Ohio Department of Mental Health Art Display : Youth Exposed to Domestic Violence

Earlier this year I was invited by the Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH) to display some of the art from youth that I work with in individual and group art therapy at the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center (DVCAC).  ODMH showcases quarterly art displays from various programs and consumers from around the state in their Columbus office at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower.

According to the ODMH website, ODMH “works to assure access to quality mental health services for Ohioans at all levels of need and life stages”.   One of ODMH’s core beliefs is a commitment to Trauma Informed Care, as well as the Resiliency of Youth.  Check out both of these links on the ODMH website to learn more and access their recommended resources.

The display from DVCAC runs October 1 through December 31 and features art expressions from children & adolescents who have been impacted by domestic violence and are involved in group or individual art therapy through DVCAC’s community-based outreach program. Art on display explores themes related to safety, resilience, emotional expression, domestic violence prevention, and managing trauma stress. Art expressions include collage, drawing, painting, handmade papermaking, paper house making, and mask making.  Click on the image below to download a flier [PDF] about the display.

The timing of this exhibit’s start is also aligned with October being recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Look for related DVAM posts to be featured here on Creativity in Motion throughout this month, as well as resources about domestic violence collected on my trauma informed pinterest board.

If you are in the Columbus area over the next three months, take a moment to visit ODMH and this display.  My appreciation to the youth who participated through sharing their art, feelings, and a part of their life to empower their own voice, as well as bring awareness to others about their experience.

April: National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.

The start of April is only a few days away and in this post I wanted to provide a head’s up and share some resources, information, and some local professional events in my area recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families website, National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month is “a time to recognize that we each can play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in communities“.  The site’s Child Welfare Information Gateway includes a free 2012 Resource Guide: Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well-Being: A Network for Action (as well as other resources, tip sheets, and tool kits) that organizations and providers can use to support their advocacy, prevention, and intervention work with youth, parents, and families around the issues of child abuse and neglect.

There are also Treatment & Trauma Informed Care Resources on the Child Welfare Information Gateway about “building trauma-informed systems, assessing and treating trauma, addressing secondary trauma in caseworkers, and trauma training” that are also worth a look.  Sites such as Child Trauma Academy, National Child Traumatic Stress Network, and The National Center for Trauma Informed Care are included as additional resources to check out.

In the Greater Cleveland and Lorain County areas there are two upcoming events (with early bird deadlines quickly approaching!) focusing on Child Abuse Prevention that I am looking forward to attending:

• Lorain County Collaborative on Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention 7th Annual Child Abuse Awareness Conference on April 18th at Lorain County Community College’s Spitzer Conference Center in Elyria, Ohio.  This full day conference includes offerings focused on family violence and child abuse prevention, human trafficking, investigations, and childhood trauma. In the morning, I will be providing a 2 hour presentation highlighting the benefits of using art therapy in trauma intervention with children.  Early Bird Conference Registration before April 11th is $40. After April 11th: $50.  Discounts available for students and agencies who send a group of staff members. Continental breakfast, lunch, and continuing education available.  For more information, visit this event page from the Nord Center.

• Power of Prevention Conference hosted by Cleveland’s Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center, April 24 will feature an all day workshop and luncheon with national authority on childhood trauma, Dr. Bruce Perry at Landerhaven in Pepper Pike, Ohio.  Dr. Perry is a Senior Fellow at the Child Trauma Academy and is the author of The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog and Born For Love: Why Empathy is Essential and Endangered.

This conference’s theme will focus on:

• Effects of Trauma & Neglect on the Developing Child
• Relational Health and Development
• Impact of Abuse, Neglect & Chaos
• Developmental trauma strategies: Program & Policy
• Effects of Empathy on the Developing Brain and Q & A
• Difference between maternal and paternal parenting styles with emphasis on developing a father’s empathy

To attend the luncheon only (1 CEU) is $40.00, the workshop & luncheon together (5 CEUs) is only $60.00 before April 13th and $75.00 after.  On-site parking is free and a continental breakfast, as well as lunch are provided. CEUs available.  Visit DVCAC’s website to register or to download the conference brochure.

Both of these conferences are super affordable, include continuing education, and a great line up of content about children, family, trauma informed considerations and more if you are able to attend!