetings, ensuring they can fully participate in discussions about their child’s education.
Timeliness of Services: Schools are required to provide these services promptly, ensuring that parents can engage without unnecessary delays.
Challenges Schools Face
While many schools strive to comply with these legal requirements, challenges persist. Budget constraints can hinder schools from hiring qualified interpreters and translators. This is especially challenging in districts with a high percentage of non-English speaking families. The wide variety of languages spoken by families can complicate efforts to provide adequate translation services, as schools may not have multilingual staff fluent in every necessary language. Some staff may lack formal training in cultural competency and effective communication strategies, which can impact the quality of interactions with nonEnglish speaking families. In other words, the fact that a school staff member is fluent in a parent or caregiver’s language does not mean they are necessarily qualified as a translator.
Substandard Translation Services
Given the challenges some schools face in providing adequate translation services, some have resorted to practices that provide inadequate language access to the parents or otherwise don’t meet the legal requirements. While an attempt to step in the right direction, none effectively meet the needs of parents who require translation services:
1. Translation by untrained translators: Sometimes schools will ask multilingual staff members or other members of the community to translate for parents. Only trained and qualified translators should be doing the translation.
2. Translation by students: Often schools will ask students to translate for their parents in meetings and other settings. This is not appropriate for many reasons: it’s too much pressure for the student, it puts them in the position of acting as a parent, and they are being asked to translate a message about them! Parents, caregivers, and students have the right to a trained translator provided by the school.
3. Translation by Google Translate: Some schools have been using google translate to translate important documents. In at least one Massachusetts school district, schools have even been sending documents to parents in English, accompanied by a letter stating, in a series of different languages, that the parents should use google translate to translate the documents themselves. This does NOT meet the legal requirement for qualified translation. All translations must be reviewed by a qualified translator to ensure that the document has been translated correctly, especially when it comes to specialized terms like those often used in special education documents.
Steps Parents Can Take When Rights Aren't Respected
If parents encounter barriers to accessing translation services, they can take the following actions:
1. Document Communications: Keep detailed records of all interactions with school personnel regarding translation services, including dates, names, and the content of discussions.
Initiate Conversation: Discuss concerns with school officials, such as teachers, counselors, or administrators. Clearly express the need for translation services.
2. File a Complaint: If issues persist, file a formal complaint with the school district or the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which oversees compliance with these laws.
4.
3. Seek Support: Organizations such as the PPAL, Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) ,and the Disability Law Center of Massachusetts can provide resources, guidance, and advocacy support for parents.
In Massachusetts, the rights of non-English speaking parents to translation services are protected in order to ensure equitable access to education. Schools have a responsibility to facilitate communication with families, enabling them to engage in their children’s education actively. By understanding their rights and taking proactive steps when necessary, parents can ensure they are adequately supported, ultimately fostering their children's mental health and academic success.
PPAL's Question of the Month August 2024 Results
CBHI Services: What are families saying?
PPAL asked families about their experiences with MassHealth's Children's Behavioral Health Initiative services (CBHI). CBHI provides home- and community-based behavioral health services to children and youth under the age of 21. Services include: Intensive Care Coordination, In-Home Therapy, Family Support and Training, Therapeutic Mentoring, and In-Home Behavioral Health Services. Note: These are not services from DMH (Dept. of Mental Health).
It is notable that for children receiving CBHI services/support, 63% of families reported that the CBHI services were Occasionally Effective (47%) or Seldom/Never Effective (16%). PPAL would like to see that number lower! and With only 39% receiving Family Support and Training, PPAL sees a missed opportunity - family support can help ALL CBHI services to be more effective.
Overall Effectiveness of CBHI Services
If you need help from PPAL right now, request family support here or call us toll free at (866) 815-8122.
PPAL's Question of the Month September 2024 Results
Service or Support Wait Times in the Last Year: What are families saying?
Waiting for appropriate mental health services continues to be an issue for children. We asked parents/caregivers about their experiences in the last year.
Of the parents/caregivers reporting, nearly 75% of the children were waiting 4+ months for services or support (excluding inpatient beds or neuropsych evaluations).
Time Families
Spent Waiting For Services or Support
Outpatient therapy, neuropsych evaluations , and medication management had the highest wait times with 44% ,40%, and 22% of respondents waiting.
