8th Annual 2021 Kalamazoo WRAPS SOC Conference

VIRTUAL EVENT INFORMATION:

Hosted by Western Michigan University College of Health and Human Services, Kalamazoo, Michigan via Webex. The link to this training is provided after registration. 

Conference Description:

8th Annual Kalamazoo WRAPS SOC Virtual Conference, September 23 and 24, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

This two-day conference allows for attendance at several breakout sessions regarding the improvement in the system of care through various subjects. Each day will begin with a large-group plenary session, and move to breakout sessions- attendees can select the presentations they would like to attend. CEs are included in the registration fee for a total of 4 hours each day for a maximum of 8 hours for the 2-day conference

2021 Kalamazoo WRAPS SOC Conference Overall Objectives:

Increase the awareness, understanding, and involvement in making improvements in the system of care by:
(a.) Increasing youth and family voice
(b.) Increasing knowledge of interventions, strategies, services, and resources available
(c.) Increasing coordination and integration of local community mental health efforts

 Session Descriptions- Thursday, 9/23

Plenary Session (8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.)

Meet Us Where We’re At: A Panel Discussion with STREET and Calling All Youth
Presented by: CAY and STREET Groups

Youth voice matters now more than ever! Join youth leaders as they discuss, reflect, and share stories of their experiences over the past year and a half. Participants will engage in a panel discussion highlighting the successes and challenges of navigating the System of Care from a youth perspective.

Breakout Session 1 Options- Thursday, Sept. 23, 9:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. 

LGBTQ Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Presented by: Sara Jacobs

The systemic enactment of homophobia, transphobia, and hegemonic masculinity are often normalized in shelters and create significant barriers to safe, accessible, and supportive services for LGBTQ youth. Excessive bureaucratic regulation and the lack of necessary bureaucratic regulation in highly significant areas play a key role in creating the disjuncture that occur for LGBTQ youth.

Family Therapy Tools for Setting the Course for Treatment
Presented by: Mark Varney

Participants will understand the critical task of joining with families. An interactive case study format which portrays a typical interaction in a family in crisis will be used to learn and practice critical skills in a family therapist’s “tool kit.” Participants are encouraged to bring other case examples where we can apply the strategies to a relevant example in current scopes of practice.

The Importance of Decreasing the Potential Recurrence of Trauma Once Youth and Families Enter the System of Care
Presented by: Lisa Coleman and Others

This presentation will share information and strategies from the perspective of FSPs with lived experiences about the importance of decreasing the traumatization of children once they enter the System of Care. Everyone’s priority is the safety of the youth. The initial removal from their home, entering foster care, and potentially moving between several foster care homes can unintentionally cause additional trauma.

Breakout Session 2 Options- Thursday, Sept. 23, 10:55 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. 

Music Therapy: Techniques and Benefits
Presented by: Ian Kells & Karina Gluys

Music therapy is the clinical and evidenced based use of music interventions to meet therapeutic treatment goals, but what does music therapy look like and how can consumers benefit from this treatment modality? Demonstration, open questions format, and music interaction will be at the core of this presentation, for the purpose of helping consumers, guardians, and caseworkers better understand the validity and use of music therapy as a treatment option. We will discuss music therapy definitions, research, and techniques, the use of music therapy in co-treatment, supporting IEPs and other treatment programs, music therapy collaboration with other health professionals, and the therapeutic benefits of music therapy services with youth and adolescents across different diagnoses and populations.

Self-Care through Mindfulness-Awareness
Presented by: Kirk Lowis

Do you ever feel stressed out or overwhelmed by your work? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Vicarious (or second-hand) trauma and chronic stress are realities of youth development work and can lead to feelings of helplessness, isolation, sleep disturbances, memory disruptions, anxiety, depression, and irritability - just to name a few side-effects. The good news is that there are things you can do to build your own resiliency while also becoming more effective at your work with vulnerable youth. This workshop will give you tools to check in on your own resiliency and mindfulness strategies to help build resiliency in you and the youth you serve.

Cultural Diversity and Mental Health Treatment
Presented by: Dr. Pamela Robinson

Discover how diverse communities can receive better care when a mental health professional considers cultural needs and differences. The effect of under-education, poverty, and systemic racism have greatly impacted African American’ access to effective mental health treatment. Our culture, beliefs, sexual identity, values, race, and language all affect how we perceive and experience mental health conditions. In fact, cultural differences can influence what treatments, coping mechanisms and supports work for us. It is therefore essential for culture and identity to be a part of the conversation as we discuss both mental health and mental health care. It’s time to heal our psychological distress, find community, and combat marginalization in order to thrive. In this much needed workshop offers an unflinching exploration of Black mental health.

Session Descriptions- Friday, 9/24

Plenary Session (8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.)

Racial Trauma and Radical Healing
Presented by: Valarie Cunningham

Racial trauma is an ongoing health crisis that has generational impact! In this presentation, we will cover the historical context of privilege and power, systemic racial disparities, and adverse community experiences. We will explore effective ways to leverage our collective energy, our power, and our privilege to bring transformative and radical healing to OUR communities.

 Breakout Session 1 Options- Friday, Sept. 24, 9:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. 

Using LEGO® in Play Therapy
Presented by: Christina Collins

This workshop will explore different ways to use LEGO® as a communication tool within the family unit as well as within a clinical setting. Different ways to use LEGO® to reinforce academic skills and social skills will also be discussed and demonstrated. Each participant will leave with handouts and information on how to incorporate LEGO® play into their services and/or families.

Utilizing data for system reform across the System of Care
Presented by: Becca Sanders & Michelle Houtrow

What do Data Dashboards, Action Planning, and a multi-agency Evaluation Workgroup have in common? Together, they constitute a comprehensive effort to utilize data for system reform across the System of Care! Join the System of Care Project Director and Evaluator for a review of the data, and an opportunity to learn how to become involved!

Part 1 for “Bad” Behavior: Trauma-Informed Behavior Interventions
Presented by: Kirk Lowis

What do healthy trauma-informed and culturally sensitive guidelines look like in practice? This interactive workshop will explore the context behind “bad” behavior so that we can better help the youth and ourselves. Learn about more effective strategies which consider the roles that chronic stress and trauma play in challenging behaviors, so that we can build resiliency in youth and in ourselves. This is a 2-part session training, and everyone is welcome to attend any part of the training. New material will be covered during each session.

Breakout Session 2 Options- Friday, Sept. 24, 10:55 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. 

The Science of Well-being: Choosing Happiness / Flourishing
Presented by: Jim Jump

The skills that build flourishing are different from the skills that alleviate suffering. This presentation explores the five building blocks that enable flourishing and the five barriers to well-being. Also presented will be evidenced-based exercises which have proven to increase well-being over time

Sensory Processing and Complex Trauma: Tools for Optimal Regulation & Engagement
Presented by: Michelle Suarez

Participants will describe Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) including characteristics of Over- Responsivity, Under-Responsivity and Seeking sub-categories of the SPD framework.

Part 2 for “Bad” Behavior: Trauma-Informed Behavior Interventions
Presented by: Kirk Lowis

What do healthy trauma-informed and culturally sensitive guidelines look like in practice? This interactive workshop will explore the context behind “bad” behavior so that we can better help the youth and ourselves. Learn about more effective strategies which consider the roles that chronic stress and trauma play in challenging behaviors, so that we can build resiliency in youth and in ourselves. This is a 2-part session training, and everyone is welcome to attend any part of the training. New material will be covered during each session.

Questions? Contact Michelle Hourtow at 269-553-7122 or mhoutrow@iskzoo.org