Preventing Parentification: Protecting Typical Children in Families with Disabilities

Parentification happens when otherwise well-meaning adults put adult-sized issues on a child’s shoulders. Whether it’s assigning responsibilities to a typical child that are not age-appropriate, or sharing your personal struggles, parentification represents a chronic lack of proper boundaries from a parent to a child. Families that have children with disabilities and typical children are particularly susceptible to parentification. Special guests Lisa Jamieson and Jolene Philo talked about this issue and shared tips on how parents can maintain or repair proper boundaries with their typical children.

Resources mentioned include: Free downloadable conversation starters https://walkrightin.org/wp content/uploads/2022/11/PSS.SurveyDiscussion.pdf, recommended parenting blog: https://connectedfamilies.org. To connect with Lisa for additional resources, lisa@walkrightin.org or https://walkrightin.org/interest-form/.

False Accusations of Abuse: How Churches Can Support Families with Disabilities

For families with children with disabilities, false accusations of abuse resulting in investigations are a frighteningly common occurrence, and can have devastating impacts for the whole family. In this webinar, learn practical tips for discernment and supports commonly needed that any church can provide. Our special guest will be Shelly Roberts, mom of 8 children, grandma of many, including several children with complex needs.

Twice Exceptional Kids and Ministry Impacts: A Conversation with Dr. Steve Grcevich

Disability ministries typically support children who have have physical, cognitive, social or academic challenges. But do such approaches work for students who are academically gifted yet also have a hidden disability? Learn about the challenges for “2E” or “twice exceptional” students from Dr. Steve Grcevich, and how to best support these students in your ministry.

Removing the Straw from the Camel’s Back: Bearing Another Person’s Burden as Part of Mental Health Ministry

For caregiving families, the stress of daily living can easily turn into anxiety, isolation and depression. But what if, instead of breaking under that ‘one more thing,’ churches could remove some burdens to reduce caregiving stress? In this webinar, Catherine Boyle shared real life examples and some key principles to guide churches and ministry leaders.

Sexual Abuse and the Church: Prevention and Responses

Statistics about sexual abuse are grim, and church leaders are wise to establish rigorous prevention practices, and respond appropriately when wrongdoing surfaces and kids are hurt. The repercussions of sexual abuse are ongoing and need to be handled wisely--for the sake of the precious child and your ministry. Sexual abuse causes profound trauma responses in the nervous system, leading to mental health issues, behavioral issues, and negative/distorted perception about self and God.

Brianna Edwards, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, shares tips and insights for ministry leaders, including recommended approaches for handling abuse and how to meet the unique needs of kids with sexual abuse backgrounds.

Recommended resources:

childusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Delayed-Disclosure-Factsheet-2020.pdf

“On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church” amazon.com/Guard-Preventing-Responding-Child-Church/dp/1939946514

GRACE – Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment netgrace.org/books

Introduction to TBRI: youtube.com/watch?v=7vjVpRffgHQ

TBRI animate (short): youtube.com/watch?v=FWScSJKjn1A&t=1s

TBRI Overview: Putting the Pieces Together youtube.com/watch?v=T43zJDgTNPA&t=11s

IDEAL response: youtube.com/watch?v=nIhATiiM-Pw

Toxic Stress and the Brain: youtube.com/watch?v=LTcFTpGve4g

The Whole Brain Child by Dr. Dan Seigel and Tina Payne Bryson

The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog by Bruce Perry

The Connected Child by Purvis & Cross

The Connected Parent by Lisa Qualls and Karyn Purvis

Good Touch, Bad Touch: Sexual Abuse Prevention Strategies for Disability Ministry Leaders

Children and adults with disabilities are sexually abused at significantly higher rates than people who do not have disabilities. And like parents, ministry leaders should implement strategies to prevent abuse and respond appropriately if abuse occurs. Gail Averette, Inclusion Ministry Coordinator at St.Timothy Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH and Sheila Sullivan, National Comprehensive Victim's Advocate, Prevention Specialist and Sexual/Reproductive Health Educator shared information, resources and valuable insights into how to make your ministry environment a safe place for vulnerable children and their families.

Resources mentioned include:

*RAINN rainn.org - National Sexual Assault Hotline, free, confidential 24/7

*GRACE netgrace.org - Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment

*Understanding sexual abuse by a church leader mcc.org/media/resources/1136

*A guide to working with survivors of sexual violence for faith-based organizations

pcar.org/resource/guide-working-survivors-sexual-violence-faith-based-organizations-and-religious

*REACH - Resource Education And Community Help Services, Inc. Patricia Parker, founder facebook.com/reach4service

High and Holy Calling: Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Special Needs Caregivers with Jess Ronne

Jess Ronne is an outspoken advocate for the needs of caregivers, particularly for mental health support. With the release of her recent book, "Blended with Grit and Grace," and the upcoming documentary on caregiving, “Unseen,” join us for a conversation about the pressing mental health needs of caregivers and ideas for support that churches can provide.

