Our Youth Development Resource Portal is being developed thanks to a grant from the Pallottine Foundation’s Healthy Communities Initiative.
ADDICTION & RECOVERY
TEN PILLARS OF RECOVERY & RENEWAL
Guide for implementing the three core practices of recovery & seven elements of renewal into a school community.
COMPLETE GUIDE TO SUBSTANCE USE & MENTAL HEALTH
A guide to substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders in children. Provides tips for making informed decisions about evaluation and treatment.
OPIOID OVERDOSE BASICS
Learn the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, overdose risks and prevention, what to do if you witness someone overdosing, and how naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses.
FENTANYL FACT SHEET
Facts about fentanyl use, overdose, and prevention.
ADHD
STUDY: PROMPTING, SELF-MANAGEMENT YIELD BETTER CLASSROOM RESULTS THAN OTHER ADHD ACCOMMODATIONS
Redirection, prompting, and independent behavior self-regulation were more effective in reducing disruptive behaviors and increasing classroom engagement than other accommodations.
TEACHER’S GUIDE TO ADHD IN THE CLASSROOM
Guide focuses on what educators need to know about teaching kids with ADHD: how it affects children in the classroom and how teachers can help kids with the disorder succeed in school.
ADHD IN CHILDREN & TEENS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
This brochure provides information about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teens including symptoms, how it is diagnosed, causes, treatment options, and helpful resources.
ADHD EXPERT WEBINARS & PODCAST EPISODES
Find links to upcoming, live ADDitude webinars with experts on all aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) and related conditions, plus a complete archive of free webinar recordings and slide presentations
ANXIETY
MANAGING ANXIETY AROUND COVID-19
Tips for teachers, caregivers, parents, and community leaders on modeling & building healthy coping strategies in children.
UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
Learn the causes of anxiety, the difference between anxiety and stress, the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders, and how to manage anxiety
VIDEO: ANXIETY & HOPE | Talking Mental Health with Young Children
This five minute video shares how you can talk about anxiety and hope with young children.
AUTISM
A GUIDE TO SAFELY WORKING WITH AUTISTIC CHILDREN
Prevention and education safety guide for autistic children.
TRANSITION TOOL KIT
The Transition Tool Kit covers self-advocacy skills, legal issues, housing, and employment options.
FAQ: WHAT IS A SENSORY ROOM?
Guide to creating & implementing sensory rooms.
WHAT IS AUTISM?
Guide to autism including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
VISUAL TOOL KITS
Tool kit for using visual schedules, reminders, and checklists to teach and improve behavior.
AUTISM FOCUSED INTERVENTION RESOURCES & MODULES (AFIRM)
Access free AFIRM online modules and resources for evidence-based practices identified by the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The resources included in the Timely Toolkits are designed to support autistic individuals, their caregivers, and related professionals as they navigate through specific global and/or local events
BULLYING
ANTI-BULLYING GUIDE
How to identify bullying and stand up to it safely.
PREVENTING CYBERBULLYING
Guide to identifying, preventing, and responding to cyberbullying.
UNDERSTANDING DISCRIMINATION & BIAS
A resource that details the various types of discrimination, understanding and recognizing bias, the link between discrimination and mental health, and how to unlearn biases.
RESPONDING TO DISCRIMINATION & BIAS
This resource discusses how to respond to discrimination and biases..
HOW TO HELP KIDS DEAL WITH CYBERBULLYING
Information on cyberbullying: what it is, what to do if your child is a victim of cyberbullying, and how to report cyberbullying.
UNDERSTANDING BULLYING
Article explains what bullying is, the different types of bullying, how to identify the signs of bullying, the causes of bullying, and resources for victims of bullying.
COMMUNICATION
CONVERSATION TOOLS & TEACHABLE MOMENTS
Guidelines for having positive conversations with teens.
SOCIAL COMMUNICATION DISORDER IN KIDS: A QUICK GUIDE
Explains social communication disorders in kids: what it is, the symptoms and signs, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated.
HOW TO PRIORITIZE PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY & ANTI-STIGMA REMOTELY
A 45-minute webinar on how to prioritize psychological safety and anti-stigma remotely.
GRIEF
GRIEF RESOURCES
Resource guide and lesson plans for school personnel working with grieving children.
GRIEF SUPPORT RESOURCES - Young Adults
Information for young adults who are grieving the death of someone significant (parent, sibling, friend, partner, spouse, other family member) in their lives to find connection and support.
