Monday, October 26, 2015

Recently, the Child Welfare Information Gateway released a factsheet titled “Supporting Youth in Foster Care in Making Healthy Choices: A Guide for Caregivers and Caseworkers on Trauma, Treatment and Psychotropic Medications”, which is available for FREE through their website

The guide touches on important topics including:

  1. Trauma and its Effects
  2. Psychotropic Medications: Safe Use & Alternative Options
  3. Advice from Youth
  4. Confidentiality
  5. Counseling and Therapy
  6. Monitoring Progress

 We encourage parents to  review the information and  talk about it with your child. One of my favorite takeaway’s from the factsheet is the list of questions to ask your child about therapy:

  • Do you feel as if you can be honest and open with this therapist about what you are feeling and experiencing?
  • Are you able to understand what the therapist says to you? Does he/she offer helpful advice and suggestions to you?
  • Since you’ve been in therapy, in what ways do you think you’ve changed? Do you feel more hopeful that you will achieve your goals?
  • Do you feel like you’re starting to understand yourself better?
  •  Are you learning skills from your therapist about how to handle emotions and/or change behaviors?
  •  How can I best support you while you are in therapy? What is most and least helpful?

Children’s Bureau et al. (2015). Supporting youth in foster care in making healthy choices: A guide for caregivers and caseworkers on trauma, treatment, and psychotropic medications. Washington, DC: Author.

 

By: 
Surina Amin, LGSW - Outreach Coordinator, Project Wait No Longer