On a sunny Thursday afternoon I (Rachel) had the pleasure of meeting with Brian Stawarz, MA, LP, LMFT, Director of the Individual and Family Counseling (IFC) Program at Children's Home Society & Family Services (CHSFS). CHSFS has been a member of YIPA since 2003, and since Brian joined the team in 2007 he has been an active participant in YIPA’s quarterly meetings. He recently joined our legislative committee, as he has a strong desire for YIPA programs to survive and thrive.
He was eager to talk about the ways YIPA has helped him and his staff network with other organizations and help the program stay current with Best Practices in early interventions with at-risk youth. Two of the most memorable and significant connections Brian has made through YIPA are with the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) and with the Division of Indian Work (DIW). He was involved personally with a music group for 8-10 year-old children at MAIC, and one of his clinicians, John Wolff, LMFT, has helped with the “Healing Spirit Program,” a residence for Native American youth who have experienced up to a dozen foster care placements. Both were opportunities to connect with the Native American community and provide valuable outreach efforts. He sees his involvement with YIPA as invaluable, and hopes to continue seeking networking opportunities on behalf of CHSFS. Although he represents the entire agency at YIPA meetings, his involvement is more directed towards meeting the needs of the families and youth being served through the Individual and Family Counseling Program. There are two particular programs within IFC that receive funding through the Office of Justice Programs and YIPA; Juvenile Diversion & Restitution Services and School-Linked Intensive Mental Health Services.
Youth are referred to the Diversion and Restitution Program through local police departments and Ramsey County Corrections, where they work with the CHSFS Diversion Coordinator and their parent(s) to complete an assessment. Their diversion program follows a slightly atypical model for screening youth, using a modified form of their Mental Health Assessment. This screening focuses on emotional, behavioral and psychological functioning, but with no diagnoses made. Once the assessment is complete, they come up with a joint plan to help the youth avoid court involvement. Some of the activities recommended are: community service hours, financial restitution, apology letters to the victim involved, theft or decision-making classes, and/or therapy sessions. According to the CHSFS website, “ninety percent of youth completing the program typically have no further contact with police, based on six-month follow-up surveys.” They are very proud of the work they do, and look forward to keeping youth out of the juvenile justice system.
The second program we talked about is School-Linked Program. This service allows therapists from IFC to float among different schools within a district and provide counseling services to students, one-to-one meetings and referrals. They are currently teamed up with Minnesota Independent School Districts 622 and 625, and are finding their presence to be welcomed and supported. In their work with these school districts, they encounter many students who struggle academically, behaviorally and emotionally. The families of the children often struggle with transitions, financial difficulties and being overwhelmed with their many life tasks. Connecting the students with a counselor makes a world of difference in their lives and oftentimes the individual therapy will lead to family or couples work. Children’s Home Society & Family Service’s IFC program is a wonderful example of a well-integrated system of care between schools, government, clients and community providers. It was enjoyable to hear what a positive experience it’s been for Brian and the rest of his team. Keep up the good work!
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