HELPING YOUNG CHILDREN GRIEVE & UNDERSTAND DEATH
Guide for supporting children & their families after a loved one dies.
MENTAL HEALTH
SCHIZOPHRENIA: WHAT IT IS & IS NOT
Article on myths about Schizophrenia.
UNDERSTANDING TRAUMA
Information regarding the types of trauma and their causes, reactions to experiencing a traumatic event, post-traumatic stress disorder, and coping with trauma.
BREAK THE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH
A short video about mental health stigma and how to combat it.
HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS AS A STUDENT
Videos and worksheets to help elementary, middle, and high school students cope with stress and anxiety.
UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOSIS
This fact sheet covers the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for psychosis.
PANDAS - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
This fact sheet describes the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).
EATING DISORDERS: ABOUT MORE THAN FOOD
This brochure provides information about eating disorders, including who is at risk, common types of eating disorders and the symptoms of each, treatment options, and resources to find help for yourself or someone else.
FIND YOUR WORDS
Visit this link for mental health self-check assessments and screening tools, numbers to crisis and helplines, information about various support groups, and resources for school communities, COVID, and more.
44 CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
The Child Mind Institute recommends these books that address mental health and learning disorders and other common challenges, like dealing with painful experiences and coping with strong emotions. These 44 books help kids, up to age 12, name and understand feelings and experiences they may be struggling with.
TEACHERWISE
Since 2013, the Georgetown Well-Being in School Environments (WISE) Center and the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD) team of psychologists and psychiatrists have worked closely with school communities and early childhood programs across the United States and internationally. They remain dedicated to addressing mental health topics important to schools, from effective social-emotional programming for students to school-based mental health services and staff burnout and turnover.
15 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE BEHAVORIAL HEALTH OF REMOTE AND ON-SITE TEAMS
15 recommendations for supporting behavioral health for yourself, your team, and your organization.
HANDLE WITH CARE FLOW CHART
Learn how the Handle With Care model assists students who have experienced trauma get connected to vital support.
VIDEO: SIMPLY STATED - TRAUMA
A short video simply stating the definition of trauma.
TRAUMA RESOURCES FOR GRADES K-2
Contains information for educators about the different types of trauma, signs & symptoms of trauma, and short & long-term solutions for trauma experienced by young children.
TRAUMA RESOURCES FOR GRADES 3-5
Contains information for educators about the different types of trauma, signs & symptoms of trauma, and short & long-term solutions for trauma experienced by children in grades 3-5.
TRAUMA RESOURCES FOR GRADES 6-8
Contains information for educators about the different types of trauma, signs & symptoms of trauma, and short & long-term solutions for trauma experienced by children in grades 6-8.
TRAUMA RESOURCES FOR GRADES 9-12
Contains information for educators about the different types of trauma, signs & symptoms of trauma, and short & long-term solutions for trauma experienced by children in grades 9-12.
VIDEO: DEFINING MENTAL HEALTH | Talking Mental Health with Young Children
A short video on easy ways for professionals and parents/families to explain the term "mental health" to young children.
VIDEO: STIGMA & ASKING FOR HELP | Talking Mental Health with Young Children
This video shares tips on how you can talk about stigma and asking for help with young children.
VOICES - CENTER FOR RESILIENCE
VOICES provides long-term support and resources that promote mental health care and wellness, for victims’ families, responders, survivors, and families of those who have died of 9/11 related illnesses; and assists communities in preparing for and recovering from tragedy.
PARENT ENGAGEMENT
STRATEGIES FOR INVOLVING PARENTS IN SCHOOL HEALTH
Parent engagement in schools can promote positive health behaviors among children and adolescents
FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HANDBOOK
This Handbook is intended to provide educators, community leaders, and parents with a succinct survey of the best research and practice accumulated over the years. More important, the Handbook gives us a guide—a roadmap with which we can travel to a new plain in our quest for each and every student’s academic, personal, social, and emotional development.
ReCLAIMWV
ReClaimWV aims to advance the wellness and resilience of West Virginia students so they may become lifelong learners, productive citizens, and successful individuals. Here you can find resources for helping youth deal with trauma, mental health, and substance misuse.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
A list of fun and engaging activities that offer an opportunity for a little stealth learning! Choose your Top 10 activities for the coming summer months, click submit, and get a free customized print out that your family can use anytime summer boredom sets in.
