The CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) suggests that exposure to trauma can pose negative lifetime consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019 that childhood trauma such as abuse and neglect can increase risk factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues and disease. Kentucky State University recognizes the importance of creating sustainable communities. One such way is collaborating with community organizations to teach resilience and address risk factors associated with abuse and neglect. Kentucky State University recognizes the importance and wider impact that community collaborations and partnerships can make. Therefore, they encourage and support the work that healthier sustainable communities. 

One such partnership that they support is by allowing Family and Consumer Sciences- Area Agent III, Carla Jordan to chair the Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel. Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA), section 106 (c) requires each state to have at least one Citizen Review Panel. Kentucky has three panels; one of which is the Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel that covers 10 counties. The CRPs are directed to evaluate state child welfare agencies and make recommendations for improvement in child protective services. Panel can also participate in activities that reduce the risk of abuse and neglect. During this fiscal year, the Southern Bluegrass CRP Panel focused their efforts on the following goals:

a.) Promoting the Department of Community Based Services in a positive light in order to promote recruitment and retention of personnel within the Department of Protection and Permanency. 

b.) Providing educational resources to the community to aid in the reduction of child abuse and neglect. 

In May 2020, the Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel held its annual Conversation on Collaboration. The panel hosted a community forum entitled A Conversation on Collaboration in Child Welfare: Caring for the Caregiver. This mini conference was originally scheduled to take place on March 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the event was rescheduled and modified to a virtual format. The event includes speakers: April Davis, Service Region Administrator, Southern Bluegrass Region, DCBS, Jackie Hanson, Wellness Specialist, Health and Wellness Coach, University of Kentucky and Robin Salyer Fleischer, Robin S. Fleischer Counseling. Jackie Hanson’s presentation on Permission for Self-Care, educated participants on ways to be more present and granting permission to honor their specific needs for setting boundaries to create balance. Robyn Salyer Fleischer provided practical techniques for incorporating emotional support animals in therapy. Specifically, Ms. Fleischer provided information on 1.) The Human-Animal Bond and the Link to Mental Health. Defining the Human-Animal Bond in our families and society 2.) The correlation between roles and relationships with animals to mental health and well-being 3.) Learning the roles and relationships of animals in our clients’ lives. Participants also received training on mindfulness and how animal supportive therapy can increase positive outcomes in stress reduction. The information provided during the webinar provided evidence-based instruction and taught the importance of self-care in order to maintain sound mental health, which increases productivity, reduces stress, decreases absenteeism and promotes wellbeing in the homes and workplaces.

In addition, several DCBS workers were recognized during the event and one was presented with “Above and Beyond” Award. Each worker (Nicole Smith, Kanika House, Alicia Burbage, Travis Hacker, Brittnee Hall, Isabella Neace, and Kelly Jaramillo) was nominated by their peers and selected by the Panel based on having gone above and beyond to make a significant impact in the lives of the children they serve. It is hoped that such recognition will boost worker morale and assist with retention. The winner for this year is Kanika House. Ms. House’s nomination included the following: “Kanika has been the chief of her team and over the past year has witnessed every position on her team (except her own) be filled with new staff who were able to transfer into the R&C team from other agency positions. Kanika has gone above and beyond for all three of us to teach us the new role and responsibilities. She takes time out of her own workload responsibilities to personally show us how to complete our new tasks and responsibilities. She does so with a servant mentality, understanding and believing that investing in teaching us the right way ultimately has a positive impact on our client/families and in turn results in better services for our vulnerable foster children. Kanika is honest and encouraging. She has amazing work ethic, unending knowledge of policy and the agency. She is the MVP of our team, despite her protestations!”

Each year the Conversation on Collaboration focuses on addressing topics that can aid in the prevention and reduction of child abuse and neglect. This year’s theme focused on Caring for the Caring Professional. In response to the COVID19 Pandemic the event was held virtually. Participants received training on preventing compassion fatigue by promoting self-care and mindfulness. The Southern Bluegrass CRP Members were particularly interested in addressing burn out and stress-reduction and increasing employer morale within the Department of Community Based Services.  As of date 60 people have logged in to view the trainings. The training will remain online ongoing, so this number will increase. Most commented that the “trainings were helping” and that they “would implement these strategies into their daily habits.” In conclusion, COVID19 has challenged us to rethink how we conduct business. In this case it has allowed flexibility to continue to implement much needed programs and expand our outreach.

References:

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. 2020 About CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/about.html