Insights on Resiliency: Utilizing Youth and Family- Based Evidence to Inform Policy and Practice 2007 Jan Rick Shepler, Ph.D. Center for Innovative Practices, Institute for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Kent State University Resiliency Leadership Ohio With the Support of the Ohio Department of Mental Health Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio All Rights Reserved

Supporting Mental Health in Ohio’s Youth Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio, All Rights Reserved

Resiliency is an Ordinary Process (Dr. Ann Masten) Resiliency is an ordinary developmental process that is available to all youth. Resiliency is not the result of special children with special qualities but instead arises from ordinary processes and conditions

Resiliency is Dynamic Resiliency develops over time and takes into account the interaction of:  Risk and protective factors  Contextual conditions  Individual’s traits and abilities Sources: Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000; and Masten, Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resiliency is Contextual “Both the person and the context matter” (Benson et al., 2006) “Person and context are mutually interactive” (Benson et al., 2006) Source: Positive Youth Development So Far (Benson et al.) SEARCH INSTITUTE INSIGHTS & EVIDENCE NOVEMBER 2006 VOL. 3, NO. 1

Resiliency in Context School Family PeersCommunity Informal Supports Work Youth + = Protective Factors - = Risk Factors Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resiliency an Expectation Resiliency is an EXPECTATION and not an exception for youth with significant emotional and/or behavioral challenges Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

“There is never anything wrong with us that something right with us can’t fix.” Mark Katz

Resiliency and Mental Health Resiliency is an inner capacity that when nurtured, facilitated, and supported by others– empowers children, youth, and families to successfully meet life’s challenges with a sense of self-determination, mastery, hope, and well- being. Resiliency Leadership Ohio Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio All Rights Reserverd

Resiliency: Concepts from Research Adapted from R. Friedman Connections to caring individuals, families, and institutions  Supportive relationships and environments Competencies (SAT)  Skills  Abilities  Talents Contribution: Giving to others Positive view of self and future: Hope and optimism High expectations and standards: community, family & individual

Asset Building Literature 40 Developmental Assets: The Search Institute’s Framework of Developmental Assets External Assets: Positive, structured growth environments Internal Assets: the values, skills, and self- perceptions needed for self-regulation

Power of Developmental Assets (Marc Mannes, Search Institute) The more assets the greater the reduction of risk behaviors The more assets the better protection Holds true across race and culture

The Power of Assets to Prevent (Marc Mannes, Search Institute) Marc Mannes- Author; Copyright © Search Institute®, Minneapolis, MN; All Rights Reserved.

Power of Assets to Protect Across Race and Culture (Marc Mannes, Search Institute) Marc Mannes- Author; Copyright © Search Institute®, Minneapolis, MN; All Rights Reserved.

The Power of Assets to Promote (Marc Mannes, Search Institute) Marc Mannes- Author; Copyright © Search Institute®, Minneapolis, MN; All Rights Reserved.

Power of Assets to Promote Across Race and Culture (Marc Mannes, Search Institute) Marc Mannes- Author; Copyright © Search Institute®, Minneapolis, MN; All Rights Reserved.

The Power of Assets to Protect (Marc Mannes, Search Institute) Marc Mannes- Author; Copyright © Search Institute®, Minneapolis, MN; All Rights Reserved.

Youth and Family Insights Youth and Family Insights on Resiliency and Mental Health Developed by Resiliency Leadership Ohio workgroup beginning in 2005 Supported by the Ohio Department of Mental Health Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Building Blocks of Resiliency WELL-BEING “Quality of Life” Hope and Optimism (Future’s Orientation); Sense of Meaning and Joy CONNECTIONS “How I Am Connected” Supportive Connections; Expectations that Maximize Functioning and Potential; Contribution and Participation MASTERY “What I Know and What I Can Do” Competencies; Self Wisdom and Acceptance; Courage, Confidence, and Self-Determination BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORTS “What I Need” Validation; Basic Needs and Supports; Sanctuary; Justice Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio, All Rights Reserved

