New Heights - Spring 2011

Youth Villages charts success in North Carolina...4

YV community tips: Have a safe summer break...7

Family Victories from Youth Villages North Carolina

Amanda’s future is ship shape TL program supports her goals to enlist in the Navy

page 5

AUSTIN COUNTS Youth learns coping skills and thrives in art, school page 4

CABHA

:[H[L JLY[PÄLZ @V\[O =PSSHNLZ as high quality provider page 3

*LSLIYH[PUN Ä]L `LHYZ in North Carolina...4

Spring 2011

Greensboro

Asheville Hickory

A message from *JG 9>G:8IDG

Raleigh-Durham

North Carolina

Concord Charlotte

Greenville

Pinehurst

Fayetteville Wilmington

NORTH CAROLINA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Lee Prevost — Cary Elizabeth Skvarla — Pinehurst John White — Durham Carole Wilson — Raleigh Leigh Young — Asheville

Annie Smith

Growing, helping more children

force; noun \ fo rs\ a (1) : strength or energy exerted or brought to bear : cause of motion or change : active power At Youth Villages we see ourselves as the force for families. This year, Youth Villages will serve more than 1,000 youth and families throughout North Carolina. Certified by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as one of the state’s only Critical Access Behavioral Health Agencies,Youth Villages continues to expand programs, including our core services of intensive in-home, Multisystemic Therapy and transitional living, in addition to medication management and outpatient therapy.

During the process of expanding our CABHA services throughout Youth Villages’ 10 offices, we remain committed to tracking outcomes while operating a cost-effective model. In fact, our intensive in-home program has maintained measurable outcomes for the past 17 years, and in 2005 we re-branded our service as a national standard for intensive in-home and named the program Intercept. As we continue to expand our CABHA services, Youth Villages remains dedicated to maintaining our average success rate of 80 percent of youth living successfully, experiencing no involvement with the law and pursuing an educational track even one year after discharge.Youth Villages continues to strive to change the way each child is served throughout the state by focusing on a model that features a success rate nearly twice the national average (page four) while operating at one-third the cost, compared to traditional child welfare services.

Thank you for taking time to read our newsletter and experience how Youth

YOUTH VILLAGES NORTH CAROLINA OFFICES Asheville 38 Rosscraggon Road, Suite 38C Asheville, NC 28803 phone: 828-654-7700 fax: 828-654-7701 Charlotte 2815 Coliseum Centre Dr., Suite 230 Charlotte, NC 28217 phone: 704-357-7920 fax: 704-357-7921 Concord 845 Church St. North, Suite 305 Concord, NC 28025 phone: 704-262-1320 fax: 704-262-1322 Raleigh-Durham 100 Capitola Dr., Suite 310 Durham, NC 27713 phone: 919-474-6400 fax: 919-474-6401 Fayetteville 2944 Breezewood Ave., Suite 203 Fayetteville, NC 28305 phone: 910-486-2200 fax: 910-486-2201 Greensboro 7900 Triad Center, Suite 350 Greensboro, NC 27409 phone: 336-931-1800 fax: 336-931-1801 Greenville 2428 Charles Blvd.

Greenville, NC 27858 phone: 252-215-5700 fax: 252-215-5701 Hickory 101 Government Avenue SW Hickory, NC 28602 phone: 828-315-7700 fax: 828-315-7701

Villages is a force for good, a force for change and the force for families.

Pinehurst 5228 North Carolina Highway 211 P.O. Box 1138 West End, NC 27376 phone: 910-673-8520 fax: 910-673-8521

Annie Smith

Wilmington 5041 New Centre Drive, Suite 209 Wilmington, NC 28403 phone: 910-392-8990 fax: 910-392-8991

State Director annie.smith@youthvillages.org 910-673-8501 2

STATE CERTIFIES YV AS HIGH-QUALITY PROVIDER

Meet the YV family

Dr. Himabindu Ravi North Carolina Medical Director

In 2010, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services implemented the most significant change to the state’s mental health structure since major

Why did you decide to work for Youth

reform legislation in 2001.

Villages?

To direct more services to high-quality agencies, DHHS

“I decided to work at Youth Villages

approved a definition and description of a new category

because of their commitment and dedi-

of provider agency, the Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency.

In December, Youth Villages received its DHHS CABHA endorsement.

The 2001 legislation resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of mental health providers in the state. Because of this increase, DHHS began implementing rules to move patients into high-quality services delivered by approved providers that could offer a continuum of care.

As of Jan. 1, 2011, only providers that are endorsed as CABHAs in North Carolina can deliver a range of specified services. These services include intensive in-home, community support services and day treatment.

During the past five years, Youth Villages has primarily offered Multi-

cation to providing quality care to our most needy youth. Youth Villages has adapted evidencebased programs and is constantly looking to improve ways to provide the best care.”

