EVERETT – The Board of Directors at Deaconess Children’s Services announced this week it will re-examine the mission and goals of the agency for future success. Meanwhile, Deaconess Children’s Services will no longer offer services to children or their parents effective on Nov. 1, 2011. The change of direction follows severe reductions and loss of donations, grants and state referrals over the past three years.
“Deaconess Children’s Services has been hit hard just like many other non-profits around the nation,” President Felicia Freeman said. “We are working hard with other organizations to take over our current programs so clients will continue to be served.” The challenge has been that each program offered by Deaconess is unique and unduplicated throughout the County.
For more than 25 years, Deaconess Children’s Services’ IMPACT program has been working to keep our community’s most vulnerable children, those at risk of abuse and neglect, safe by empowering parents to accept their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Parents learn skills to protect their children, interact with them positively and encourage their growth and development preparing them for school and the experiences of childhood.
Since 1996, the TEEN PARENT ADVOCACY (TPA) program has been serving pregnant and parenting Snohomish County teens (ages 13-20) and their children from birth to age five. Promoting positive parenting skills, healthy life choices and continued education, TPA empowers young parents to become self-sufficient, nurturing moms and dads. The agency works in alternative schools addressing the myriad of challenges teens face once they become pregnant or are parenting. Deaconess Children's Services has been able to boast a 0% to 7% repeat pregnancy rate, down from the national average of 50% within 2 years following the birth of a first child to a teen parent. The agency also boasts 96% graduation rates among the teen parents they serve, up from the 33% who graduate nation wide.
For nearly 20 years, LATINOS UNIDOS has helped to educate, empower and support Spanish-speaking parents in their efforts to provide their children with the basic necessities of life in Snohomish County. The program has offered two weekly Spanish-speaking support groups, one in Monroe and one in Everett as well as outreach to connect families to their neighborhood, each other, emergency services and provides help interpreting citizenship and immigration paperwork.
“Child abuse and neglect prevention and intervention treatments are very personal services, requiring highly educated, skilled , trained and dedicated employees who deserve to be paid for their amazing and transformative work,” Freeman said. “We believe the needs of children still merit attention, so this agency’s Board of Trustees will be meeting with as many stakeholders as possible to develop sustainable services for children during these critical times when children need so much, and resources are so limited.”
Deaconess Children’s Services has put the children of Snohomish County first for 114 years, beginning in 1898 as Snohomish County Orphanage. There children found food for their tummies and a safe place to sleep at night. There, children found forever families. During the Great Depression, many Everett families brought their children to Deaconess Children's Services to be cared for. Those children remained between 18 months and 2 years, while their parents sought work and found a way to care for their children again. As society changed, so did Deaconess Children’s Services, and in the 1950’s, they taught life skills to children with disabilities, behavioral disorders, mental health challenges, and intellectual challenges, preparing them for some level of independence as they grew up. In 1980, the agency very nearly closed when funding sources were cut again. Group home services were discontinued, and the agency hired the very able Karen Bachelder to work with various community stakeholders to design services for children that were sustainable. Deaconess Children's Services began offering child abuse and neglect prevention and intervention services in 1982, and has continued those services uninterrupted until now.
For 114 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Who Works for Children? I work for Children! (part deux)
By Chanelle Carlin, M.A. Soc. Sci.
Vice President of Programs
The mission of Deaconess Children's Services is to transform the lives of children throughout the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. As an agency, we do this primarily by working primarily with parents for the sake of their children, while always keeping each individual child at the forefront of every thing we do.
As we mentioned last time, there is one program at Deaconess, where the staff and volunteers get to work directly with the children participating in our programs. Theirs, by far, is the most fun and energetic program we have here and yet many of you never see them (unless your under 3 feet tall, of course). This next person we'd like to introduce to you is one without whom the Child Development Program staff and participants would be very hungry.
Let me introduce you to Jeanne...
