Tagged With "foster care"

“B enchmarks’ Center for Quality Integration redesigns the local child welfare/behavioral health system, changing the way child welfare, Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, local providers, and the wider community understand the need for accessible, appropriate mental health services for children, youth and families who have experienced potentially traumatic events .” Starting a new job has its challenges, one of which is learning a new culture. As a newcomer, being with the organization...

Since 2021, Benchmarks has provided consultation and implementation support on the Pathways to Permanency project for Vaya Health, a journey that has seen us navigate through crucial project phases. From the initiation phase, where objectives and stakeholders were identified, to the meticulous planning, execution, and now the sustainability phase, each step has been pivotal in shaping the project's success. As we prepare to transition from implementation support to the sustainability phase,...

As we head into our full CRC curriculum this January, we invite current and future CRC Accelerator participants to join us with collective care and self care in mind.

As the new year unfolds, January not only signals fresh resolutions but also marks Self-Love Month, a time to foster personal renewal and nurture our well-being. As we extend our celebration of love into Valentine’s Day, it is important to recognize the transformative power self-love has to enhance our relationships not just with ourselves but with others as well. In this blog post we will explore the significance of self-love, delving into evidence-based practices as well as other ways...

For nearly 140 years, Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina (BCH) has been a steadfast presence in the lives of countless individuals. Originating in Thomasville, NC, and now extending its reach to over three dozen locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Guatemala, BCH has dedicated itself to providing diverse and comprehensive programs that cater to the needs of various populations, embodying a legacy of care and commitment. Over the years, BCH has grown to include a wide...

In the realm of trauma-informed clinical assessments, there exists a profound realization: that children’s needs go beyond diagnoses and clinical treatment and that non-clinical recommendations are just as significant to a child’s day-to-day functioning and overall thriving. One striking example I have seen that came from a Trauma-intensive Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (TiCCA) that underscores this point is a simple yet impactful recommendation to rearrange a child’s bedroom. During the...

The holiday season is here! Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, Kwanzaa: all times of celebration for their adherents. This time of the year is typically associated with joy, family, food, and an overall sense of togetherness. While these emotions may be the case for most, it is not always so for current and former youth in foster care. For many, this is a time of year when they are faced with the realization that they will not be “home for the holidays” with their birth family members. This...

In the vibrant tapestry of human diversity, each brings unique perspectives, talents, and challenges. A beautiful and meaningful part of this fabric are those who identify as Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled (I/DD). These individuals experience diverse spectrum of conditions that require more than understanding, tolerance, and support, but inclusion. As we commemorate Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this March, it is a poignant moment to reflect on the...

With clinicians who are board certified and trained in qEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback, New Mentality, Inc. hopes to provide additional alternative solutions to managing the brain health of their clients. Brain mapping allows for these clinicians to see, analyze and understand how the brain is performing and create training programs to improve its functioning, while neurofeedback helps train brain activity and improve cognitive performance. In November 2023, New Mentality, Inc. began...

As we settle in to 2024, Benchmarks’ CQi team remains steadfast in our focus on servant leadership, which continues to inform and guide our work. Our ongoing exploration of Serve to Lead: True Lessons About Lean Organizational Leadership by Samson Floyd & Dwayne Robson leads us to evaluate the importance of foresight, awareness, persuasion, and listening in our own roles as servant-leaders. Effective leadership within organizations entails leaders who act as supportive coaches, capable...

As the days get longer and warmer, people can’t wait to get out and enjoy nature after the colder, darker winter. But why does being in nature make us feel good? First, spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Studies have found that exposure to natural environments leads to a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol and a lowering of blood pressure and heart rate. This physiological response is often accompanied by a sense of calm and well-being,...

In late 2023, recognizing the prevalence of trauma among the youth in their care, Alexander County leadership took proactive steps to address this pressing issue. Collaborating with Benchmarks, they embarked on a journey to equip their Department of Social Services (DSS) staff and foster parents with the tools and knowledge necessary to support these vulnerable individuals effectively. Understanding the profound impact of unaddressed trauma on young lives, Alexander County DSS sought to...

As a member agency for providers that address both child abuse and neglect as well as children’s mental health issues, Benchmarks is always elevating these issues and their impacts on the community. These two issues are the focus of annual national awareness month activities during the months of April and May. April is National Child Abuse Prevention month, which recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. May is Mental Health...