National Child and Family Hubs Network’s Post

Tomorrow is #DressPurpleDay, a day that raises awareness about the importance of supporting vulnerable children, youth and families. When children don't get the support and resources they need, they're at greater risk of adverse childhood experiences, or "ACEs." Our latest blog, by Sophie Baker, Maura Eswaradas and Christine Sheppard, explains how we don't know enough about ACEs and their impact on health and health equity, and how Wellesley Institute is working to help fill that gap.  https://lnkd.in/g2DF4xGs

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: 1. Emotional Stress: The emotional toll can be significant, as parents navigate their child's unique needs, potential health issues, and the impact on family dynamics. 2. Financial Strain: Specialized therapies, medical treatments, and educational resources can lead to high expenses, creating financial pressure on families. 3. Limited Support: Parents may feel isolated, especially if they lack a support network of friends or family who understand their experiences. 4. Time Constraints: Balancing appointments, therapies, and daily care can be time-consuming, leaving little room for self-care or personal time. 5. Educational Challenges: Navigating the educational system to ensure their child receives appropriate services and support can be complicated and often requires advocacy. 6. Social Isolation: Families may experience social isolation, as outings can be more challenging, and they may encounter judgment or misunderstanding from others. 7. Health Concerns: Parents often deal with ongoing medical issues, which can add stress and require constant attention and care. 8. Uncertainty About the Future: Concerns about their child’s future, independence, and long-term care can weigh heavily on parents' minds. 9. Balancing Siblings' Needs: Ensuring that siblings of special needs children receive attention and support can be challenging, leading to feelings of neglect or resentment. 10. Navigating Relationships: Maintaining relationships with partners, friends, and extended family can be difficult when the focus is primarily on the child's needs. Addressing these challenges requires understanding, support, and often the development of coping strategies to help families thrive. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺? #parentingchallenges #specialneeds #supportingfamilies

I'm excited to share our latest publication highlighting the impact of the First 1,000 Days Suncoast family navigation program on young parents and families in Southwest Florida. This evaluation highlights the critical role navigators have in building rapport and acting as a trusted source upon whom families can rely when addressing complex needs. Paired with the benefit of technology-enabled care coordination to support seamless connections to community resources, this work demonstrates the value of community-based care, accomplished through one system of record. Congratulations to my co-authors Chelsea Arnold, DNP, APRN, FNP-bc, Zackery White, PhD MPH, Mary O'Connor, and Halima Ahmadi-Montecalvo, PhD, MPH 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://bit.ly/3B6hI0g #SDOH #SocialCare #CareCoordination #Navigation

The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition recently commissioned polling with 2,000 respondents to gather voters views on children’s mental health ahead of the upcoming #generalelection. What were some of their key findings? 👉 59% of respondents believe that political leaders have not done enough to support children and young people’s mental health over the last decade. 👉 Only 23% of respondents are very or somewhat confident that political parties will prioritise issues facing children and young people in the general election. 👉 Improving #mentalhealth was the most significant issue to be addressed for children and teenagers according to respondents aged 18-24. 👉 The top three priorities all respondents want addressing in the general election are: ensuring children get a good education, protecting children from online harm and child poverty (for children under 12 years) and protecting children from crime and anti-social behaviour for teenagers. There needs to be real and substantial change for babies, children and young people's mental health in this general election for the tide to turn. Alongside the coalition we are committed to calling for all political parties to: ☑️ Commit at least an additional £1.7bn per year for Integrated Care Systems to deliver a comprehensive mental health pathway for all babies, children and young people aged 0-25. ☑️ Embed whole educational approaches to mental health and wellbeing across all education settings. ☑️ Increase the provision of early intervention support in the community through the national roll-out of early support hubs in every local area. ☑️ Bring forward reform of the Mental Health Act 1983, to ensure that children and young people’s rights are protected and promoted, and that they receive high quality and compassionate care. Read more about the findings by clicking on the link in this post.

We are thrilled to see our new peer-reviewed article published today in the 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 demonstrating the impact of social care referral navigation on the mental health and well-being of young families. Here are some key takeaways: ✅ With support from trusted navigators, parents report more hope and confidence in addressing their children’s needs. Through technology-enabled social care coordination powered by Unite Us, parents report relief from the burden of self-navigating community based resources. ✅ Our model of care can improve access to supportive community services for young families with social needs and increase parental protective factors known to improve short and long-term outcomes for families. ✅  This evaluation of First 1,000 Days Suncoast’s Family Navigation program demonstrated statistically significant improvements in parental social support, an additional four healthy mental health days per month, and significant improvements in perceived stress, among parents receiving navigation support. We’re encouraged by these results and look forward to continuing this important research. We want to extend a special thanks to our First 1,000 Days Suncoast partners Chelsea Arnold, DNP, APRN, FNP-bc and Mary O’Connor, as well as acknowledge the contributions of our Unite Us Research and Evaluation team including Amanda Terry, PhD, MPH, MA, Zackery White, PhD MPH , Gillian Feldmeth, and Halima Ahmadi-Montecalvo, PhD, MPH. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://bit.ly/3B6hI0g #UniteUs, #SarasotaMemorialHealthCare #First 1,000 Days #socialcare

