Here are some interesting, informative, and simply thought provoking sites that you may want to visit.
Goes without saying--but it has to be said anyway--by linking to these sites, I am in no way endorsing any specific content, advice, nor suggesting that these links constitute a substitute for professional guidance or advice. Please consume information carefully and understand that web content can and will change constantly.
Hey Sigmund From the website description: Where the Science of Psychology Meets the Art of Being Human. This website contains the latest research and news in psychology. It attempts to bring psychology into the mainstream, unfolding the brilliance that happens within the scientific realm. We will explain what it all means and why it matters.
Self Injury Outreach and Support (SIOS) From the website: As part of a collaboration between the University of Guelph and McGill University, we are a non-profit outreach initiative providing information and resources about self-injury to those who self-injure, those who have recovered, and those who want to help.
Be sure to check out the powerful TEDx Talk by SIOS co-founder and co-director Dr. Stephen Lewis. The embedded link is on the SIOS home page
Lives in the Balance From the Website: Lives in the Balance is the non-profit organization founded by child psychologist Dr. Ross Greene, originator of the empirically supported Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach and New York Times bestselling author of the influential books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost and Found, and Raising Human Beings."
Well worth your consideration if you are interested in learning a fresh approach to discipline and managing difficult behaviors. Parenting and discipline strategies are a dime-a-dozen, especially online. No single approach is going to work for all kids and families. However, the collaborative approach to discipline developed by Dr. Greene fits with my own experience working with very difficult behaviors in group homes and other community based settings.
Project tomorrow Montana Suicide Prevention and Education. This is a rebranding of The Western Montana Suicide Prevention Initiative.
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting in Montana (Centralized Intake): 1 (866) 820-5437. This is the number to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
Child and Family Services, Montana Department of Health and Human Services: The official government website. Includes information about how to become a licensed foster/adoptive parent and information for what to do next if a child you know becomes involved in the child protective system.
Office of Child and Family Ombudsman: OCFO Contact information: 1-844-252-4453 or DOJOMBUDSMAN@mt.gov. This is a resource for those that believe they are being treated unfairly by Child and Family Services Division (CFSD) or that CFSD is not following its own policies and procedures in carrying out child protection work. Here is the the Request for Assistance form to request services from the ombudsman. It is not especially easy to find information on the office, but here is a blurb from 2014 when the office was established:
In short, the Child and Family Ombudsman is an independent, impartial, knowledgeable, and confidential resource for promoting the rights of Montana’s children and families. Specifically, the law tasks the Child and Family Ombudsman with investigating and improving services for children served by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Child and Family Services Division (CFSD).
Hidden Brain Podcast: This NPR podcast is consistently great. Here is a description from the NPR site.
The Hidden Brain helps curious people understand the world – and themselves. Using science and storytelling, Hidden Brain's host Shankar Vedantam reveals the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, the biases that shape our choices, and the triggers that direct the course of our relationships.
Montana 211: Health and human services resource directory for all of Montana, searchable by city, county, or key word. Montana 2-1-1 also provides access to emergency services and information in case of a disaster. Calling 2-1-1 on your phone will put you in contact with a live operator who can help with your inquiry. From the website FAQ:
The site contains comprehensive information about health and human services programs in Montana, which includes but is not limited to:
- Assistance for food
- Housing and shelter
- Education
- Legal
- Crisis
- Families and Children Services
- Physical and Mental Health
- Employment and Financial Assistance
- Transportation
- Clothing and Personal Goods
MONTANA MENTAL HEALTH OMBUDSMAN: This is a State of Montana program. Description below.
Primary role is to assist individuals in accessing mental health programs. Investigates concerns of consumers (adults & children) who receive public mental health services. Provides information about the mental health system as well as about other systems used by people with mental illness. Helps to clarify issues and to identify resources available. When necessary, will provide assistance or investigate complaints regarding mental health services. Additional Info: The Ombudsman may not represent a consumer in a legal proceeding nor will give legal advice. Information is confidential. in situations where another agency can help the consumer more effectively, the Ombudsman will make a referral.