As part of all of our evening parent education classes, Deaconess offers delicious, nutritionally balanced home cooked meals for parents, their children, Deaconess staff and volunteers. Those meals would be not possible without the dedication, of Mrs. Jeanne Crisp.
Like all Deaconess volunteers, Jeanne has varied interests and specializations. She holds a Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and works as the Director of Technical Services and Facilities Development at Sno-Isle Libraries. Her hobbies include cooking, baseball, bridge, reading, gardening.
When we asked why Jeanne was willing to cook for Deaconess' participants, she said "my family doesn't want to eat as much as I want to cook, so it's a great outlet for my love of meal preparation."
We are so glad she enjoys cooking too. Jeanne prepares meals and cooks for our Incredible Years parenting classes. Thank you, Jeanne!
(L-R) Anna King, Child Development Coordinator, Jeanne Crisp, Volunteer
and Stacey Pfeiffer, Volunteer Coordinator
***********************************
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire volunteer and as a member of the county, state and National Associations for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First! . To learn more, visit us at www.deaconesschildren.org, on facebook at www.facebook.com/deaconesschildren or call 425-259-0146.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Who works for children? I work for Children!
By Chanelle Carlin, M.A. Soc. Sci.
Vice President of Programs
The mission of Deaconess Children's Services is to transform the lives of children throughout the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. As an agency, we do this primarily by working primarily with parents for the sake of their children, while always keeping each individual child at the forefront of every thing we do.
There is one program at Deaconess though, where the staff and volunteers get to work directly with the children participating in our programs. Theirs, by far, is the most fun and energetic program we have here and yet many of you never see them (unless your under 3 feet tall, of course). For the next few blog posts, we'd like to introduce you to some of our amazing Child Development facilitators.
Let's start with Susan...
Susan grew up in Wisconsin, and has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University, in Milwaukee, WI. She's lived in several other places before moving to the Everett area 3 years ago with my husband. Susan and Pete have 2 grown children living far away in Connecticut and South Africa, so they get to spend lots of time together. They enjoy being outdoors doing walks or hikes, sailing with friends, or just exploring places they haven’t visited yet. Susan is very energetic. Besides doing Zumba and other classes at the gym, she also tutor ESL students at Everett Community College.
She has worn many hats over the years: working as an engineer for corporations, assisting students and staff with computers, and volunteering with a variety of groups. She told us that she likes being with children and having the chance to look at the world through their eyes. After moving to Snohomish County, Susan missed being with her nieces and nephews, and decided that she wanted to volunteer for a group that helps children. That's when she found Deaconess!
And we are sure glad she found us. Susan works in our Latinos Unidas and Incredible Years Child Development Groups, bringing light, fun and enthusiastic nurturing to each child she meets. Thank you, Susan.
If you're interested in learning how you can volunteer to work with children at Deaconess Children's Services, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Stacey Pfeiffer at spfeiffer@deaconesschildren.org. She will be delighted to talk to you.
****************************************************
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally and currently works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services in her hometown of Everett, Washington. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire volunteer and as a member of the county, state and National Associations for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First! . To learn more, visit us at www.deaconesschildren.org, on facebook at www.facebook.com/deaconesschildren or call 425-259-0146.
Vice President of Programs
The mission of Deaconess Children's Services is to transform the lives of children throughout the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. As an agency, we do this primarily by working primarily with parents for the sake of their children, while always keeping each individual child at the forefront of every thing we do.
There is one program at Deaconess though, where the staff and volunteers get to work directly with the children participating in our programs. Theirs, by far, is the most fun and energetic program we have here and yet many of you never see them (unless your under 3 feet tall, of course). For the next few blog posts, we'd like to introduce you to some of our amazing Child Development facilitators.
Let's start with Susan...
Susan grew up in Wisconsin, and has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University, in Milwaukee, WI. She's lived in several other places before moving to the Everett area 3 years ago with my husband. Susan and Pete have 2 grown children living far away in Connecticut and South Africa, so they get to spend lots of time together. They enjoy being outdoors doing walks or hikes, sailing with friends, or just exploring places they haven’t visited yet. Susan is very energetic. Besides doing Zumba and other classes at the gym, she also tutor ESL students at Everett Community College.
