The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is now incorporating the Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training as another resource for staff. This eight-hour training is an evidenced based model "designed to teach lay people methods of assisting a young person who may be in the early stages of developing mental health problems or in a mental health crisis." The program is also helpful for adults who may be working with youth with ongoing or chronic mental health or behavioral health issues. The YMHFA tool is based on extensive research and is described as "a range of studies, including randomized controlled trials, have shown that Mental Health First Aid training improves knowledge, reduces stigmatizing attitudes, and increases first aid actions toward people with mental health problems and challenges."
According to Lea Ann Browning-McNee, chief program officer for the Mental Health Association of Maryland and trainer and organizer with YMHFA, the Department of Juvenile Services is the first juvenile justice program in the nation to provide YMHFA to its staff. Starting in June 2014, YMHFA was included in DJS' Entry Level Training (ELT). It continues to be provided to all new trainees who attend ELT. Starting in January 2015, as part of the Maryland Police & Corrections Training Commission (MPCTC) curriculum, YMHFA will be required for all DJS staff. Once staff successfully complete the training, they will be certified in YMHFA, similar to traditional First Aid training. The certification is good for three years, at which time staff will be recertified by retaking the training.
Participants in YMHFA attend a highly interactive training over two days and receive a copy of the Youth Mental Health First Aid Manual, which provides more information for continued learning. DJS staff receive additional training on the DJS Suicide Prevention Policy, which is connected to what they learn in YMHFA. With this extra instruction, staff can address mental health crisis situations, which may arise with youth and are better equipped when working with youth who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges, as well as learning how and when to refer youth to mental health professionals for additional evaluation and treatment.
YMHFA is based on a program that was first developed in Australia and has been revised to more appropriately address issues youth experience in this country. Mental Health First Aid USA is comprised and supported by multiple agencies and individuals. These include the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Mental Health Association of Maryland, Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri Institute of Mental Health, National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, and the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Mental Health Services.
For more information about YMHFA, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