Nurtured Resiliency Internal qualities, talents, and skills, that can be developed and fostered through relationships of those around us (core people) Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Nurtured Resiliency Youth Informal Supports Family Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Facilitated Resiliency Facilitated resilience means shaping the natural environment to enhance youth and family success. Everyday strategies, structures, and people are used to assist all children and families. Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Facilitated Resiliency School Family Peers Services Activities Work Youth Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Supported Resiliency Efforts by members of the community to build and sustain a foundation of acceptance, support, and opportunities for developing resiliency within youth and families of all ages, abilities, and needs Resiliency is a shared community responsibility Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Community Supported Resiliency Understanding Family Resources Protection Opportunities Youth Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Building Blocks of Resiliency WELL-BEING “Quality of Life” Hope and Optimism (Future’s Orientation); Sense of Meaning and Joy CONNECTIONS “How I Am Connected” Supportive Connections; Expectations that Maximize Functioning and Potential; Contribution and Participation MASTERY “What I Know and What I Can Do” Competencies; Self Wisdom and Acceptance; Courage, Confidence, and Self-Determination BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORTS “What I Need” Validation; Basic Needs and Supports; Sanctuary; Justice Copyright 2006, 2009; Resiliency Leadership Ohio. All Rights Reserved

Building Blocks of Resiliency MASTERY CONNECTIONS WELL-BEING BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORTS “What I Need” Validation; Basic Needs and Supports; Sanctuary; Justice

Validation and Valuing A resiliency-oriented mental health system honors and respects each youth’s and family’s life experiences, wisdom, and culture. “My child is the best resource about what does and doesn’t work for him.” - Family Member Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Validation and Valuing The youth and family are validated for their efforts and persistence, knowing that progress is sometimes very difficult, and that “hanging in there” is sometimes all that is possible. Youth with mental health challenges and their families are doing the best they can, not only maintaining, but “surviving well.” Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Basic Needs, Safety, & Supports The services, supports, and resources necessary to safely maintain youth in their homes, schools, and communities are available and accessible. Having children with special needs costs more all around…money, time, and energy…forcing our own resources to be fewer. Family member Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Sanctuary Youth and families need safe people and protected space for refuge and rejuvenation Designated and predictable breaks (Respite and support) “Prayer and meditation for me are a tremendous source of strength and renewal.” Family Member Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Justice Youth and family rights are advocated for and protected. “Justice is a right, not an expectation.” - Family Member Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Justice Safe and non-traumatizing care (Do No Harm) Culturally mindful and respectful services Proactive advocacy and facilitation of meaningful accommodations Youth and families have a legitimate voice at all levels of policy, services, and supports. Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Building Blocks of Resiliency BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORTS CONNECTIONS WELL-BEING Competencies: Skills, Abilities, Talents Self Wisdom, Self Acceptance, Self-Determination Courage and Confidence Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio MASTERY “What I Know and What I Can Do” Competencies; Self Wisdom and Acceptance; Courage, Confidence, and Self-Determination

Building Blocks of Resiliency: Mastery Competencies: Skills, Abilities, Talents Self-Wisdom, Self Acceptance, Self- Determination Courage & Confidence Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Ross Greene “Kids do well if they can… …. If they can’t, we adults need to figure out what’s getting in the way, so we can help”

Fostering a Sense of Mastery (Mark Katz) Increasing Behavioral Successes "Do Better, and You'll Try Harder" (Rick Lavoie) Required Helpfulness: To feel you’re making a contribution Success experiences are to mastery as failure (over and over) is to learned helplessness Find contexts where youth can be successful and where youth can be in control (accommodations)

