Did you hear the news? Youth Dynamics and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch are joining forces to address the growing mental health needs of Montana’s kids and families.
With a vision of a seamless, comprehensive children’s behavioral health continuum, our union will bring together 100+ years of combined experience, over 3,600 children served annually, and nearly 800 caring individuals delivering our mission.
Expanding Mental Health Care Across Montana
Operating as Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we’ll offer tailored care to meet each child’s unique needs across nearly every county statewide. From community and school programming to therapeutic group homes and PRTF residential treatment, we’re committed to providing the right service at the right time—at the lowest level of care possible.
Together, we’ll enhance our capacity to serve and provide efficient, trauma-informed, wrap-around care that ensures better outcomes for kids.
Learn More About Our Partnership With Youth Dynamics
Visit our YBGR Partner Facts page to learn more about how Youth Dynamics and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch are working together to strengthen mental health care for Montana’s kids and families.
Welcome to The Yellowstone Conference: Community Strategies to Prevent Youth Violence! Join us on Thu Oct 10 2024 at 08:30 AM for a day of learning and collaboration at 1701 Ray of Hope Ln. Billings, MT. This event will bring together community leaders, educators, and youth advocates to discuss effective strategies for preventing youth violence. Come share your ideas, network with like-minded individuals, and make a difference in your community. Let’s work together to create a safer and more peaceful environment for our youth. We look forward to seeing you there!
Panel Topics & Descriptions:
Strengthening Family’s in Preventing Youth Violence ~ Moderator: Mary Hash, Administrative Director for Community Based Services. What can we do to help prevent adverse childhood experiences and help create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for our children to help them reach their full potential? Nearly one in six adults have experienced four or more types of ACEs. This diverse panel will provide the audience information regarding protective factors, resiliency, and resources to help families achieve optimal success.
Panelists
Brian Dennis, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County
Carrie Porter, Program Manager and Intake Specialist for CASA of Yellowstone County
Laura Narum, Family Programs Resource Coordinator and Interim Director of Emergency Services at District 7 HRDC
Jen Daniels, Supervisor of the RFS (Resource Family Specialists)
Partnering With Schools ~ Moderator: Kristin Mathison, Administrative Supervisor in Community Based Services. During this panel we will discuss the importance of creating strong partnerships with schools to assist and support students and staff. Fostering effective collaboration between schools and community health and behavior health partners have significant benefits that include improved academic performance, physical and psychological safety, reduced disciplinary action, lower dropout rate, lower substance abuse and less involvement in the criminal justice system. Each panelist will have an opportunity to speak to why these partnerships are important, how they have seen the systems work together or even what they would like to see improve.
Panelists
Randy Shipman, Superintendent of the Dillon Elementary School District #10
Regina Griemsman, Head of School for Grace Montessori Academy (GMA)
Christina Peterson, Director of Student Services at Laurel Public Schools.
Amity Burkhardt, Coordinator of the Wellness and Resiliency Grant for Billings Public Schools
Counteracting Drug Culture ~ Moderator: Jessica Kiedrowski, LAC, BS, MCRMHC. During this panel we will discuss the warning signs and appropriate interventions that come with childhood substance use. This includes the importance of creating strong connections with family members and community resources to help keep the public informed on what is being advertised to our youth, how it affects the body, and why youth are drawn to it. Staying away from substance use has shown to be directly tied to improvement on grades, school attendance, career progression, and developing healthy relationships with their peers. Youth who struggle with substance use will report troubles with breathing, coping with anxiety, being alone with their thoughts, joining activities that do not allow them to use, and increased emotional dysregulation. Each panelist will have an opportunity to speak to on the different warning signs, how to intervene, what the consequences of use are, what we are seeing used the most often in our communities, where to receive support, and answer questions given by the crowd.
Panelists
Bryn Kojetin, Juvenile Probation Officer
Dr. Malcom Horn, Clinical Supervisor for Rimrock
Stacy Zinn, Retired Head of the Montana DEA office
TBA
Collaborating With Government and Institutional Responses ~ Moderator: Mike Chavers, CEO of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. Collaborating with government and institutions is an important factor in providing services for at-risk youth and their families. We will focus on the impact to Montana youth and families.
Panelists
Sierra Riesberg, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana
Michael “Mike” Yakawich, Montana House of Representatives from the 51st district
Pat Cates, Senior Manager for Student Support Services for the Montana Office of Public Education
Meghan Peel, Deputy Administrator for the Children’s Mental Health Bureau
Special Keynote Speaker,Dr. Erwin Garcia, Billings School District 2 Superintendent
5.75 CEUs and 6 OPI credits are available upon request and the conference will be offered both in-person and virtual. Lunch will be included for in-person attendees!
