Posted on: October 26th, 2012 by Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
How to understand the complex nature and impact of psychological trauma in our community? Important steps are being taken in this direction by KidsLink, a Waterloo Region based organization supporting the emotional and mental health of children and youth in our community.
We recently hosted Laurie Robinson in a webinar to explore the prevalence and science of trauma and how our community can move toward a trauma-informed system of care. Participants in the webinar came from many different sectors representing children & youth mental health, addictions, health care and more.
But why would the Crime Prevention Council be interested in issues of trauma? Trauma (adverse childhood experiences, or adult in some cases) is often the root of many psychological, physical, behavioural and health conditions – and WRCPC is all about getting to the root causes or conditions. For example, did you know….
75% – 93% of youth entering the criminal justice system have experienced some form of trauma
Among boys who experienced a traumatic incident under the age of 12, 50% – 79% became involved in serious juvenile delinquency
Incarcerated women are more likely to report a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse (Justice Policy Institute, 2010).
Prevention tell us: “it’s easier to build strong children than to mend broken adults.”
I share Laurie Robinson’s presentation here to give you a starting point for finding out what trauma is and the impact it has on our community.
How do you see trauma affecting people you work with, serve, represent? What do you see as the impact within our community? How might a trauma informed system of care improve the lives of the people that you works with. How might it improve the health of us all? How could this approach have an effect on prevention, early intervention, effective treatment and intervention, the corrections & court system, rehabilitation…..? Let you mind consider the possibilities!
Post your questions or comments here and Laurie will do her best to answer them all.
It used to be that summer was a time to gear down a little and take life at a slightly slower pace. Well, if you take a look at our upcoming events schedule for fall 2012, you will see that the Crime Prevention Council and many of its community partners did not gear down very much this summer! We were busy planning, organizing and coordinating a full series of events! Here’s a quick round up of what’s on offer.
Say Hi Day – Wednesday September 26, 2012 Schools across Waterloo Region participate in Say Hi Day. Building a strong, caring community is one of our most effective crime prevention tools. The “Say Hi” campaign aims to bring people together and nurture a sense of belonging and responsibility in our community. Participating schools can register for a chance to win one of two Connected School Awards.
You don’t have to be a student to participate in Say Hi Day….you can ‘Say Hi’ anytime!!
Eyes Wide Open: Overdose Awareness Day – Wednesday October 10, 2012
A full day dedicated to understanding the scale and scope of overdose and overdose related issues in Waterloo Region. The morning session is filled with speakers: an overview of overdose related issues of the past year; an attempt to understand the tracking and data collected around accidental overdoses in Waterloo Region; a major new report on the barrier to calling 9-1-1 in an overdose incident, and the story of a mother, advocate, author whose life has been affected by accidental overdose.
The afternoon session will be an Overdose Prevention Training facilitated by Preventing Overdose Waterloo Wellington (POWW).
These events are free but registration is required. Register here.
Changing Futures Prevention Summit – Thursday October 18, 2012
A one day conference uniting community members with national and international experts to discuss evidence-based approaches and practices to substance use prevention and mental health promotion with children and youth. Speakers include Dr. Kenneth Minkoff, Gabor Maté and Dr. Wayne Hammond. Registration is required. This conference is geared to Funders, policy makers, parents, healthcare professionals, early childhood and early years staff, educators, mental health and addiction service providers, police partners, child welfare workers, mentors, and community members who have an impact on child and youth development.
Trauma Informed Practice & Theory Training: Online Webinar – Thursday October 25, 2012
Trauma can lead people to experience depression, anxiety, withdrawal, difficulty eating and sleeping, emotional distress and behavioural changes. Ultimately this can damage an individual’s ability to function in society. In this training, co-sponsored by KidsLink and the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council, Laurie Robinson will begin by reviewing the science to provide an understanding of what happens when someone experiences trauma and provide practical ideas and tools for direct service workers aiding individuals experiencing trauma.
Forum: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Monday November 12, 2012
Join guest speaker Dan Dubovsky, FASD Specialist with the SAMHSA FASD Centre of Excellence to learn more about FASD as a disability and the challenges faced by people with this condition. People with FASD tend to have significant challenges with the criminal justice system – learn more about FASD initiatives within Waterloo Region.
In The Mind’s Eye: Issues of Substance Use in Film + Forum– Various Events throughout October & November, 2012
Unique in North America, In The Mind’s Eye is an insightful and eclectic look at issues of substance use. Free events combining films and workshops make this look at substance use real and relevant.
Film Nights: Every Wednesday throughout November at 7:00pm, Queen Street Commons, 43 Queen Street South. All events are free.
The full schedule of films and events will be posted shortly.
Screening for Intimate Partner Violence in Health Care Settings: Online Webinar – Wednesday November 21
Geared to health care professionals in all areas who are responsible for regular patient care, this webinar will provide training in how to identify and support victims of intimate partner violence. Intimate Partner Violence is a serious public health problem and can be prevented. In this training, Dr. Robin Mason will provide background information on women abuse and tools that can be used to screen for intimate partner violence. Dr. Patricia Mousmanis will explain the physician’s role in aiding patients facing intimate partner violence.
