November is National Adoption Month

Sierra Vista Child & Family Services observes National Adoption Month in November

In California, approximately 58,012 children live in some type of foster care setting and in Stanislaus County, there are 628 children in foster care. Many have spent most of their lives in this "temporary" situation, and have moved within the child welfare system more times than they care to remember.


“These are very real children who desperately need families of their own. Because the public is so often unaware of these kids and their needs, we would like to draw special attention to waiting children during National Adoption Awareness Month in the hope that we can unite many of these young people with permanent, adoptive parents,” said Judy Kindle, Executive Director of Sierra Vista Child & Family Services.


These waiting children come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have physical or mental disabilities; some are part of a sibling group; some are of African American, Native American, or Latino heritage; and many are older children or adolescents. The share a common bond: the desire to be someone’s son or daughter and to be part of a forever family.
We fervently believe there is a family for each waiting child. Our task is to make our waiting children more visible and bring them together with parents. These children are calling out-to be loved, to feel wanted, to share their potential and themselves... to be adopted, said Mary Jo Mastin, Director of Foster Care Services.

For more information regarding Sierra Vista Child & Family Services and our foster care program please call (209) 491-0872.

ADHD Week October 16-22, 2011

Sierra Vista observes Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Week October 16-22, 2011

Four to 7 million children (5-9% of the population) in the U.S. have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Abundant scientific research has led every mainstream medical, psychological, and educational organization in the United States to conclude long ago that ADHD is a real neurological disorder. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute of Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and the U.S. Department of Education, among others, recognize ADHD as a legitimate diagnosis.

Sierra Vista Child & Family Services has an (ADHD) Program that provides mental health, case management, and medication services to children ages 2-18 years. The program provides treatment focusing on symptom reduction, improved overall functioning of the child in the home, school, and community environments, and improved functioning of the family system to assist the child in sustaining gains made in treatment.
 The program provides a multi-modal treatment approach including individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, school collaboration and support, medication services, parent education, and case management.

For more information regarding Sierra Vista Child & Family Services our ADHD Program please call (209) 550-5850.

Mental Illness Awareness Week October 2-8, 2011

Sierra Vista observes Mental Illness Awareness Week October 2-8, 2011


In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), Sierra Vista Child & Family Services is promoting the services that they provide for children and families experiencing emotional difficulties, as well as, bring attention to this national epidemic.

Mental illnesses are medical illnesses. One in four adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year. One in 17 lives with serious, chronic illness, and by 2020, mental and substance abuse use disorders will surpass all physical diseases worldwide as a major cause of disability.

Yet, this year servere budge cuts threaten mental health services in many communities around the country. "When mental health care isn't available in a community, the results often are lost jobs and careers, broken families, more homelessness and welfare", said Judy Kindle, Executive Director for Sierra Vista Child & Family Services.

The good news is that treatment does work and recovery is possible, and that is where Sierra Vista can be a resource to the community. Through our counseling programs for children and adults, our school based mental health services and our family resource centers we provide mental health services to thousands of individuals each year.

For more information on Sierra Vista Child & Family Services and the programs and services, that they offer call 209-523-4573 or visit our website www.sierravistacares.org.

Who Am I?

By Kim Bull

I could be your son or daughter, mom or dad. I could be old or young, I could be married or single, gay or straight. I could be gainfully employed or homeless. I could be any race or ethnicity. I could be pregnant. I could be your neighbor. I could be you.

Who am I? I am a representative of the number one health problem facing America today. I am an addict/alcoholic.

Addiction is known by different names: chemical dependency, substance abuse or alcoholism. People who are addicted are known by different names: addicts, alcoholics, junkies, meth-heads, hypes, cranksters, and the list goes on. This topic can generate more discussion, debate, and controversy than just about any other and affects millions of families in America.

Following are some of the primary risk factors which increase the likelihood of a person of any age (but especially at a young age) becoming addicted if they use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs (ATOD).

• Family history of addiction—if one or both parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents are addicted- the risk increases


• Early first use of substances—the earlier a person uses a chemical - the risk increases


• Friends who use—having friends who use substances—the risk increases


An individual cannot control their family history. All the more reason to exercise control over those things they can. They can control at what age they start smoking, drinking, and/or using drugs; or they can choose to abstain from those chemicals. If you don’t smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or do drugs, you can never get addicted to them. Also, they have a choice whether to spend time with friends who use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.

