Many of the youth we serve in the workforce system may be dealing with mental health or substance use issues in response to trauma from a variety of events, including natural disasters, interaction with the justice system, family troubles and more. An individual’s experience of trauma can affect every area of their life including the ability to focus on education and training, and transition to gainful employment.

Thursday, May 10 is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 2018. This year’s theme, Partnering for Health and Hope Following Trauma, will focus on the importance of an integrated approach to caring for the mental health needs of children, youth, and young adults who have experienced trauma, as well as their families. Though often not behavioral health professionals, workforce system staff play an integral role in a youth’s well-being and growth.  It is critical to recognize the signs of trauma as well as deliver services and supports in a way that aims to heal and avoid retraumatization. 

Join the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration’s, Division of Youth Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for a joint webinar, Our Journey Together: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Youth and the Workforce System.  Together we will learn how behavioral health and workforce agencies can collaborate to develop strategies to benefit the well-being of youth we serve.