She has worn many hats over the years: working as an engineer for corporations, assisting students and staff with computers, and volunteering with a variety of groups. She told us that she likes being with children and having the chance to look at the world through their eyes. After moving to Snohomish County, Susan missed being with her nieces and nephews, and decided that she wanted to volunteer for a group that helps children. That's when she found Deaconess!
And we are sure glad she found us. Susan works in our Latinos Unidas and Incredible Years Child Development Groups, bringing light, fun and enthusiastic nurturing to each child she meets. Thank you, Susan.
(Anna, Child Development Coordinator (L), Susan, Child Development Facilitator
and Stacey, Volunteer Coordinator (R).)
If you're interested in learning how you can volunteer to work with children at Deaconess Children's Services, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Stacey Pfeiffer at spfeiffer@deaconesschildren.org. She will be delighted to talk to you.
****************************************************
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally and currently works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services in her hometown of Everett, Washington. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire volunteer and as a member of the county, state and National Associations for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First! . To learn more, visit us at www.deaconesschildren.org, on facebook at www.facebook.com/deaconesschildren or call 425-259-0146.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Engaging Fathers - For the Love of Our Kids
By: Chanelle Carlin, MA Soc. Sci., Vice President of Programs
If you’ve been kind enough to join our Father and Mother of the Year Cause on Facebook, you may have noticed some posts recently about how important it is to children that they have both their mother and their father involved in their lives. In fact, it is so important to their development as citizens that the right of children to have access to both their mother and their father is listed in the United Nations’ Convention on Rights of the Child, which is a legally binding instrument protecting the human rights of all children in the world. At Deaconess Children’s Services, we are passionate about engaging and celebrating both fathers and mothers. Each has their own very important role to play in their children’s lives, and in helping their children develop. While mothers traditionally help kids learn nurturing behaviors, how to engage with others, develop their social and other so called ‘soft’ (yet vitally important) skills, fathers are more often the ones to teach pragmatism, cause and effect and an ‘acceptance of what is’. Fathers tend to be seen as more about helping children learn physical skills like ball games, jumping, racing, touch football and wrestling, while mothers tend to seen as more likely teach sharing, taking turns, hugs, and kisses. Children need both sets of skills and therefore both parents, to help them develop and grow into balanced adults.
Unfortunately, in the United States today, over 24 million children in the United States live apart from their biological fathers - that is 1 out of every 3 children (According to 2009 U.S. Census Bureau data). Compare this to 1960, when only 11% of children lived without their fathers. That is a 22% increase in absent fathers in 50 years! Because of this devastating statistic, we’d like to focus today’s blog specifically on dads. We’d like to share some research on how father’s positively impact a child’s development and why we at Deaconess and other agencies have to work specifically to help father’s participate more fully in their children’s daily lives.
We mentioned above that 33% percent of children in the US live without their fathers. According to research presented on the National Fatherhood Initiative website, the statistics are worse for “African American children, with nearly 2 in 3 (64%) living in father-absent homes.” Children from other ethnicities don’t fare as badly, but their numbers aren't great either: one in three (34%) Hispanic children, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children live without their dads. This doesn’t only affect the children though - 27% of dads who don't live with their kids report not having seen their children at all in the past year.
These numbers are significant for two reasons: a) monetary cost - each year the US government spends nearly $100 BILLION on programs such as child support enforcement and anti-poverty efforts to support father-absent homes; b) societal costs - children who live without their fathers in their lives on a regular basis are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. However, there is good news. According to “The Father Factor,” the official blog of the National Fatherhood Initiative, father absence is preventable! It doesn't have to be this way.
So, how do we get/keep fathers involved in their children’s lives? First, we must recognize the problem and make a commitment to affect change. Understand that most fathers desire to build stronger relationships with their children and want their children to do better than they did. Often, however, they just don’t know how.