Where are you from originally?

“I am originally from India. I moved to the United States in 1993 and have lived in North Carolina since 1995.”

Where did you attend medical school?

“I completed medical school at the University of Health Sciences in India, a general psychiatry residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center.”

What do you like best about your job?

“The best part of my job is being able to integrate all

systemic Therapy in North Carolina,

aspects of care such as therapy, psychiatric services and

a program focused on youth with the

primary care services. I was on faculty at Duke University

most severe behavioral problems. To

to participate in and conduct clinical research that led to

expand the number of youths it could

disorders. I am excited to be in a position to disseminate

serve, Youth Villages also received DHHS certification for its Intercept intensive in-home program. The certification for this service was vital for Youth Villages to offer the range of

Medical Center for several years and had the opportunity evidence-based guidelines for many childhood psychiatric these findings.”

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

“I enjoy experimenting with different cuisines.”

What do you like to do for fun?

“I like to spend time with my husband and teenage son, as well as reading and traveling.”

services required to become a CABHA. With its certification to provide Intercept and the DHHS CABHA endorsement, Youth Villages is positioned to help many more children and families in North Carolina. In addition, Youth Villages will continue to urge DHHS and state legislators to adopt policies that encourage not just consolidation of services, but positive outcomes for youth and families.

3

ART OPENS THE DOOR FOR AUSTIN The first time Youth Villages Multi-

Ulanda met with Austin’s teachers

systemic Therapy counselor Ulanda

and the school principal to make sure

Davis met Austin, he wouldn’t speak.

everyone was committed to helping

During her visits, Austin’s mom,

with his new coping methods. Austin

Sandra, had to prompt him to answer

began to improve his behaviors and

questions.

also learned how to avoid confronta-

“She tried to show him it was OK

tions with other students.

to trust me,” said Ulanda. “One day,

“They would pay attention to his

I asked about his drawings on the

facial expressions and remind him

kitchen table.”

to count to 10,” Ulanda said. “When

At that moment, Austin decided to

kids were teasing one another, Austin

open up and began enthusiastically

would move to an empty desk to take

explaining his artwork, often involving

himself out of the situation.”

sketches of video game characters.

Before long, this initially shy 12-yearold turned out to be quite the opposite.

While opening up, Austin admitted that he regularly got into trouble at school for fighting with peers and disrespecting teachers.

Outside the classroom, Ulanda Austin learns new coping skills.

“She told me to count to 10,” Austin

joined forces with Austin’s mom to form boundaries at home. Sandra was responsible for setting up a system of rewards and consequences. When

said.

At first, he didn’t think it would

Austin broke the rules, he had punish-

work. But Ulanda convinced him to

ments such as 10-minute time outs or

“I get grumpy,” he said.

try counting that evening when he felt

grounding with no TV or computer.

Austin said he didn’t like to be in

upset. The next morning, Austin was

trouble. Ulanda began to work with

excited to admit that it had helped

him on techniques to overcome his

calm him and he eventually began to

anger.

implement this new method at school.

FIVE YEARS AND 2,200 FAMILIES HELPED Youth Villages began ser-

“I’ve worked really hard on being consistent with it,” she said. “Having

continued on page 7

NORTH CAROLINA PROGRAM SUCCESS As a national leader in the field of behavioral health,

vices in North Carolina in

Youth Villages has measured outcomes of children and

January 2006, with offices in

families participating in its programs since 1994.

Concord and Hillsborough.

Office furniture consisted of beach chairs and makeshift desks as staff developed a plan to begin helping youth through the Multisystemic

Greenville staff strike a pose to celebrate Youth Villages North Carolina’s five-year anniversary.

Therapy program.

Five years, 10 offices and 2,200 families later, Youth Villages North Carolina is a force within the community. While fully furnished offices have replaced the beach chairs and the staff has grown from nine to more than 130, the focus of helping children and families has not changed.

“Youth Villages’ approach to helping families has spread like wildfire in North Carolina,” said Catherine Loke, performance improvement specialist. “When you really connect and earn the trust of a family in need, that feeling is priceless.”

4

Figures represent youth served at least 60 days in the Multisystemic Therapy program. Response rate is 53 percent.

AMANDA RISES ABOVE HARDSHIP Amanda is working hard to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse in the Navy.

At age 17, Amanda’s mother passed away, and Amanda moved from her home in Washington, D.C. to a foster home in North Carolina. She remained in foster care for a year before moving in with her uncle in High Point, N.C. Even though Amanda found stability with a family member, she still struggled with anger. She began to lash out physically and quickly found herself in trouble with the law.

