Time: 6:00-7:15 p.m. ET / 3:00-4:15 p.m. PT / 12:00-1:15 p.m. HT / 9:00-10:15 a.m. ChT
This webinar will explore low-barrier services for young adults of transition age experiencing or at risk for behavioral health challenges. Presenters will discuss how low-barrier services can improve engagement and will identify strategies for integrating low-barrier policies and practices into organizational standards. Throughout the discussion, presenters will provide examples of promising approaches that have been adopted by local communities, including the development of drop-in centers and peer-to-peer programs.
Learning Objectives:
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Kristin Thorp, BSW, Youth Engagement Specialist at Youth M.O.V.E. National, has ten years of experience in advocacy, youth leadership, and program development, with a special focus on the mental health and criminal justice systems. As a Youth Engagement Specialist, she is a national technical assistance provider on the development, implementation, and sustainability of quality youth programming. She supports grantees develop meaningful and mutual partnerships with youth, young adults, and system leaders to advance best practices for youth engagement. In addition, she is an advisor on the System of Care Children's Mental Health Initiative and supports national evaluation efforts by conducting qualitative and quantitative research as well as utilizing data to determine technical assistance needs for grantee communities. Prior to joining Youth M.O.V.E. National, Ms. Thorp was the Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator for Maine's System of Care. Ms. Thorp has utilized her own lived experience, passion, and expertise in the field of positive youth development to bridge multiple perspectives to promote trauma-informed approaches to recovery.
Caitlin Baird is a program manager and trainer with the Pathways Research and Training Institute. Prior to her tenure with Pathways Caitlin served as the peer services manager for one of the largest youth peer support organizations in the state and oversaw the operation of young adult run peer drop-in centers and youth wraparound partners. Caitlin also worked as a youth wraparound partner and served youth and young adults who were multi-system involved and had some of the highest needs. In addition to her direct service experience, Caitlin has lived experience as a young adult who experienced mental health challenges and used said experience to inform her work.
During her time at the Pathways Research and Training Center Caitlin has worked on projects that focus on training providers strategies for working with a strengths based, youth driven approach with their clients, as well as elevating youth voice in larger decision-making systems. Caitlin also continues to train on wraparound and systems of care as an independent consultant, and is a member of Youth MOVE National’s Best Practices Committee, and their Youth Peer Support Committee.
