On June 28-30, 2017, Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) will host their Conference on Services to Youth and Families in Houston, TX. Scholarships are available for parents and caregivers to cover the cost of registration.
Participants will hear from four keynotes and choose from 30 interactive workshops with topics ranging from trauma-informed care to youth engagement and navigating regulations. Six of the sessions are designed specifically for the parents and caregivers of youth, and are listed below.
Help, I Need Somebody: Safety Planning vs. Crisis Planning
Stephany Bryan, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health; Tracee Black-Fall, TOVA’s N.E.S.T. Inc.
Crisis can hit you like a storm – sometimes you see it coming and sometimes you don’t. Mindful planning and thoughtful preparation are two strategies that parents, caregivers and youth can use to avoid a crisis. In this session, we’ll discuss challenges and develop a mock safety plan.
Navigating Special Education: IEP’s and 504’s for Parents and Providers
David Head, Communities in Schools of Houston; Tyra Walker, Alief ISD
Learn about Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and 504 accommodations from start to finish. Get tips on how to request an evaluation for a child, participate in a meeting to discuss accommodations and needs, write SMART goals and objectives, make changes to an IEP, and draft behavioral intervention plans.
Singing the Same Tune: Strategies for Supporting Emerging Adults
Stephany Bryan, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health; Tracee Black-Fall, TOVA’s N.E.S.T. Inc.
Whoever said parenting is the easiest, most rewarding job you’ll ever have? In today’s society, there are many influences and distractions that make it challenging to raise healthy, happy young adults! In this session, we’ll identify strategies to survive the rollercoaster ride with your teens.
Supported Decision Making vs. Guardianship
Dustin Rynders, Disability Rights Texas
Many caregivers are told to consider guardianship of their adult child without really knowing what that means. Learn about the pros and cons of guardianship and alternatives, such as supported decision making, powers of attorney, and representative payee, and how each option impacts youth voice and self-determination.
TAY Talk: Emerging Adults Keeping it Real
Vicky Coffee, Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and Houston youth leaders
Hear directly from teens and young adults on what they want and need from parents, caregivers and service providers to meet their goals, support their mental health and become independent adults.
Youth and Family Legal Rights in College and Employment
Dustin Rynders, Disability Rights Texas
As youth with mental health conditions transition into college and the work place, they are protected from discrimination and entitled to reasonable accommodations. Get an overview of these rights so you’ll know when to disclose a mental health condition, how to request and negotiate appropriate accommodations, and how to take action if rights are violated. We’ll also discuss how parents and caregivers can stay involved even as the relationship with the child changes.
If you are a teen, young adult, parent, family member, or foster parent, apply for a scholarship through the registration form. If you are interested in bringing a group of youth or caregivers, please contact EFlint@tnoys.org.
Learn more about the conference and register soon!