There is more good news too. Over the past decade, fathers have been making great strides in relationships with their children:
*The number of stay at home dads has increased three times in that period;
*The number of dads who walked their children to school increased 16%;
*61% of dads read to their children;
*68% have visited their child’s class room; and
*More fathers, 20% more in fact, are reaching out to other dads for support and information.
This is great for kids and their dads. The more involved fathers are in their children’s daily routines, the more they know about their children’s activities. They receive more disclosures from their children about what’s important and dads report that they have better parenting skills and are more confident (Journal of Family Issues, 2007).
Here’s your task: Support fathers you know in making every effort to be with their children as often as possible. Encourage them to really get to know their children by playing with them, reading with them, going to their school functions, taking them to their doctor or dentist appointments and watching their sporting events. It truly matters to their children, to them as fathers and to our society.
****************************************************
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally and currently works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services in her hometown of Everett, Washington. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire Leader and as a member of the county, state and National Associations for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First! . To learn more, visit us at www.deaconesschildren.org, on facebook at www.facebook.com/deaconesschildren or call 425-259-0146.
If you’ve been kind enough to join our Father and Mother of the Year Cause on Facebook, you may have noticed some posts recently about how important it is to children that they have both their mother and their father involved in their lives. In fact, it is so important to their development as citizens that the right of children to have access to both their mother and their father is listed in the United Nations’ Convention on Rights of the Child, which is a legally binding instrument protecting the human rights of all children in the world. At Deaconess Children’s Services, we are passionate about engaging and celebrating both fathers and mothers. Each has their own very important role to play in their children’s lives, and in helping their children develop. While mothers traditionally help kids learn nurturing behaviors, how to engage with others, develop their social and other so called ‘soft’ (yet vitally important) skills, fathers are more often the ones to teach pragmatism, cause and effect and an ‘acceptance of what is’. Fathers tend to be seen as more about helping children learn physical skills like ball games, jumping, racing, touch football and wrestling, while mothers tend to seen as more likely teach sharing, taking turns, hugs, and kisses. Children need both sets of skills and therefore both parents, to help them develop and grow into balanced adults.
Unfortunately, in the United States today, over 24 million children in the United States live apart from their biological fathers - that is 1 out of every 3 children (According to 2009 U.S. Census Bureau data). Compare this to 1960, when only 11% of children lived without their fathers. That is a 22% increase in absent fathers in 50 years! Because of this devastating statistic, we’d like to focus today’s blog specifically on dads. We’d like to share some research on how father’s positively impact a child’s development and why we at Deaconess and other agencies have to work specifically to help father’s participate more fully in their children’s daily lives.
We mentioned above that 33% percent of children in the US live without their fathers. According to research presented on the National Fatherhood Initiative website, the statistics are worse for “African American children, with nearly 2 in 3 (64%) living in father-absent homes.” Children from other ethnicities don’t fare as badly, but their numbers aren't great either: one in three (34%) Hispanic children, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children live without their dads. This doesn’t only affect the children though - 27% of dads who don't live with their kids report not having seen their children at all in the past year.
These numbers are significant for two reasons: a) monetary cost - each year the US government spends nearly $100 BILLION on programs such as child support enforcement and anti-poverty efforts to support father-absent homes; b) societal costs - children who live without their fathers in their lives on a regular basis are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. However, there is good news. According to “The Father Factor,” the official blog of the National Fatherhood Initiative, father absence is preventable! It doesn't have to be this way.
So, how do we get/keep fathers involved in their children’s lives? First, we must recognize the problem and make a commitment to affect change. Understand that most fathers desire to build stronger relationships with their children and want their children to do better than they did. Often, however, they just don’t know how.
There is more good news too. Over the past decade, fathers have been making great strides in relationships with their children:
*The number of stay at home dads has increased three times in that period;
*The number of dads who walked their children to school increased 16%;
*61% of dads read to their children;
*68% have visited their child’s class room; and
*More fathers, 20% more in fact, are reaching out to other dads for support and information.