Competencies Each youth’s skills, abilities, and talents are fostered and promoted. “Look for my child’s strengths, abilities and interests and nurture those things.” - Family Member Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Competencies Unique strengths, skills, abilities, and talents Active facilitation, support, and encouragement Positive learning environments that enhance abilities and teach skills Opportunities for expression of each youth’s unique talents. Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Youth Insight: Self Wisdom Resiliency is knowing when you are falling, and knowing how to catch yourself Youth member – Resiliency Leadership Ohio Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Self-Wisdom and Self-Acceptance Youth and families are experts in their own experiences and develop practical knowledge about coping with, and managing, behavioral and emotional challenges. Youth cultivate self acceptance, recognizing they are doing the best they can given their current abilities, life experiences, and circumstances, and appreciate who they are becoming. Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Courage, Confidence, and Self-Determination Youth and families grow in courage and confidence through each life experience, developing self-assurance and belief in their abilities not only to cope, but to thrive. “Resiliency means that you can conquer anything that comes your way.” - Youth Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Courage, Confidence, and Self-Determination The daily act of coping with mental health challenges requires great personal courage Youth and families have the courage to stand their ground and say “I can” regardless of what others tell them is possible. Youth and families actively contribute to the direction of their lives and are supported in their journey toward self- determination. Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Building Blocks of Resiliency BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORTS WELL-BEING Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio MASTERY CONNECTIONS “How I Am Connected” Supportive Connections; Expectations that Maximize Functioning and Potential; Contribution and Participation

Building Blocks of Resiliency: Quality Connections Positive and Supportive Relationships and Connections Expectations that Maximize Functioning and Potential Contribution and Participation Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Supportive Connections Youth need positive connections to people in their lives that facilitate their success at home, school, and in the community. “I feel support when I know I am understood by someone, like a teacher, or neighbor.” Youth Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Supportive Connections Family members need support systems that are responsive and offer tangible, emotional, educational, and advocacy supports. “Support from other families is the best thing because you can talk about your journey and everybody understands. “ Family Member Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Expectations that Maximize Potential Supportive and flexible environments with realistic and achievable goals are created. “Set goals so that I can reach them, and once I reach them, then you can raise them.” Youth Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Contribution & Participation Youth thrive when given opportunities for contribution, participation, and positive involvement. Meaningful leadership roles are created “ When any one’s gifts and contributions are rejected or not accepted, we are all poorer.” - Family Member Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Building Blocks of Resiliency BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORTS CONNECTIONS Competencies: Skills, Abilities, Talents Self Wisdom, Self Acceptance, Self-Determination Courage and Confidence Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio MASTERY WELL-BEING “Quality of Life” Hope and Optimism (Future’s Orientation); Sense of Meaning and Joy

Building Blocks of Resiliency: Well- Being & Quality of Life Hope and Optimism; Futures Orientation Sense of Meaning and Joy Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Hope and Optimism Communities foster opportunities and promote the expectation for a positive future for all youth. Little victories are significant, sustaining our hope, and giving us the courage to persevere “Don’t say “if” I graduate or “if” I get a job, say “when” I graduate and “when” I get a job.” - Youth Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Sense of Meaning and Joy Communities promote wellness by supporting the well-being and quality of life of youth and families with mental health challenges Fostering a sense of purpose provides the foundation from which each youth can create their own road map “We all need something to look forward to– to help us make it through each day.” Youth Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Translating Insights into Practice Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Three Pronged Approach to Resiliency- Oriented Mental Health Practice Risk reduction and symptom stabilization Asset and skill enhancement Facilitation of protective mechanisms and mental health promotion Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resource Framework Conservation of Resources Theory (Stevan Hobfoll) First, act to prevent or limit resource loss Begin initiation of resource building interventions once there is reasonable stability Target resources not (just) illness: “target … the resources and conditions that facilitate healthy functioning.”