RESPONDING TO HATE & BIAS AT SCHOOL
Guide on preventing, responding, and processing racism in school and community environments.
RACISM
RESILIENCE
BUILDING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE - PACEs
How to build community resilience that buffers against adversities impacting whole communities – and to break the cycle of poor health and other lifelong outcomes.
HELPING CHILDREN COPE WITH CHANGES RESULTING FROM COVID-19
Tips for teachers, caregivers, parents, and community leaders on modeling & building healthy coping strategies in children.
YOUTH CONNECTEDNESS
CDC research on the positive impact of youth connectedness.
MEANINGFUL YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Research on the positive impact of meaningful youth engagement in community programs.
COPING WITH STRESS
Guide to understanding the symptoms of stress and coping strategies.
DEVEREUX ADULT RESILIENCE SURVEY (DARS)
Authored by Mary Mackrain, the Devereux Adult Resilience Survey (DARS) is a 23-item reflective checklist that provides adults with information about their personal strengths. The information can be used to help individuals build on these strength, such as creativity and setting limits, so that they can better cope with adversity and the stresses of daily life.
VIDEO: BUILDING RESILIENCE IN CHILDREN
Rachel Wagner, national trainer for the Devereaux Center for Resilient Children, talks about the importance of resilience, and how we can teach our children to become more resilient.
VIDEO: SIMPLY STATED - RISK FACTORS
A short video discussing what risk factors are and how to determine what risk factors affect you or the children you care for.
VIDEO: SIMPLY STATED - PROTECTIVE FACTORS
A short video explaining what protective factors are and how they contribute to resiliency.
VIDEO: SIMPLY STATED - RESILIENCE
Learn what resilience is and why it is important in this short, two-minute video.
TUESDAY'S CHILDREN - Community Resilience
Provides various tip sheets and resources regarding coping with trauma and grief, and building resilience as a community.
VIDEO: DEPRESSION & RESILIENCE | Talking Mental Health with Young Children
This short video shares how you can talk about depression and resilience with young children
SELF-CARE
JUST BREATHE: THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDITATION BREAKS FOR KIDS
Guide to practicing meditation with kids including options and benefits.
COPING WITH TRAUMATIC EVENTS
Tips for coping with traumatic events and information on recognizing when trauma requires seeking professional help.
SELF-CARE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS
Five tips for practicing and prioritizing self-care as a parent during the COVID pandemic.
VIDEO: BEING EASY ON YOURSELF
Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D., offers advice to "be easy on yourself," as she explores the importance of self-compassion.
VIDEO: KNOWING WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
A short video that encourages us to check in on how often we're doing the things that make us happy.
VIDEO: USING YOUR STRENGTHS
You and your strengths are unique; your strengths help make you who you are. What do you see as your strengths? And how often do you truly utilize them?
VIDEO: LIKING YOURSELF
This short video encourages watchers to write down all the aspects you like about yourself to help promote self-compassion and self-love.
VIDEO: BEING IMPERFECT
The final episode of the Self-Love video series is for all of us, but especially for anyone that might be a bit of a perfectionist. This self-love journey that we are on is not easy, and we're not going to get it right all the time. We should celebrate whenever we DO get it right, and for everything else, just remember that we are "getting better at getting better."
SELF-CARE
SELF-HARM
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
PYRAMID MODEL FOR PROMOTING SOCIAL EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE
The Pyramid Model is a conceptual framework of evidence-based practices for promoting young children’s healthy social and emotional development.
HOW TRAUMA AFFECTS KIDS IN SCHOOL
Repeated exposure to neglect, abuse, homelessness, or violence can lead to learning and behavior issues in children. Learn how to recognize the signs of trauma and tips for helping children who have been traumatized.
VIDEO: DEFINING SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
A one-minute video with Nefertiti B. Poyner, Ed.D., on the definition of social and emotional learning.
VIDEO: SIMPLY STATED - SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
A four-minute video simply explaining what Social Emotional Learning is and why it is important.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY
Self-care guide addressing mental health and Covid-19.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
Free and confidential support, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for treatment.
VIDEO: MY LIFE IS WORTH LIVING
Video series focused on common problems facing teens and strategies to support them.
SOS SIGNS OF SUICIDE - PREVENTION PROGRAM
Learn more about the SOS - Signs of Suicide - Prevention Program with this slideshow.
SOS is the only universal school-based suicide prevention program for which a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts has been documented. In a randomized controlled study, the SOS Program showed a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40%.