Conference Agenda:
o Registration 8:30am-9:00am
o Welcome 9:00am-9:15am
o Strengthening Family’s in Preventing Youth Violence Panel 9:15am-10:30am
o Break 10:30am-10:45am
o Partnering With Schools Panel 10:45am-12:00pm
o Lunch 12:00p-1:00p
o Counteracting Drug Culture Panel 1:00pm-2:15pm
o Break 2:15pm-2:30pm
o Collaborating With Government and Institutional Responses Panel 2:30pm-3:45pm
o Keynote Speaker-Dr. Erwin Garcia, Billings School District 2 Superintendent 3:45pm-4:30pm
Teen suicide—It’s terrifying. I mean, as a parent, there’s nothing more frightening than the idea of something happening to my kids. Especially something as tragic as one of them taking their own life.
Kids are struggling at epic proportions right now. Surveys reveal that over 40% of teens show signs of severe depression—feeling sad or hopeless daily.
And it’s reason for concern. It’s more critical than ever for parents to understand the warning signs of suicide and how to intervene.
Below are teen suicide indicators that every parent needs to know.
Warning Signs of Teen Suicide
Talking or writing about suicide
Has your child suddenly started talking or writing about suicide? If so, take it seriously! Examples include making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself” or “I won’t be a problem for you much longer.”
Social withdrawal
Have you noticed your teen is isolating? Do they no longer seem interested in hanging out with friends? Are they finding excuses to avoid school?
If your child is a social butterfly and suddenly seems disinterested in spending time with others, it may be a sign they’re considering suicide.
Changes in mood
Marked changes in your teen’s mood indicate something isn’t right. And frequently, pronounced bouts of sadness are a precursor to completed suicide.
Acting bored all the time, and/or dropping out of activities
Difficulty with relationships, including changing peer groups or becoming more isolated
Risky behavior
Persistent physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches
Fatigue
Pay attention to any atypical mood swings, up or down. Even a sudden elevation in mood after a bout of sadness is something to note. Suicide survivors often report a feeling of relief and raised spirits after deciding to end their life, seeing it as an end to their suffering.
Alcohol or drug use
Has your teen started using drugs or drinking? If so, it’s not something to ignore! Often, youth who are struggling use substances to cope. And intoxication increases impulsivity, making it a dangerous cocktail for teens grappling with thoughts of suicide.
Feelings of being trapped, hopeless, or helpless about a situation
Frequently, people who attempt suicide report feelings of being trapped or hopeless. And for teens, it’s something to particularly pay attention to because their concept of time is different than adults’.
As a result, life outside of high school may seem like an eternity, with an end to painful emotions, at the hands of a breakup or friendship conflict, being hard to grasp.
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Has your child’s eating or sleeping patterns changed? Both are common indicators of mental health struggles and frequently coincide with suicidal ideation.
Risky or self-destructive behavior
Teens are impulsive. And risk-taking behaviors? They’re a staple of adolescence. But if you notice your teen has suddenly started engaging in destructive behavior that’s uncharacteristic and beyond what’s safe or age-appropriate, it’s a clear indicator that they need help.
Giving away personal possessions
Before completing suicide, people often give away their possessions, making final preparations to end their life. So, if you notice that your teen is giving away prized items, it might be a hint that they are considering suicide.
Personality shifts
Does it feel like your teen’s personality has shifted overnight? Maybe your child was once confident and upbeat and now seems consistently anxious, angry, or agitated. If so, take note! It’s often a warning sign something else is going on.
How to Prevent Teen Suicide
Listen.
Never assume that statements like “nobody cares if I live or die” are just drama. Too often, parents think that and worry if they ask directly about suicide, they’ll plant the idea.
Here’s the thing, though. The only way to know if your child is suffering and get them the help they need is to ask. By inquiring, we show that we care.
Get help.
This piece is crucial. Call your doctor, call a mental health professional, call a suicide hotline, or take your child to a local emergency room. If a professional recommends treatment, be sure to pursue it and make sure your teen sticks with it.
Take precautions.
Do you suspect that your child might be thinking of suicide? If so, take action to limit access to lethal means.
If you have a gun in your house, lock it up along with ammunition, secured separately. And note any prescription medications or alcohol in your home that your teen could use for self-harm and either get rid of it or be sure it’s stored safely.
Final words
Remember, when it comes to suicide, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, ask the questions, take the precautions, and reach out for help.