54% of parents/caregivers responding indicated they were waiting for CBHI services. For those families, the CBHI service they are waiting for is:
54% In-Home Therapy (IHT)
51% Therapeutic Mentoring
32% In-Home Behavioral Services
27% Family Support and Training (Family Partner)
22% Intensive Care Coordination (ICC)
While a family may be able to get an ICC, if they can’t get the wraparound services that come with it (Therapeutic Mentoring and Family Partner), they are not getting what they need.
Join us in continuing to advocate for more timely CBHI services.
Addressing Unique Challenges in Providing In-Home Services to the Latine Community
Providing in-home services to the Latine community requires a deep understanding of various cultural nuances. Key aspects such as spirituality, gender roles, mental health stigma, the cultural concept of "mi casa es su casa," and the vibrant nature of Latine culture are central to delivering effective and respectful care. By exploring these factors, service providers can better appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when working with the Latine community.
Spirituality holds a central role in the lives of many Latine individuals. While Catholicism is the dominant faith, Protestantism and indigenous spiritual practices are also significant. This blend often includes a strong belief in the spirit world and the influence of spiritual forces on daily life. Recognizing these spiritual dimensions is crucial for offering respectful and effective inhome services. Religious rituals and practices are integral to the daily lives of many Latine families. These may include attending church, participating in religious festivals, and maintaining home altars. Service providers should be aware of these practices and show respect for religious items and spaces within the home. Additionally, integrating spiritual support—such as prayers or blessings—into care plans can increase the comfort and acceptance of services.
Traditional gender roles in Latine culture are shaped by the concepts of machismo and marianismo. Machismo emphasizes male dominance, strength, and the responsibility of providing for the family. Marianismo idealizes women as nurturing, self-sacrificing, and morally superior, often placing them in caregiving roles centered around home and family. These gender dynamics can influence how services are received and who participates in decision-making processes. In practice, men may take on roles involving physical labor or decision-making, while women are more engaged in caregiving and managing the household. Service providers should remain mindful of these dynamics and involve both men and women in care discussions. Acknowledging and respecting these roles helps build trust and cooperation with the family.
Mental health stigma presents a significant barrier within the Latine community. Many may view mental health issues as a sign of weakness or as something to be kept private, discouraging individuals from seeking necessary support. Addressing this stigma requires culturally sensitive approaches that respect privacy and foster trust. One effective strategy is integrating mental health services into primary care settings, where stigma may be less pronounced. Providing education about mental health in a culturally relevant manner can also help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help. Community health workers and family support workers—trusted members of the community with lived experience—can play a critical role in this outreach and education.
The phrase "mi casa es su casa," meaning "my house is your house," reflects the deeprooted value of hospitality in Latine culture. This concept emphasizes the importance of making guests feel welcome. Service providers who understand this cultural norm can build rapport and trust more effectively. When entering a Latine home, service providers should be prepared to engage in social courtesies and accept offers of food or drink, as these are expressions of hospitality. Building relationships based on mutual respect and understanding can lead to more effective and cooperative care. Service providers should also recognize the importance of family and community in decision-making and care processes.
Latine culture is renowned for its vibrancy, expressed through colorful festivals, lively music, rich culinary traditions, and communal gatherings. This dynamic nature is evident in family interactions, community events, and daily life. Recognizing and celebrating these aspects of Latine culture can enhance the effectiveness of in-home services by aligning with the community’s values and practices. Service providers can incorporate elements of Latine culture into care plans by respecting cultural celebrations and traditions. This may include scheduling visits around important cultural events or incorporating culturally relevant activities into care routines. Such an approach can create a more comfortable and supportive environment for clients.
In conclusion, providing in-home services to the Latine community demands a deep understanding of their cultural values and practices. By recognizing the significance of spirituality, traditional gender roles, mental health stigma, hospitality, and the vibrancy of Latine culture, service providers can offer more respectful and effective care. Embracing these cultural elements not only improves service delivery but also strengthens connections with the community.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, community engagement, and culturally competent care. By working collaboratively with the Latine community, service providers can ensure that their services are accessible, respectful, and effective.
“Treating different things the “Treating different things the same can generate as much same can generate as much inequality as treating the inequality as treating the same things differently.” same things differently.”
- K - Kimberle Crenshaw imberle Crenshaw (Civil Rights Advocate) (Civil Rights Advocate)
October 2024 October 2024
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