This is great for kids and their dads. The more involved fathers are in their children’s daily routines, the more they know about their children’s activities. They receive more disclosures from their children about what’s important and dads report that they have better parenting skills and are more confident (Journal of Family Issues, 2007).
Here’s your task: Support fathers you know in making every effort to be with their children as often as possible. Encourage them to really get to know their children by playing with them, reading with them, going to their school functions, taking them to their doctor or dentist appointments and watching their sporting events. It truly matters to their children, to them as fathers and to our society.
****************************************************
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally and currently works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services in her hometown of Everett, Washington. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire Leader and as a member of the county, state and National Associations for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First! . To learn more, visit us at www.deaconesschildren.org, on facebook at www.facebook.com/deaconesschildren or call 425-259-0146.
Friday, August 5, 2011
7th Annual Father and Mother of the Year Awards
By: Chanelle Carlin, M.A. Soc. Sci.
It 's that time of year again. Deaconess is preparing to celebrate its 114th year of service to children and families in our community and we're inviting you to celebrate with us at our 7th Annual Father and Mother of the Year Awards.
Being a parent is the toughest, yet most rewarding job that most adults will ever have and yet, it's the ONE job that comes with few instructions and little consistent information.
Much research and attention has been devoted over many years to motherhood and its vital role in the rearing of children. However, we all know that mothers cannot and should not be solely responsible for raising the next generation of our society.
• Almost 24 million American children grow up in a home without a father and nearly half of those children have not seen their father in the previous year!
• Yet, studies show that children are 46% less likely to enter foster care if they have contact with even a non-custodial father.
Children with close relationships with their fathers have:
o higher self-esteem;
o better academic performance;
o more positive social behaviors; and
o fewer behavioral issues during adolescence.
Deaconess works with parents for the sake of vulnerable children, in order to:
- create a climate for men to remain involved with their children and be committed to providing financial support even if their adult relationship is no longer intact. Fathers must believe their role is vital and that they have value themselves.
- help mothers learn to believe that fathers will step up to a shared parenting role, that their children benefit greatly from involvement with their fathers and encourage them to spend time with their children (even if/when the adult relationship is over).
With your support for the 2011 Father and Mother of the Year Awards, Deaconess Children’s Services can build on our tradition of honoring both fathers and mothers for the sake of their children and continue transforming the lives of children throughout the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect.
******************
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally and currently works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services in her hometown of Everett, Washington. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire Leader and as a member of the county, state and National Associations for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First!
It 's that time of year again. Deaconess is preparing to celebrate its 114th year of service to children and families in our community and we're inviting you to celebrate with us at our 7th Annual Father and Mother of the Year Awards.
Being a parent is the toughest, yet most rewarding job that most adults will ever have and yet, it's the ONE job that comes with few instructions and little consistent information.
Much research and attention has been devoted over many years to motherhood and its vital role in the rearing of children. However, we all know that mothers cannot and should not be solely responsible for raising the next generation of our society.
• Almost 24 million American children grow up in a home without a father and nearly half of those children have not seen their father in the previous year!
• Yet, studies show that children are 46% less likely to enter foster care if they have contact with even a non-custodial father.
Children with close relationships with their fathers have:
o higher self-esteem;
o better academic performance;
o more positive social behaviors; and
o fewer behavioral issues during adolescence.
Deaconess works with parents for the sake of vulnerable children, in order to:
- create a climate for men to remain involved with their children and be committed to providing financial support even if their adult relationship is no longer intact. Fathers must believe their role is vital and that they have value themselves.
- help mothers learn to believe that fathers will step up to a shared parenting role, that their children benefit greatly from involvement with their fathers and encourage them to spend time with their children (even if/when the adult relationship is over).
With your support for the 2011 Father and Mother of the Year Awards, Deaconess Children’s Services can build on our tradition of honoring both fathers and mothers for the sake of their children and continue transforming the lives of children throughout the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect.