Soon after her legal involvement, Amanda was referred to Youth Villages and introduced to the transitional living program. Because Amanda

Amanda dreams of becoming a nurse in the Navy.

was not working or pursuing any

be done,” Amanda said. “It just takes

education track, her transitional living

time and patience.”

specialist, Emily Lawing, quickly began planning a course of action.

With school and a job under way,

Amanda has not only been able to maintain her job at Walmart, but is also on track to earn her GED from Guilford Technical Community College this summer.

She plans to re-enroll at GTCC this fall to complete her college education. After graduating, she hopes to earn a nursing degree and enlist in the Navy.

Emily and Amanda began developing anger management and coping skills.

grown to become a successful young

continue Amanda’s education,” Emily

Amanda learned how to positively

adult.”

said.

channel her anger, which persuaded

“The first item we focused on was to

Their second goal was to find a job.

the local district attorney to encour-

Emily guided Amanda through appli-

age her progress and dismiss all of her

cation submission, job interviews and

legal charges.

Amanda believes in the success of the transitional living program.

“It’s a good decision to be in TL because it helps you get where you want to be,” she said. “My future is bright

follow-ups. After tirelessly applying for

“Amanda has an exceptional and

jobs online, Amanda began working at

special spirit, and has clearly dem-

and promising because of my involve-

Walmart.

onstrated a passion in reaching her

ment with Youth Villages.”

“If I maintain a positive outlook on

goals,” Emily said. “Through hard

what I want to achieve, I know it can

work and resiliency, Amanda has

YOUTH VILLAGES PARTICIPATES IN COMMUNITY FORUM Youth Villages joined forces with NC Benchmarks (formerly Children and Family Services Association) to con-

any given day, through the Multisystemic Therapy program.

“It was a great success,” said George

“They helped educate legislators and key decision makers about the importance of mental health ser-

duct informal events across the state

Edmonds, Youth Villages regional

vices,” said Bethany Gremel, Youth

to address key issues facing agencies

manager. “Legislators, agencies, and

Villages assistant state director. “It re-

that provide services to youth and

community members heard extremely

ally allowed us to come together and

families in North Carolina. One of

compelling stories from recipients of

highlight the impact of our services to

these events was held in the Asheville

services in Western North Carolina.”

consumers and families.”

community, where Youth Villages cur-

In all, 17 events were held over a

rently serves 23 youth and families, on

two-week period.

5

YOUTH VILLAGES FAMILY SHOWS ITS GIVING SPIRIT

John Horton, manager of resource development (center), poses as Jack Bauer with the Youth Villages Hickory, N.C., staff to celebrate the Our Family Campaign.

HOLIDAY HEROES HITS HOME

Charlotte staff wrapped dozens of gifts for Holiday Heroes.

Thanks to

Youth Villages recently concluded its annual employee

generous do-

fundraising efforts during the Our Family Campaign. More

nations from

than 100 Youth Villages North Carolina staff raised nearly

the communi-

$60,000 to help youth and families — and the best part is

ty, Youth Vil-

every dollar raised stays local to benefit youth and families

lages’ Holiday

served throughout North Carolina.

Heroes pro-

This year’s theme, 24:7 Never Missing a Minute to Help,

gram raised

honored the Youth Villages staff who is always there for

$3,755 and

families. OFC funds are used to support such programs as

helped create

the transitional living program, which helps young people

a memorable

aging out of foster care get a good start toward adulthood;

holiday for

special or emergency needs that arise for families; and oth-

147 youth

er crucial services offered by Youth Villages. Organization

and families

wide, the internal fundraising campaign raised $940,000.

throughout

Since 1998, the Youth Villages Our Family Campaign has raised close to $6 million in support of programs and services that benefit the communities we serve.

Youth Villages helped create a memorable holiday for 147 youth and families.

North Carolina.

Lisa Wilson, a senior family counselor in Wilmington, remembered her families’ joyful reactions to the holiday gifts.

“The families were so grateful,” she said. “Without the

CHARLOTTE STAFF VOLUNTEER AT GIFT-WRAPPING EVENT

community’s help, they would not have been able to provide holiday gifts to their children.”

To find out more about Holiday Heroes or how to become involved next year, please contact Stephanie Hoyle at stephanie.hoyle@youthvillages.org or 704.357.7943.

Charlotte staff members Jennifer Green, John Horton, and Lauren Walter recently volunteered at the Sixth Annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Event hosted by Special Olympics Gaston County and The Arc of Gaston County, a nonprofit that provides support and assistance to special needs customers who are mentally challenged or developmentally disabled. The volunteers wrapped mall patrons’ gifts for free or a small donation to support the annual Special Olympics Gaston County and Kamp Kaleidoscope.