The care-to-prison pipeline is a critical issue that highlights how our society often fails its most vulnerable children. Many looked-after children—those in care due to abuse, neglect, or family breakdown—end up facing criminal justice challenges instead of receiving the support they need. Key factors driving this pipeline include instability in care placements, inadequate mental health services, and the criminalisation of behaviors rooted in trauma. These children frequently face educational disruptions and employment barriers, further entrenching them in a cycle of disadvantage. It's time for change NOW. By enhancing stability in care placements, improving mental health support, adopting restorative justice practices, and bolstering education and employment opportunities, we can begin to dismantle this pipeline. Join Genuine Futures in advocating for comprehensive reforms to ensure every child has the chance to thrive. Together, we can create a more just and equitable society. https://lnkd.in/exnxPMGe #CareToPrisonPipeline #ChildWelfare #SocialJustice

Protect Our Children: Ban Social Media for Under-16s As a father of four, an academic, and a medical doctor, I have seen first-hand how social media is harming our children. It steals their joy, innocence, and childhood while exposing them to cyberbullying, addiction, and inappropriate content. Research, including studies from Oxford University, shows that social media use negatively impacts life satisfaction in children as young as 11 years old. Countries like Australia have already taken decisive steps to ban social media access for under-16s. It’s time the UK followed suit. I have launched an official petition to the UK Government to ban social media access for under-16s to protect their mental health, well-being, and development. Social media can wait—childhood cannot. How You Can Help: Sign the Petition: Every signature brings us closer to change. 👉 Sign Here: https://lnkd.in/eetqNX8Q Share the Message: Spread the word with your networks—parents, educators, and organisations concerned about child safety. Together, we can take action to protect the next generation. Children deserve to grow up playing, exploring, and connecting in the real world before navigating the digital one. If this issue resonates with you, please sign and share. Your support makes a difference. #ChildSafety #MentalHealth #ProtectOurChildren #SocialMediaBan #Parenting #Wellbeing

--- 🗣️ "WHO'S SPEAKING UP FOR YOUR CHILD'S MENTAL HEALTH?" 📍Advocacy plays a powerful role in shaping laws that protect children’s mental health. Without strong voices pushing for change, many children are left without the support they need. But how does advocacy make a difference? Here’s how: ✅Raising awareness: Advocacy groups highlight the importance of mental health, bringing attention to issues like access to care, early intervention, and the need for mental health professionals in schools. ✅Pushing for legislation: Advocates work with governments to introduce and pass laws that protect children’s mental health rights. ✅ Holding governments accountable: Once laws are in place, advocacy ensures that governments and organizations stick to their commitments, ensuring every child gets the help they need. 🔑 Legal Alerts: 📍United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Article 24 requires governments to recognize children’s rights to health, including mental health services. 📍U.S. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) ensures mental health treatment is covered equally with physical health treatment. 📍The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) Article 14 mandates that every child has access to the best attainable mental health services. Why it matters: 📍Imagine a world where every child in crisis can speak to a counselor or mental health professional without barriers. That world is possible through strong mental health laws, but it requires advocacy to make it happen. 🚨 Alert!: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 75% of children with mental health conditions in low-income countries do not receive treatment. Advocacy can change this! As Dr. Miracle Godstime Udoh, I work with NGOs, governments, and healthcare organizations to advance child mental health legislation and ensure every child’s rights are protected. 💬 How can we advocate better for children’s mental health? Let’s discuss ideas and solutions below! 👇 #MentalHealthForKids #AdvocacyMatters #MentalHealthLegislation #PublicHealth #ChildWellbeing #HealthcareForAll #DrMiracleGodstimeUdoh ---

Parenting today is no small feat, and the U.S. Surgeon General’s recent warning about parental stress highlights an issue felt deeply worldwide, including here in Australia. Parents are feeling “exhausted, burned out, and perpetually behind,” as the expectations around raising children grow increasingly demanding. From juggling work, family life, and extracurricular activities, to the anxiety of preparing our kids for an uncertain future, Australian parents are feeling the strain. While we all want to give our kids the best possible start, the rising expectations around parenting—that some call “intensive parenting”—are leading many to feel overwhelmed and alone in the journey. Here in Australia, we have an opportunity to create more inclusive systems and community networks that can support parents. From better #workplaceflexibility and paid #parentalleave to stronger community support, these changes can make a real difference. #Parenting #MentalHealth #CommunitySupport #FamilyWellbeing

During the 1980’s, the @unitednations began focusing attention on issues related to the family. In 1983, based on the recommendations of the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Social Development requested the Secretary-General to enhance awareness among decision makers and the public of the problems and needs of the family, as well as of effective ways of meeting those needs. In 1993, the @unitednations General Assembly decided that May 15 of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. “This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families”. When it comes to individuals affected by the stress and stigma of a parents substance use, the family environment is often discussed from a lens of “household harm”, without consideration for the systemic barriers many parents and their youth experience in trying to access support to have their physical and mental health needs met. Many of society’s approach towards parents who use substances can perpetuate a belief that there are “bad families”, removing support from parents and ultimately their children. This belief, as experienced by many families, can become engrained in the minds of many youth, their parents, and the systems that support them. This #internationaldayoffamilies , we are sharing our belief that: “Bad families don’t exist. Bad labels do. Ditch the labels, support the family”. ——- #endthestigmaofaddiction #mentalhealthawareness ##youthwellbeing #familywellbeing #traumainformedcare #unitednationshumanrights