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally and currently works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services in her hometown of Everett, Washington. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire Leader and as a member of the county, state and National Associations for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the Pacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Be the Change – Help Us Put Children First! Part 2
By Kari Pendray, MA Human Development
Thank you for joining us for our 4-part interactive series on how we can find a solution to be the change we need in the world for children. Each week, we are moving forward in the change process together for a common goal of putting “Children First.” In Part 1 of this series, we queried our followers, “What is working well with putting children first?” The cumulative response was that you wanted to learn more. This month, in Part 2, we will ask, “What do we dare to dream for our youth?
There are a variety of opinions on how children develop into whole, healthy and successful adults. However, there are a handful of highly respected organizations whose daily mantra for children intersects with five key strategic platforms. These organizations leading dropout prevention include: America’s Promise Alliance’s 5 Promises, The National Governors Association, Communities in School and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s Whole Child Initiative. They all agree on five high level priorities that all children deserve: physical and emotional health, safety, community connection with caring and nurturing adults and a challenging education. By achieving these five targets, we ensure that the foundation for brain development is set and children have a better chance at success later in life. For more information on early brain development, please go to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University – “The Science of Early Childhood Development” at http://developingchild.harvard.edu/topics/science_of_early_childhood/
We know that children who have adverse childhood experiences face many obstacles in their lives. We know that criminals are made, not born. We know that child abuse and neglect has irreversible affects on the developing brain. We know that a whole child approach can prevent all of this. We also know that our country can have more great leaders, better health outcomes, generate more inventions, improve the environment, and lead the world in every way. All we have to do is commit to meeting the needs of the whole child.
What does your vision for children look like? How can every child become whole and live to their fullest potential? We want to hear from you!
*********************************
Kari Pendray is a Parent Educator at Deaconess Children’s Services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Human Development. She is a PCI Certified Parent Coach ™ with over twenty years experience in client services, facilitation and training; and ten years of experience coaching and consulting clients with parenting, life and career skills. Kari is also the parent of two amazing children.
About Deaconess Children Services
Deaconess Children’s Services, founded in 1898, is the leading service provider of child abuse and neglect prevention programs in Snohomish County. Deaconess Children’s Services supports at-risk children and families with high impact, evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs that focus on building individuals’ strengths, positive relationships and supportive networks through parent education, child development and advocacy programs. To learn more, visit us at www.deaconesschildren.org, on facebook at www.facebook.com/deaconesschildren or call 425-259-0146.
Thank you for joining us for our 4-part interactive series on how we can find a solution to be the change we need in the world for children. Each week, we are moving forward in the change process together for a common goal of putting “Children First.” In Part 1 of this series, we queried our followers, “What is working well with putting children first?” The cumulative response was that you wanted to learn more. This month, in Part 2, we will ask, “What do we dare to dream for our youth?
There are a variety of opinions on how children develop into whole, healthy and successful adults. However, there are a handful of highly respected organizations whose daily mantra for children intersects with five key strategic platforms. These organizations leading dropout prevention include: America’s Promise Alliance’s 5 Promises, The National Governors Association, Communities in School and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s Whole Child Initiative. They all agree on five high level priorities that all children deserve: physical and emotional health, safety, community connection with caring and nurturing adults and a challenging education. By achieving these five targets, we ensure that the foundation for brain development is set and children have a better chance at success later in life. For more information on early brain development, please go to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University – “The Science of Early Childhood Development” at http://developingchild.harvard.edu/topics/science_of_early_childhood/
We know that children who have adverse childhood experiences face many obstacles in their lives. We know that criminals are made, not born. We know that child abuse and neglect has irreversible affects on the developing brain. We know that a whole child approach can prevent all of this. We also know that our country can have more great leaders, better health outcomes, generate more inventions, improve the environment, and lead the world in every way. All we have to do is commit to meeting the needs of the whole child.
What does your vision for children look like? How can every child become whole and live to their fullest potential? We want to hear from you!