Simply stated: The younger a young person is when they start to use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs, the faster a person transitions from social using to addiction. Many of the twenty and thirty year olds who enter treatment programs today for help with their addictions report starting using ATOD in Junior High School, at ages 12-14. According to 2007 Highlights for Treatment Episode Set (TEDS), the majority of adults who enter substance abuse treatment reported the age of first use as follows: 12 years or under --and 13 to 14 years—30%; 15-16 years –20.9%; 17-18 years—16.6%; 21 years and above—25%. –In other words, 50% of people are introduced to ATOD before age 17.

When one starts that young, addiction can happen in a matter of months, not the years that it takes someone who didn’t start doing anything until age twenty, especially if there is family history (a genetic predisposition).

Addiction is a true equal opportunity disease. It can affect all people in all walks of life. For most addicts it starts early in their lives. It isn’t what anyone aspires to do. When asked what they want to do when they grow you don’t hear: “ I want to be a meth addict and neglect my children.” Or “I want to be an alcoholic  who can’t stop drinking.” Or “I hope to be a junkie who will do anything for my next fix.”

There are 20 questions you can answer that will help you determine whether you have a problem with alcohol or drugs. These questions relate to common problems with using. Only you can decide if you have a "problem" and whether you want to do something about it.

1. Do you lose time from work due to your using?

2. Is using making your home life unhappy?

3. Do you use because you are shy with other people?

4. Is using affecting your reputation?

5. Have you ever felt remorse after using?

6. Have you gotten into financial difficulties as a result of your using?

7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when using?

8. Does your using make you careless of your family's welfare?

9. Has your ambition decreased since using?

10. Do you crave a drink or fix at a definite time daily?

11. Do you want a drink or fix the next morning?

12. Does using cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?

13. Has your efficiency decreased since using?

14. Is using jeopardizing your job or business?

15. Do you use to escape from worries or troubles?

16. Do you use alone?

17. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of your using?

18. Has your physician ever treated you for using?

19. Do you use to build up your self-confidence?

20. Have you ever been in a hospital or institution on account of using?

If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions you may have a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs.



The following websites are excellent if you want more information regarding addiction and recovery.



SAMHSA.gov

NIDA.gov

Prevnet.gov

Stress and the Holidays

By Kim Hamby
Director of Non-Public Schools

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!   We hear and see this everywhere, but we don’t always feel that way.  Once again, the holiday season is upon us.  It is supposed to be the time of year filled with anticipation, excitement, and joy.  In reality, it can feel like the most stressful time of the year. 

Many of us look forward to the holiday season and experiencing the traditions, decorations, food, and spending time making memories with family, friends, and loved ones.  We are excited to have the opportunity to bring everyone together to share fellowship.  Along with these experiences, we have feelings of stress, anxiety, and being overwhelmed.  We feel a sense of responsibility to ensure the holidays are pleasurable for everyone and that all needs are met.  It is sometimes difficult to know where to begin.  Here are some ideas that may be helpful to consider while getting through the holiday

season.

• Set a spending limit.  Make sure you establish a budget and stick to it.  Many of us are tempted to spend outside of our means and this creates stress and unrealistic expectations for everyone. Be honest with yourself and others of what is realistic and practical for you.  Lack of financial resources is one of the primary stressors during the holidays.

• Do not overextend yourself.   Not only financially, but in time and resources.  It is very easy to over-commit and become overwhelmed by having to be to many different places and provide support for others.  Choose the events and tasks that mean the most to you and fit in your schedule.  It is okay to say “no.”  
  
• Ask for help.  Most people are very willing to contribute time, assistance, food, facilities, and other resources needed to prepare for a holiday event. This can include a family, work, or community gathering.  We all could use a helping hand.

• Get organized.  Set a schedule and stay on track.  Spread out tasks and responsibilities so that you do not feel so pressured to do everything at once.

• Give a gift that is personal or homemade.  Gifts do not have to “break the bank.”  Baked goods, pictures, crafted items, or expressions of caring or gratitude are wonderful gifts.  These gifts are personalized and have sentimental value.  They will be treasured.