6

A heartfelt thank you to our key supporters: ASEcho, CaroTrans, CB Richard Ellis, Charlotte ZTA Alumni Association, Darryl’s Wood Fired Grill, First Advent Christian Church, Great American Professional Risk Insurance, Greenway Public Transportation, Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, Rapha Family Foot Care, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Morrisville Ward) and Wil-Mar Service Center.

YV COMMUNITY TIPS: HAVE A SAFE SUMMER BREAK

A Note of Thanks To all those who have supported our work in North Carolina through a leadership gift during

Summer is quickly approaching, which means many

the last year, thank you. Your continued generosity

youth will experience more unsupervised time. Youth

allows us to provide the most effective services to

Villages Multisystemic Therapy consultants provide the fol-

children and families.

lowing tips for helping families have a safe and productive summer break:

The Bank of America Foundation

1. Camps and structured activities provide an excel-

Bartlett Construction

lent way to have peace of mind that your children are safe,

Capstrat

supervised and improving their interpersonal skills. Check

The Duke Endowment

out www.mysummercamps.com or your county’s local park

First Advent Christian Church

and recreation department for ideas.

2. Know your child’s friends. Create a peer list with names, addresses and telephone numbers. Reach out so other parents know if and when your child is allowed in their home.

3. Pair up with other trusted parents to help one an-

Great American Professional Risk Insurance Greenway Public Transportation Hodges Family Foundation Rapha Family Foot Care Wil-Mar Service Center Inc.

other with supervision. Other parents might have different

Leslie Bevacqua-Coman

schedules and can help fill in those gaps where your child

Marilyn and Jerry Cook

does not have supervised time.

4. Provide your children with appropriate expectations.

You must know where they are and who they are with.

Build trust with your children by checking to make sure they are doing what they said they would do. Provide reinforcements when they follow or break the rules.

Toni Freeman Nancy Manner and Frederick Hess Frankie and Jim Honeycutt Susan and Jeff Hoyle Eddie Mabry

5. Even the seemingly “uncaring” adolescent craves

Clayton Owens

attention from their parent. Take advantage of the school

Ruth and Ken Samuelson

break and turn that attention into something positive by creating family time and by finding opportunities to focus on the positive aspects of your relationships! Game nights, movie nights, or simply eating dinner together on a regular

Elizabeth and John Skvarla Carole and Brad Wilson Leigh and David Young

basis are all productive ways to connect with your child.

AUSTIN

Stay in touch online

from page 4 www.youthvillages.wordpress.com Ulanda come into the home encouraged me to be persistent, which helped a lot. It was great having someone to talk to.”

www.twitter.com/youthvillages

Now, Austin makes Bs and Cs instead of Ds and Fs. Math and science are his best subjects. At home, a daily routine has helped because Austin knows what is expected of him.

Instead of arguing or fighting, he removes himself from the

www.facebook.com/youthvillages

situation and goes to his room.

“Ulanda came in the home and talked with everyone,” Sandra said. “She was honest and explained how every-

www.youthvillages.org

thing would work. It’s made such a difference.”

7

@6<;/ =033(.,: 2815 Coliseum Centre Dr., Suite 230 Charlotte, NC 28217 (Address Service Requested)

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID YOUTH VILLAGES

( WYP]H[L UVUWYVÄ[ VYNHUPaH[PVU @V\[O =PSSHNLZ ZLY]LZ TVYL [OHU JOPSKYLU HUK [OLPY MHTPSPLZ MYVT VMÄJLZ PU [OL MVSSV^PUN JP[PLZ! Alabama: Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile Arkansas: Jonesboro, Little Rock Florida: Lakeland, Miami, Tampa Georgia: Atlanta, Douglasville Massachusetts: 3H^YLUJL 7S`TV\[O :WYPUNÄLSK >VI\YU >VYJLZ[LY Mississippi: Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Hernando, Jackson, Tupelo New Hampshire: Manchester North Carolina: Asheville, Charlotte, Concord, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, Pinehurst, Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington Tennessee: Chattanooga, Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dickson, Dyersburg, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Linden, Memphis, Morristown, Nashville, Paris Texas: Dallas Washington, D.C.

New Heights North Carolina is published by Youth Villages Managing Editor: Stephanie Hoyle Associate Editor: Chris Pennington Please e-mail stephanie.hoyle@youthvillages.org or call 704-357-7943 to have your name removed from our mailing list.

Founded in Memphis, Tenn., in 1986, Youth Villages has built a national reputation for offering the most effective proNYHTZ HUK ZLY]PJLZ [V OLSW LTV[PVUHSS` [YV\ISLK JOPSKYLU HUK [OLPY MHTPSPLZ ;OL WYP]H[L UVUWYVÄ[ VYNHUPaH[PVU WYV]PKLZ a fully integrated continuum of services, including residential treatment, in-home services, foster care and adoption, mentoring and a transitional living program for young adults aging out of foster care.