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Kari Pendray is a Parent Educator at Deaconess Children’s Services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Human Development. She is a PCI Certified Parent Coach ™ with over twenty years experience in client services, facilitation and training; and ten years of experience coaching and consulting clients with parenting, life and career skills. Kari is also the parent of two amazing children.
About Deaconess Children Services
Deaconess Children’s Services, founded in 1898, is the leading service provider of child abuse and neglect prevention programs in Snohomish County. Deaconess Children’s Services supports at-risk children and families with high impact, evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs that focus on building individuals’ strengths, positive relationships and supportive networks through parent education, child development and advocacy programs. To learn more, visit us at www.deaconesschildren.org, on facebook at www.facebook.com/deaconesschildren or call 425-259-0146.
Monday, March 14, 2011
What if we have an earthquake here? - Tips to respond and help support your children while wading through the news
By: Chanelle Carlin, M.A. Soc. Sci.
Earthquakes, tsunamis, political unrest...the trauma and devastation being flashed upon our television and computer screens over the past few weeks (not to mention our smart phones, ipads and radios), has been significant. For those living through the trauma, our hearts and best wishes go out to them. For those of us watching from a distance, I thought it might be helpful to review a few quick tips on how to help support our children and young people as they process all the information being thrown at them.
Tip #1: Please limit the amount of screen time your children have.
Studies in the US currently indicate that on average, children are in front of a screen for about 7 hours per day (TV, computer, games, Wii, smart phones, etc.). While child development experts believe that this amount of screen exposure doesn't aid a child's development, at times like this, when much of what is on the screen is traumatic, they tell us can cause symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including nightmares, changes in behavior and emotional responses.
Tip 2: Listen to your children.
They are likely to have a lot of questions, such as: Why did this Earthquake happen? What causes a tsunami to wipe out a city? What will happen if the nuclear plant explodes? Will we feel it here? Can this happen to us? It can be overwhelming to be bombarded with questions like these. According to Dr. John Medina, developmental molecular biologist and author of "Brain Rules" and "Brain Rules for Babies," (http://www.brainrules.net/brain-rules-for-baby), children are 'rookie human beings' whose raison d'etre is merely to figure out how to survive in this world. If we keep this in mind, their questions seem much easier to handle.
Tip 3: Please be honest with your child.
If you're comfortable in your scientific knowledge, it's a great idea to answer your child's questions in a manner that they can comprehend. If not, it's also ok to tell them you don't know the answer. This is a great learning opportunity for you both - a trip to the library could be very helpful in gathering information and having time together, which in itself could help alleviate any concerns they're having. Perhaps you can work together with your child to develop a safety plan for your family and put together disaster preparedness kits. This can help them feel as though they are more prepared in case of an emergency here.
Tip 4: Rely on your strength - your child's love.
You are the most important person in your child's life and you know them better than anyone:
- They come to you when they're afraid to seek solace. Hug them. Spend a few extra minutes letting them know how much you love them and that you will do everything in your power to always keep them safe. If you're a person of faith and it helps you, pray with them.
- They come to you for information to increase their knowledge and security. Listen to them and talk with them, even when they're young. By giving them a chance to express their thoughts and feelings, you empower them and give them courage. For very young children, when you identify their feelings, you help them increase their vocabulary and their security. You might even find a way for your family to get involved with the Red Cross or another reputable disaster relief agency, http://www.redcross.org/ . This can again, help them and you, feel like they're being helpful to someone who's needs might be greater than theirs.
- Help your child by showing them that you are sometimes afraid too, and that it is ok.
For older youth, children whose parent(s) travel a lot, or even where one or both parents are deployed with the military, one might think these children are immune to fear, or "used to it." For some, this may in deed seem to be the case, while for others it may not be hidden so well. All children need to feel safe, but also to know that their concerns are valid and ok to feel. Often, they just need someone to listen.
The key is to recognize that all children need support and guidance, especially in times of uncertainty, and they rely on adults to give that support and guidance.
