suicide

As pandemic lockdowns dragged on, youth in lockups sought to harm themselves. A federal judge has called the situation "constitutionally unacceptable."

Poor mental health is a crisis in Washington, especially among young people. In February, Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation to address the issue.

In San Bernardino County, a largely rural, high desert community of about 21,000 square miles that boasts nearly 2.2 million residents, we really struggle to coordinate help for children and youth experiencing suicidal ideation due to the lack of psychiatric services available in our area.

Those who have experienced foster care have experienced traumatic events which may affect us short-term, long-term or permanently. Sometimes we believe that somehow we ourselves are responsible for such events. Sometimes we just do not know what to think, and the process of grief overcomes us, resulting in anxiety, depression and the development of new habits which may cause more harm than good.

The annual Foster Youth Intern (FYI) report, published by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, has emerged as the best injection of fresh thinking on federal child welfare policy. The report includes federal reform proposals crafted by former foster youth who have spent the summer interning on Capitol Hill.

The Imprint is highlighting each of the policy recommendations made this summer by the participants of the Foster Youth Internship Program (FYI), a group of 12 former foster youths who completed Congressional internships.

Saturday, Nov. 22 was International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a day on which family and friends of those who have died by suicide can join together for healing and support.