There is a disproportionate number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) children and youth in the child welfare system. Often, these youth enter care because of abuse and/or neglect related to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Or these young people come out while in care and face a difficult challenge of family reunification, because of their identity.  This workshop will offer strategies to help organizations better identify and support LGBTQ young people at-risk and experiencing abuse and neglect, how to enhance efforts for working with LGBTQ young people in care, and interventions to implement to better ensure safe family reunifications.

This panel will frame the discussion of substance use from the perspective of addictions and their impact on youth in Southern Nevada in regards to mental health and academic achievement. This discussion will also look at substance use in youth from both an individualist perspective (i.e. the “student”) and a systemic perspective (i.e. family’s impact on the student). Panelists will share their professional experiences and perspectives about working with youth in the community, as well as highlight the latest research on this topic and other policy-based initiatives.

Family Peer Support Services are an important way to empower families, including the child or youth, through information and training, community connections, and advocacy skills. Nevada PEP, the only recognized Parent Training and Information Center in the state, offers trainings, webinars, and other direct family support from certified family peer support specialist who can relate to the parent/family viewpoint due to their own lived experience raising a child or youth with comparable needs. Learn about how Family Peer Support Services can be used in different practices, the importance of family-driven practice with in a System of Care.

Mental Health Professionals often find themselves on the frontlines in dealing with work-life balance stresses and burnout is a common problem for many mental health agencies. Despite many mental health workers being aware of the risks of burnout, few really know how to take  action in their own personal wellness. This presentation will not serve as a list of more things we all should be doing for our own well-being, but rather a way of rethinking many of the things we are already doing and going about those things with more intent, thus creating wellness in our everyday lives. Participants will be introduced to the multiple forms that wellness can take, plus learn ways in which they can optimize their everyday life by doing many of the things they already do.

​The Nevada Gatekeeper Training Program focuses on four specific populations: Lifespan (general), Youth, Elderly and Native American. The program can be used in special training environments such as Law Enforcement and Foster Care Agencies. The objectives of this training are to increase one’s knowledge, understanding of suicide, recognize warning signs, identify risk and protective factors, increase willingness and ability to intervene with a person at risk for suicide.  This training will provide insight for interacting with survivors and identify referral resources.

RESOURCE LIST

Youth M.O.V.E. (Motivating Others through Voices of Experience) Nevada is a youth-driven

organization that advocates for youth to be equal partners in youth-serving systems including

mental health. This moderated youth panel will discuss youth issues, youth rights, and Youth M.O.V.E. Nevada community engagement activities. Youth panelists will include leaders and

participants, for an authentic look at youth culture and the youth perspective on children’s mental health in Southern Nevada.