Metropolitan Family Services’ Post

🌟 In the midst of change, there’s always a glimmer of hope. As professionals dedicated to the betterment of our communities and societies, it’s crucial we remain hopeful and proactive about true reform in the juvenile justice system. 🌟 The need for comprehensive reform is clear. Our young people deserve a system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, education over incarceration, and support over isolation. It’s about recognizing potential over past mistakes. As we push forward, our goal should be to ensure that juveniles receive the services they need to thrive: mental health support, educational opportunities, vocational training, and community integration programs. Hope is not just a feeling but a driving force for action. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and advocate for policies and programs that truly reflect our commitment to the future of our youth. Together, we can create a system that uplifts rather than confines, empowering our young people to write a new chapter for themselves. As leaders, professionals, and community members, our collective voice can pave the way for meaningful change. Let’s be the catalyst for a future where every young individual has the opportunity to succeed and contribute positively to our society. #JuvenileJusticeReform #HopeForTheFuture #CommunitySupport #YouthEmpowerment

In a message to an audience, I reflected on my time in a youth centre speaking on the question was asked, what do you say to a young person who asks what to do when someone pulls a knife on you? It goes deeper. What don’t do with the anger that lingers when our young people are abused by their peers and elders and we struggle to cope with their behaviour as a result of the trauma? Even we as adults aren’t ready to deal with trauma until we are ready, so what is different with our children? Behaviours are not the result of or the the cause of something. Can we admit that we haven’t made sufficient provisions for the youth, and this in no way is a critique of schools, but a part of the answer though unpopular is to embrace an element of critical race theory and evolve that theory to use relational peer theory to influence change but our most powerful too is early intervention with transitional programs and safeguarding programs. Let’s do that. #YouthViolencePrevention #TraumaInformedCare #MentorTheYouth #LiftYouthVoices #RootOutOppression #SafetyAndJustice #HealTogether #CommunityCare #CareNotCops #WholeChildWellbeing #SchoolToPrisonPipeline

The IACP-CGCS Task Force, composed of district superintendents, school police leaders, and community police chiefs, has released a comprehensive report to improve student safety and the lives of students in cities. Recommendations include expanding mental health support, rethinking school discipline policies and practices, and promoting community partnerships. Download the report to read more on how we can build safer schools and communities! https://lnkd.in/gajZr_JR

Amplifying this noteworthy new program from the folx at Persevere! 📣 QSIDE board member Karen Walker is the NIUP Director, and our co-founder Jude Higdon is on their advisory board. The National Institute to Unlock Potential (NIUP) introduces a practical, equity-focused framework for Opportunity Youth programs. Designed to support organizations in implementing effective workforce development initiatives, this guide particularly assists youth impacted by parental incarceration, foster care, the criminal legal system, or human trafficking. This framework stands as a robust tool for translating principles into actionable workforce solutions. https://lnkd.in/eyvmazHN

Many of the men who participate in fatherhood programs may have experienced trauma from adverse childhood experiences, community violence, or incarceration. Traumatic experiences can have a negative impact on fathers’ own functioning as well as on their children’s well-being, particularly for men of color or those with low incomes. In recent years, fatherhood programs and other social service providers have become more aware of how traumatic experiences can impact program participants. However, there is still a need to ensure that practitioners incorporate recognized, trauma-informed (TI) practices into their services. This MDRC brief (https://buff.ly/3QynRqX) provides practical information and easy-to-use tools designed to support TI practices in a fatherhood program context. #PeerTA #TANF #TA #TechnicalAssistance #OFA #ACF #HumanServices #SocialServices #FatherhoodPrograms #Fatherhood #TraumaInformedCare #TraumaInformedPractices

In a message to an audience, I reflected on my time in a youth centre speaking on the question was asked, what do you say to a young person who asks what to do when someone pulls a knife on you? It goes deeper. What don’t do with the anger that lingers when our young people are abused by their peers and elders and we struggle to cope with their behaviour as a result of the trauma? Even we as adults aren’t ready to deal with trauma until we are ready, so what is different with our children? Behaviours are not the result of or the the cause of something. Can we admit that we haven’t made sufficient provisions for the youth, and this in no way is a critique of schools, but a part of the answer though unpopular is to embrace an element of critical race theory and evolve that theory to use relational peer theory to influence change but our most powerful too is early intervention with transitional programs and safeguarding programs. Let’s do that. #YouthViolencePrevention #TraumaInformedCare #MentorTheYouth #LiftYouthVoices #RootOutOppression #SafetyAndJustice #HealTogether #CommunityCare #CareNotCops #WholeChildWellbeing #SchoolToPrisonPipeline

It was amazing experience to bring together 20 young leaders from different states to dicuss and develop an action around social justice issues impacting them and their community. Important issues affecting young people today were dicussed including the cost-of-living crisis, violence against girls and women, racism, mental health issues, drug use, and the exploitation of international students and young workers through wage theft and other forms of modern injustices https://lnkd.in/etzDH6g3

Empowering law enforcement with tailored de-escalation strategies is crucial for safer communities. From Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to Community Policing Programs, officers can handle mental health crises effectively and foster positive community relations. Are we doing enough to equip our officers for these challenges? Tap into our official social media for insights and join our Verbal De-escalation Training sessions: Link in Bio! #executiveprotection #ep #epbylead #epquotes #lead_executive_protection #LawEnforcement #DeEscalation #CrisisIntervention #CommunityPolicing #SafetyFirst #MentalHealthMatters #BuildingTrust #PublicSafety #ProactivePolicing #Empowerment

"I couldn’t do my job as a service designer had I not been a caseworker. A caseworker is in there understanding the policy, the rules, the things that govern the process of what they’re going through—that’s what a service designer is supposed to do." - Ashley (Tez) Cortez Great reflections in this interview!

#DidYouKnow? Research indicates that without intervention, young individuals engaging in #datingviolence are at a higher risk of perpetuating violence in their adult relationships. Radius’ Youth Dating Violence Program is dedicated to equipping young people with the skills and resources needed to make informed and healthy dating choices, fostering a future free from abuse. Discover more at: https://ow.ly/XxlJ50QFzwH #YDV #TDVAM #DVAM