• Be realistic.  Don’t feel like you have to create the “perfect” holiday.  Family circumstances may change from year to year.  Some people experience great sadness during the holidays due to the loss of a loved one or the inability to be with the people they love most.  Find new or alternative ways to celebrate the holidays that are meaningful for you and your loved ones.

• Take care of yourself.  Eat healthy, get rest, and take breaks when needed.  Acknowledge difficult situations or unhealthy feelings that may be causing stress and take steps to make things right.
  

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of year.  We have to remember to take care of ourselves and others.  Create a holiday season that is unique and memorable to you and your family.  It will be a different and wonderful experience for each of us.  Happy Holidays!

Autism 101

By Samantha Segars, MFT
Director of Merced Program

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a widely discussed topic these days.  Just defining the term autism can be confusing.  Here's a brief explanation, an Autism 101 if you will.

When professionals use the term autism, they could be referring to autism-spectrum disorders, which encompass a wide range of symptoms.  Autism is often used to refer to all autism spectrum disorders.
The term "autism spectrum" refers to a range of developmental disabilities that includes autism as well as other disorders with similar characteristics.
In general, every person identified as being on the autism spectrum has varying degrees of problems with social skills, empathy, communication, and flexibility. The level of disability and the combination of symptoms varies tremendously from person to person. In fact, two people with the same diagnosis may look very different in their behaviors and abilities.

If someone is talking about your child issues in these areas, don’t assume that your child has autism.  They may be referring to symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder. You are likely to hear terms such as "low-functioning," "high-functioning," "autistic characteristics," "pervasive developmental disorder," etc. to describe behaviors that fall within the “autism spectrum”.   It is also possible that your child shows some odd behaviors or has few friends and doesn’t really care to have friends. 

No matter what the professionals say about your child, it is your child’s unique needs that are truly important. No diagnostic label can tell you exactly what problems your child will have. Finding help should be about addressing your child’s needs, rather than focusing on what to call the problem.   You will only get a diagnosis if a professional feels these traits are seriously interfering with your child’s development.  You don’t need a diagnosis to start getting help for your child. 

As with every child, parents should look to teach skills to deal with the day to day world.  This includes social skills, problem-solving skills, conflict management, and emotion management.  Sometimes, children are resistant to developing these skills when adults try to mold children’s behavior to their expectations for the “average” child.  When your child is different than the average, and multiple attempts at molding their behavior have failed, maybe it’s time to take a different approach.  Perhaps the environment can be molded to adapt to a child’s unique needs instead. 

Sometimes, accepting a child where they are, whether they have an autism spectrum disorder or not, can take an enormous amount of pressure off you and your child and help you both to embrace your child’s uniqueness rather than his or her problems.

November Adoption Month

Article By:
Mary Jo Mastin, Director
Foster Care and Adoption Program

Every child needs a safe and loving home.
Adoption month is upon us!  It is time to reflect on and recognize the fact that many children are in need of a loving home and family.  Whenever I share stories of all of the negative things that are happening to children, the reaction is always the same: deep and sincere sympathy for them.  You can make a difference in the lives of those children and make the world a more positive place.  Remember that children are our legacy, and through this commitment, you not only help a child but it can enrich your life as well.

Foster and adoptive families come in many forms:

• Married or single
• Live in a large or small home or an apartment
• Have biological children or no children
• Are of various ages

In addition they all possess a desire to make a difference in a child’s life and are committed to providing care and/or permanency for a child

Sierra Vista Child & Family Services is looking for families to give children the love and security they need. Call 209-491-0872 for more information. The agency provides training, 24-hour support, and financial assistance. There are no fees required of the parents wanting to provide for the children.

Please attend an informational meeting at:
1619 East Monte Vista Avenue
Turlock, CA 95382
On:
November 4th or 18th from 6:30-9:00 p.m

or in our Modesto office at:
101 Park Ave.
Modesto, CA 95354
On:
November 9th, 18th, 23rd, or 24th from 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Call 209-491-0872 to receive more information or to come to one of these listed meetings.  Open your heart and open your home to a child in need.