Caring for Children
The holidays can regularly be a difficult time for many people and this year they may be even harder than usual. With the concerns of our loved one’s health and safety on our minds, we may be celebrating a little bit differently, and that can cause added strain, not least of all on the young people in our homes.
But this year we have additional help available, specifically for those young people who may be struggling this season. Our Department of Mental Health has now launched what we are calling the Children’s CARE Team, short for the Children’s Community Assistance, Response, and Engagement Team.
The CARE Team is mobile and consists of a behavioral health worker as well as a family peer advocate who can meet a family at home, school or elsewhere in the community. The team will work closely with a youth and their family to stabilize the situation, assist with follow-up, and appropriate referrals and can stay involved with the family for up to eight weeks.
The CARE Team is an addition to Rockland’s existing youth behavioral health crisis services and will complement the Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT), which serves people of all ages, assesses the need for hospitalization and includes medical staff. Both BHRT and the CARE Team are accessed by calling the BHRT phone number, 845-517-0400.
We know how difficult this year has been for all of us but especially for children and young adults who have had to adapt to an all-new set of circumstances. I applaud the work of our Department of Mental Health in securing these services which will provide FREE mobile support for children and their families that are facing challenges. We have long been ahead of the curve in tending to our resident’s mental health, launching the BHRT in 2015, the new Care Team is a critical addition to the services available to residents.
The service started on December 15th and is available to any individuals under the age of 21 experiencing non-life-threatening behavioral and/or emotional challenges. The service is available from 12 pm – 8 pm 7 days a week, including holidays.
The service will be operated by Access: Supports for Living Inc. which understands that the need for community-based mental health support for children and families is greater than ever. And the best part is that the CARE Team is funded through Rockland County’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant with NO COST to local taxpayers or those utilizing the service.
I urge those who are facing challenges this year to reach out; help is available. There is no shame in utilizing these services and working with these dedicated professionals to work through any crisis you face.
