CHS Blog
The Ripple Effect of Supporting Families Early in Life Every child deserves a safe, healthy start. But helping children thrive begins long before their first day of kindergarten. It starts with supporting parents during pregnancy, strengthening families in a child’s earliest years and ensuring caregivers have the resources they need to build safe, nurturing environments […]
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a powerful reminder that mental health support saves lives. At Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS), our Behavioral Health team is on the front lines every day, making sure no child or family has to face struggles alone. From anxiety and depression to trauma and behavioral challenges, young people across […]
This October, as we recognize several days dedicated to mental health—Depression Awareness Month, Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-12), and World Mental Health Day on October 10—we’re reminded of the importance of early intervention in mental health care. Sarah’s* story is a powerful reflection of how life-changing that support can be. Mental health struggles can […]
July is National Make a Difference to Children month – a time to reflect on the immense impact we can have on the lives of children. At CHS, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. So, this month, we invite you to join us in making a difference and find […]
May is Mental Health Awareness month – a time to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and to honor the resilience of individuals on their mental health journeys. In Florida alone, over 400,000 children and youth suffer with emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues, yet only about […]
Returning to school in-person after the pandemic was stressful for 9 year-old Trinity. Her panic attacks were overwhelming her at school and at home causing explosive meltdowns and unstoppable tears. Trinity’s mom, Tiffany, was determined to find the right support for her daughter to find peace. “She was struggling in every area,” said Tiffany. “It […]
In the depths of our thoughts, a silent epidemic often goes unnoticed: depression. It’s one of the most frequent mental health challenges therapists address, yet countless individuals suffer in silence, unaware of its grasp on their lives. Often, its symptoms get mixed up with those of other mental health challenges, especially anxiety. That’s why it’s […]
Summer can offer a welcome break for kids after a long school year, but it can also be hard for families. Less access to books and learning resources, healthy foods, social activities and support can lead to learning losses, food insecurity and social isolation. Throughout the summer, CHS remains dedicated to bridging this resource gap […]
For many, summer signifies a break from usual routines: summer vacations, beach days and BBQs, and a break from school for kids. Summer is also a time of transitions: the end of the fiscal year at many companies and the start of a new school year. Sometimes these breaks and transitions are a welcome respite, […]
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to focus on mental health and help reduce the stigma associated with seeking care. Mental health challenges can have a substantial impact on children’s educational, mental, social, and physical well-being, as well as their family’s peace and stability. As we provide children and families with […]
In recent years, we’ve seen growing recognition and appreciation for what I’ve witnessedduring my three decades as a mental health professional and behavioral health executive – our mental health is directly linked to our physical health, and vice versa. If you’ve ever experienced stress, anxiety, grief, or depression, you’ve likely felt the toll it can […]
Although the holiday season brings tremendous joy and togetherness, it can also bring stress and enormous pressure triggering significant mental health challenges. Prioritizing self-care is an effective way to reduce stress, improve well-being and help find peace in challenging situations. Putting mental wellness on the backburner may cause irritability, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, extreme […]
The Florida Department of Health reports 400,000 children suffer from emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges, but only about half are able to access the treatment they need. As we’ve seen too often, this can lead to tragic circumstances … situations that may have been avoidable had youth received the intervention they so desperately needed. While […]
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Two children, aged 14 and 12, walk away from a youth group home, head down the street and almost immediately, there is trouble. This is the incident that is changing everything. The 14-year-old female is Nicole Jackson. She is well-known to law enforcement in Flagler and Volusia counties for petty crimes, […]