******************
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally and currently works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services in her hometown of Everett, Washington. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire Leader and as a member of the county, state and National Assns for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in thePacific Northwest by breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect and putting Children First!
Earthquakes, tsunamis, political unrest...the trauma and devastation being flashed upon our television and computer screens over the past few weeks (not to mention our smart phones, ipads and radios), has been significant. For those living through the trauma, our hearts and best wishes go out to them. For those of us watching from a distance, I thought it might be helpful to review a few quick tips on how to help support our children and young people as they process all the information being thrown at them.
Tip #1: Please limit the amount of screen time your children have.
Studies in the US currently indicate that on average, children are in front of a screen for about 7 hours per day (TV, computer, games, Wii, smart phones, etc.). While child development experts believe that this amount of screen exposure doesn't aid a child's development, at times like this, when much of what is on the screen is traumatic, they tell us can cause symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including nightmares, changes in behavior and emotional responses.
Tip 2: Listen to your children.
They are likely to have a lot of questions, such as: Why did this Earthquake happen? What causes a tsunami to wipe out a city? What will happen if the nuclear plant explodes? Will we feel it here? Can this happen to us? It can be overwhelming to be bombarded with questions like these. According to Dr. John Medina, developmental molecular biologist and author of "Brain Rules" and "Brain Rules for Babies," (http://www.brainrules.net/brain-rules-for-baby), children are 'rookie human beings' whose raison d'etre is merely to figure out how to survive in this world. If we keep this in mind, their questions seem much easier to handle.
Tip 3: Please be honest with your child.
If you're comfortable in your scientific knowledge, it's a great idea to answer your child's questions in a manner that they can comprehend. If not, it's also ok to tell them you don't know the answer. This is a great learning opportunity for you both - a trip to the library could be very helpful in gathering information and having time together, which in itself could help alleviate any concerns they're having. Perhaps you can work together with your child to develop a safety plan for your family and put together disaster preparedness kits. This can help them feel as though they are more prepared in case of an emergency here.
Tip 4: Rely on your strength - your child's love.
You are the most important person in your child's life and you know them better than anyone:
- They come to you when they're afraid to seek solace. Hug them. Spend a few extra minutes letting them know how much you love them and that you will do everything in your power to always keep them safe. If you're a person of faith and it helps you, pray with them.
- They come to you for information to increase their knowledge and security. Listen to them and talk with them, even when they're young. By giving them a chance to express their thoughts and feelings, you empower them and give them courage. For very young children, when you identify their feelings, you help them increase their vocabulary and their security. You might even find a way for your family to get involved with the Red Cross or another reputable disaster relief agency, http://www.redcross.org/ . This can again, help them and you, feel like they're being helpful to someone who's needs might be greater than theirs.
- Help your child by showing them that you are sometimes afraid too, and that it is ok.
For older youth, children whose parent(s) travel a lot, or even where one or both parents are deployed with the military, one might think these children are immune to fear, or "used to it." For some, this may in deed seem to be the case, while for others it may not be hidden so well. All children need to feel safe, but also to know that their concerns are valid and ok to feel. Often, they just need someone to listen.
The key is to recognize that all children need support and guidance, especially in times of uncertainty, and they rely on adults to give that support and guidance.
******************
Chanelle Carlin has over 25 years experience working with children and families both in the United States and internationally and currently works as the Vice President of Programs at Deaconess Children's Services in her hometown of Everett, Washington. Chanelle earned her Bachelor's degree in History from Portland State University in Oregon and her Master's Degree in Social Science from The Open University in Great Britain. Chanelle is also very active in her community. She serves as a Children's Commissioner on the Snohomish County Children's Commission, as a member of the Everett Rotary Club and Laureate Gamma Mu chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, as a Camp Fire Leader and as a member of the county, state and National Assns for the Education of Young Children.
Deaconess Children’s Services is a champion of hope and opportunity for children and their families, especially those in greatest need, empowering them to BELIEVE in a life full of possibilities. For more than 100 years, Deaconess has been transforming the lives of children in the
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