Children's Mental Health

Youth at our agencies often engage in art projects as part of treatment, education, or recreation while in our care. Here are some inspiring pieces created by our talented youth.

From acrostic to free verse, a variety of poetic styles help us explore our feelings with freedom and confidence.

Use this sheet to check in on yourself and reflect on the things that support your mental health and well-being each day.

Knitting, embroidery, quilting, and other textile hobbies can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. The repetitive motions and focus create a calming experience that can reduce stress and anxiety. This form of art fosters creativity, offering a sense of accomplishment and pride as you see your work come together.

When a student is facing a mental health challenge, teachers often walk a fine line of providing support while being cautious to not overstep boundaries. So, what should teachers do if they observe a student struggling with a mental health issue? This resource shares seven steps to best support the student and their family.

You heard this would happen. Your little snuggler, your helper, your “mini-me” has become a teen. Attempting to engage with them now may elicit a series of grunts and groans, or seemingly thoughtless one-word answers. Try these techniques to help you reconnect with your teen and keep the lines of communication open.

Taking a moment to focus on your breath can help reduce anxiety and improve your mindset. One great way to practice mindful breathing and slowing down your breath is through blowing bubbles. Try this exercise!

Trauma is pervasive and has a broad and diverse impact, and deeply affects how the youth we serve approach the services we provide. If done incorrectly, social services can re-traumatize or further harm those they are trying to help, which is why being trauma-informed is so crucial in every part of social services. 

There are many ways children tell us how they feel and it is not always through words. As we enter another school year, parents, caregivers, teachers, and others need to be aware of the different ways children communicate. One way to “hear” what a child is nonverbally communicating is by analyzing the five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell.

For parents of school-aged children, the phrase “I’m bored” can crop up in the middle of summer. Trying to fill your child’s time may add stress or anxiety to your already busy schedule. Check out these four tips on how to help bridge your child's boredom.