Resiliency-Oriented Mental Health Practice “Avoid either only focusing on building young people’s skills or only changing the environment or contextual variables; the best results occur with simultaneous efforts to do both” Benson et al., 2006 “Increasing the number of developmental nutrients across settings is what matters most, not increasing specific strengths or combinations of strengths in any single setting” Benson et al., 2006 “Build compensatory strengths (strengths in one area may compensate for challenges in another)” Benson et al., 2006 Source: Positive Youth Development So Far (Benson et al.) SEARCH INSTITUTE INSIGHTS & EVIDENCE NOVEMBER 2006 VOL. 3, NO. 1

Resiliency-Oriented Mental Health Practice Value, respect, and validate Build affirming relationships with youth & family Services build on the strengths of the child/family’s race, culture, and ethnicity A family strength can be something endured and survived. It can be found in coping and adaptation skills. Be a talent scout (Mark Katz) and a treasure hunter Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resiliency-Oriented Mental Health Practice Foster hope Build functional competencies and skills Develop realistic expectations and goals adjusted to abilities Facilitate positive connections in schools and in the community Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resiliency-Oriented Mental Health Practice Linkage to pro-social activities, peers, and mentors Facilitate opportunities for positive contributions and giving back Build youth and family resources and supports (formal and informal) Promote the understanding that youth (and families) have different resiliency needs and trajectories Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Service Adaptations Service adaptations may be necessary to achieve resilience for youth with unique challenges:  Assertive outreach  Increased intensity and availability of services  Increased accessibility and flexibility in service delivery  Supported connections (mentors)  Advocacy that builds positive system relationships  Creating supportive functional environments Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resiliency Promotion Framework Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resiliency Hierarchy ( Shepler ) Ongoing Resiliency Create Success Environments Build Assets and Supports Protect and Stabilize Resources Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Protect and Stabilize Resources First step in building resiliency is protecting the resources the youth and family already have and establishing safety; Preventing a Chain Reaction of Negative Life Events; Creating Safety Nets (Mark Katz) Intervention focus: crisis stabilization; youth and family safety; basic needs; decrease risk generating environments and people (e.g. negative peers) Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Build Assets: Individual Identify and promote youth’s strengths, abilities, and talents Assess skill deficit areas Teach skills in needed areas Assist youth in implementing these skills across life domains Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Build Supports: Youth and Family Increase nurturing and supportive relationships Create youth and family safety net of resources and supports (formal and informal) Identify and link youth to positive adult mentors Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Create Success Environments: Schools Accommodations Improve family and youth connections and relationships with schools Advocacy for inclusion Changing people’s perspective on mental illness (stigma busting; education) Establish realistic expectations Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Create Success Environments: Community Link/Build multiple positive environments; Opportunities for leadership, service, and contribution; Increase participation in positive activities of youth’s choosing Increase involvement with pro-social peers Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Ongoing Resiliency Promote futures orientation Resiliency and wellness promotion plan Recognition of the journey (life has ups and downs) Remembering that “Resiliency is never- ending” (Youth, Resiliency Leadership Ohio) Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

“The great danger I see in the idea of resilience is in expecting children to overcome deprivation and danger on their own…There is no magic here; resilient children have been protected by the actions of adults, by good nurturing, by their assets, and by opportunities to succeed. We cannot stand by as the infrastructure for child development collapses in this nation, expecting miracles.” Quote from Dr. Ann Masten

The Ordinary Magic of Resilience “What began as a quest to understand the extraordinary has revealed the power of the ordinary. Resilience does not come from rare and special qualities, but from the everyday magic of ordinary, normative human resources in the minds, brains, and bodies of children, in their families and relationships, and in their communities (Masten, 1999).”

Resiliency Leadership Ohio Special thanks to all the youth and families whose pioneering work highlights the power and impact of resiliency. Their shared life stories and personal journeys demonstrate the fundamental role of resiliency in supporting mental wellness. Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Acknowledgements Search Institute Dennis Embry, Ph.D. Bob Friedman, Ph.D. Mark Katz, Ph.D. Marc Mannes, Ph.D. Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Contact Information Resiliency Ohio Website: Rick Shepler Center for Innovative Practices Institute for the Study and Prevention of Violence Kent State University Terre Garner Ohio Federation for Children’s Mental Health Kay Rietz Ohio Department of Mental Health Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio