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    How to Conduct Newcomer Support Groups for Latino Immigrant Youth

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    Website http://www.mentorhealth.com/control/w_product/~product_id=801355LIVE?ourglocal_aug_2018_SEO | Want to Edit it Edit Freely

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    Deadline: August 16, 2018 | Date: August 17, 2018

    Venue/Country: Online, U.S.A

    Updated: 2018-06-19 20:01:42 (GMT+9)

    Call For Papers - CFP

    Training Options Duration: 60 Minutes

    Friday, August 17, 2018 | 10:00 AM PDT | 01:00 PM EDT

    Overview: This workshop will introduce to participants the "why and how" to conduct

    support groups with Latino immigrant youth who enter the United States by crossing the border.

    Many, if not most of these immigrants have similar experiences that impact their emotional and

    behavioral health such as the stressors and/or traumas of their native country to include

    killings, sexual violence, domestic abuse, the takeover of gang life, extortion, etc. and their

    arduous journey through Central America, Mexico and crossing the Rio Grande.

    The impact of being caught by ICE and being sent to a detention center also may leave emotional

    scars. Once they are reunited with their families, they must adjust to these changes and to a

    new culture, language and school system. All of these changes can leave a youth with limited

    coping skills, heightened depression and anxiety.

    These common experiences makes for conducting an immigrant support group easier and the most

    efficient modality to support as many youth as possible during their transition to a new

    country. The presenter will briefly cover the three main areas that impact Latino immigrant

    youth: "Pre-migration, Migration and Post-migration" and how these topics are incorporated into

    group activities. Once these areas are understood by the participants, they can better

    understand the purpose of each activity.

    For example, the first ice breaker activity which is used for bonding has each member make a

    name plate with their name, country's name and a drawing of their respective flag and they can

    add anything of interest to them. This activity is non- threatening, simple and fun. Once the

    name plate is complete they take turns introducing themselves with this information. The leader

    can then interject other relevant questions to maintain the conversation in a positive tone.

    Like in most initial groups, the leader discusses the topic of group rules allowing the members

    to add or reword rules that they deem important to the group's stability and functioning. It is

    important that everyone agrees with the rules as this will set the stage for bonding as well.

    Activities on acculturation, cultural bereavement and cultural differences are critical in

    helping members understand and validate their longing to return to their native country and that

    this is the first process of immigrating to a new environment.

    Another major issue that many of immigrant youth experience is the reunification of the family.

    Many youth were left behind in their native country while their parents immigrated to the United

    States. They were left in the care of their grandmother, aunt or other guardians and were

    reunited after a few or for some, many years. Upon arrival some youth reconnect quickly with

    their parents while others never adjust and will forever feel distant from their mother and/or

    father. Parents at times have difficulty understanding this process and will resent their child

    for not reconnecting with them.

    Parents think that a child should be able to reconnect and feel their love given the sacrifice

    they made to bring their daughter or son here. This topic through various activities is

    discussed in length to help the youth understand their feelings as well as their parents' in a

    process of facilitating the reunification.

    The presentation will continue to review over a dozen activities from ice breakers to

    understanding language acquisition, school's code of conduct, cultural conflict with parents to

    name a few and a final project where they write their personal story of leaving their country to

    come to the United States. This story writing is the last activity that can last a few weeks as

    they write as little or as much as they want and then once complete they have the option to

    share it with the group members.

    This story completes the group and in a way completes the cathartic experience of the group.

    They no longer have to hide from their past and they can move forward without the emotional

    baggage that left unresolved could have lead them down a disturbing road.

    Different games and books that can be used in groups will also be shared with participants. Each

    activity addresses and helps to resolve many of the stressors recent immigrants experience.

    As in all groups the termination process will be covered with an ending activity and awards

    ceremony.

    Why should you Attend: Are you overwhelmed with trying to provide culturally relevant mental

    health services with Latino immigrant youth who have crossed the border? So many times mental

    health workers who provide interventions with Latino immigrant youth notice a common thread in

    the youth's mental health assessment and maladaptive behaviors. Many face issues of PTSD,

    depression, anxiety, acting out at home and/or school as well as adjusting in the reunification

    of the family to name a few.

    Considering this common thread, a group modality would provide the most efficient level of

    intervention to reach more individuals going through the similar experiences and provide an

    opportunity for them to connect and bond. For mental health and case workers who work in

    schools, group homes, detention centers, etc. conducting support groups to this population will

    offer the youth a cathartic experience while at the same time learn new coping strategies to

    deal with their emotional baggage as well as of adapting to a new country, language, culture,

    school system, etc.

    Immigrant support groups provide the opportunity for the members to realize first hand that

    their feelings and experiences are not unique and that many of their peers' experience the same

    feelings and at times, the same maladaptive behaviors. While conducting the group's initial ice

    breaker activities, the group members begin to bond paving the way for more in depth activities

    and discussions.

    It is during these moments that the immigrant youth begins to understand that their feelings and

    experiences are validated and "normal." Many have responded, "You too. I thought I was the only

    one feeling and thinking this way." Once the bonding is established these youth open up and pour

    their hearts out initiating the healing process.

    With increasing numbers of immigrant youth entering the United States, it is imperative that you

    have additionally therapeutic skills in your professional tool box. Having the background

    knowledge, group skills and unique culturally relevant activities will assist you to facilitate

    such groups. This webinar will offer you everything you will need to begin a group in your

    school and/or agency.

    Areas Covered in the Session:

    Synopsis of the three areas emotionally impacting immigrant youth: Pre-migration, Migration and

    Post-migration

    Review of culturally relevant ice breakers and group activities

    Resources and Termination

    Who Will Benefit:

    Social Workers

    Psychologist

    Mental Health Workers

    Guidance Counselors

    Case Managers and universities students in the behavioral health field of study.Those working in

    the area of Immigration Advocacy

    Speaker Profile

    Vilma E. Matos is a clinical bilingual social worker with over 35 years of experience working

    with the Latino community. In the past 20 years she has been providing individual, group and

    family interventions for Latino immigrant youth. She has presented on this topic to school

    districts, mental health clinics and at conferences on best practices when interfacing with this

    population. Her dedication goes one step farther as she has designed a board game uniquely

    suited for Latino immigrants. My Journey to the United States - Mis Pasos a los Estados Unidos

    Board GameĀ© has been used by social workers, psychologists, guidance counselors and mental

    health workers throughout the United states as a facilitating tool to help these youth open up

    about their past and present experiences. Once trust is established, significant interventions

    and healing can begin.

    Ms. Matos is also Vice President of the National Association of Puerto Rican/Hispanic Social

    Workers and currently works part-time as a bilingual therapist, school social worker, consultant

    and presenter all in the area of Latino immigrants.

    Price - $139

    Contact Info:

    Netzealous LLC - MentorHealth

    Phone No: 1-800-385-1607

    Fax: 302-288-6884

    Email: supportatmentorhealth.com

    Website: http://www.mentorhealth.com/

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