Physical and Mental Health Needs

Supervisors will obtain a greater understanding of the importance of physical and mental health for youths' successful transition to adulthood and the unique needs of adolescents in care.

Goal

Supervisors’ practice reflects an acute understanding of the importance of physical and mental health for youths’ successful transition to adulthood.

Objectives

  1. Supervisors will learn specific physical and mental health needs of adolescents, and the unique needs of older youth in foster care.
  2. Supervisors will be sensitive to the necessity of physical and mental well being for young adults’ achievement of self sufficiency.
  3. Supervisors will build skills for identifying risk behaviors and the need for mental health services.
  4. Supervisors will understand the unique needs of GLTBQ youth and how to understand and validate their needs, and keep them safe.
  5. Supervisors will be knowledgeable about accessing medical and mental health resources for older youth in care.

Presentations

The Medical Care of Adolescents in Foster Care - Heather Forkey, M.D.
Adolescent Health and Wellness: Health Care Maintenance, Treatment and Prevention- Susan Fitzgerald, PNP; Cathryn Samples, MD, MPH; 
Transition to Adulthood in Youth with Mental Health Needs - Maryann Davis, Ph.D.
The Adolescent Brain and Trauma: Implications for Practice   

Training Materials

Health Needs of Adolescents in Foster Care
Health Care of Youth in Foster Care
Adolescent Brain Development
Recommended Services for Youth in Foster Care
Health Care and Insurance for Youth in Foster Care

CDC Fact Sheets 
GonorrheaChlamydiaSyphillisGenital HerpesHuman Pappiloma Virus (HPV)

Department of Social Services

A training prepared in partnership with the Department of Social Services and the Center for Adoption Research at the UMass Medical School.