Resources mentioned include: jessplusthemess.com, caregiverdoc.com, thelucasproject.org. Follow Jess Ronne on Facebook and Instagram. Her books Blended with Grit and Grace and Sunlight Burning at Midnight. View the trailer for the Unseen caregiver documentary here.

Ryan Ronne's guest blog post from August 2020 can be viewed here.

When the Pastor Has a Mental Health Need: What to Share, What Not to Share

Studies show that when Pastors share about a topic from the pulpit, that action gives people in the church permission to talk about the subject as well. But ministry leaders are often hesitant to publicly share about personal struggles. Join us as we discuss guidelines for ministry leaders on how to share personal mental health struggles in a way that is beneficial for all.

Links mentioned in the video:

keyministry.org/step-1-for-mental-health-ministry

https://lifewayresearch.com/wp-content/

freshhope.us

Key Elements for a Mental Health Testimony Video

One of the best things that a church can do to help members understand mental health needs is to share a testimony from someone who has experienced mental illness. Key Ministry’s Catherine Boyle will share tips on who to ask to share a testimony, and key elements that make for a compelling presentation that will lead to both community support and heart changes.

Links mentioned in this webinar include keyministry.org/church4everychild/2018/9/11/key-tips-for-making-a-mental-health-testimony-video, youtube.com/watch?v=jcOOzsCot4Q (Tim video) and youtube.com/watch?v=3PBDm3SieJQ&t=210s (worship pastor video).

Why Your Church Needs a Mental Health Ministry Champion

More churches than ever are taking steps in mental health ministry. But this kind of ministry can seem overwhelming to pastors and other leaders. Learn about the important role of the mental health ministry champion, what this person does and who is the right choice for this role.

Mental Health Ministry in 2021: Parenting a Child Who Has Been Through Trauma

Parenting any child is challenging, but parenting a child who has been through trauma adds complexity and difficulty that few are prepared to handle. Colleen Swindoll Thompson, Vice President of Insight for Living’s Reframing Ministries, will share some trauma-related parenting challenges from her family, and provide insights and helpful resources to help other parents of traumatized children.

Colleen's recommended resources:

https://www.healthyplace.com/

https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/domestic-violence/effects-of-domestic-violence-domestic-abuse-on-women-and-children

https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/

https://www.dianelangberg.com/videos/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events/index.shtml#part_153960

To find a counselor, visit http://aacc.net/ or https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/counseling-services-and-referrals/.

Mental Health Ministry in 2021: Trauma Awareness for Ministry Leaders

2020 was a challenging year for most people. Mental health needs increased dramatically, including the impacts of trauma. Join us for a conversation with Brad Hambrick, Counseling Pastor at The Summit Church, as he shares what ministry leaders can do to raise awareness of trauma in their communities, and encourage people to reach out for help.

Resources mentioned in the webinar: bradhambrick.com; bradhambrick.com/ptsd; bradhambrick.com/selfcare; bradhambrick.com/my-favorite-posts-on-suffering/

Expanding Belonging: How the Church Can Lead Changes in Perceptions of Mental Health Challenges

Many churches have invested significant thought and resources into supporting mental health needs in their congregations and local communities. But along with these efforts, churches have an opportunity to model belonging for all people, including people with mental health challenges. Victoria White from All Belong Center for Inclusive Education shares some insights on the important role churches have in leading the changes in perceptions of mental health challenges in diverse communities.

Mental Health Ministry: How One Diverse Church is Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health Help

We continue our new series on the need for Cultural Competence in Mental Health ministry. This second webinar in our series focuses on the example set by a large, ethnically diverse church in Florida. Special Needs Pastor Joscelyn Ramos Campbell will share how her church has addressed mental health needs in a faith community that is a balanced blend of Hispanic, Black and White church members, and what other churches can learn from their model.

Resources mentioned include:

gohopechurch.com

mindwayinternational.com

inspiredtogrowllc.com

joscelynramoscampbell.com

Asian American Cultural Barriers to Mental Health Treatment & How Churches Can Help

Episode 1 in our new series on Mental Health Ministry and Cultural Competence 2020 brought rapid change to the worldwide Church. But one thing that has not changed much is that ethnically diverse populations seek treatment for mental health needs at a much lower rate than their White peers. In this first webinar in a multi-part series, we will talk with Strategy Consultant, former Pastor and Podcaster DJ Chuang about the particular needs and barriers faced by Asian Americans in seeking mental health treatment, and how the Church can help. DJ will share insights to increase the Church's cultural competence, to minister more effectively to and with Asian Americans. Connect with DJ Chuang: http://erasingshame.com/ Erasing Shame podcast - honest talk for healthy living https://www.youtube.com/djchuang - Current series = Asian American Mental Health Resources mentioned in the webinar: https://www.instagram.com/asiansformentalhealth/ Dr. Jenny Wang's Instagram feed https://www.facebook.com/groups/subtleasianmentalhealth Subtle Asian Mental Health (not-Christian), where 54K+ members share honestly and vulnerably about mental health Another helpful resource: Asian Mental Health Collective https://www.asianmhc.org/ Asian American therapists have a podcast and sharing resources about Asian American mental health, and they've got an Asian American therapists directory (non-Christian)