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July 20, 2021
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NEWS & VIEWS
Featured Spotlight
START History
by Joan B. Beasley, PhD

We will begin at the beginning.
 
What does the acronym START stand for?
 
The acronym START is based upon our mission which began in 1988.
 
Systemic Therapeutic (ST) describes all of our methods. Our goal is to build system wide capacity: within the family, local community, regional, statewide, and national to engage the ecology or context of each of our human experiences and link our communities together to enhance us all. People with disabilities are vital members of our community who have been misunderstood and our role is to break down barriers as part of this effort. People are not “challenging” with a systemic therapeutic approach, it is the ecology in which we reside that challenges us to do better once we know better.
 
Systemic Therapeutic Assessment (A) is multifaceted. In addition to learning about the system of support and the bio-psycho-social needs of the people we support, we assess ourselves as providers, they assess us, we learn from the evidence and build upon that knowledge to improve what we do. The 3 A’s are key: access, appropriateness and accountability. We continuously assess the 3 A’s of effective services to ensure that what we do is effective.  Data collection and analysis are key as are our advisory boards, family and service recipient input and work with colleagues outside of START, funders and policy makers to continuously assess what we are doing and how it is working.
 
Systemic Therapeutic Resources (R) are another important part of our mission. This includes training, coaching, crisis services, support of linkage partners, professional development, and psychiatric consultation. Resources also includes tapping into local resources, and supporting natural, community based resources in each person’s life. Perhaps our biggest resource is our human capacity. Positive psychology and other strength based approaches help us to acknowledge and maximize the human capacity in all of us. Resilience is our biggest resource.
 
Systemic Therapeutic Treatment (T) is important for people with mental health needs and IDD and it is important to know the treatment needs of the people we support, to assist in the development of effective treatment approaches and most of all our most important goal is the START Cross systems crisis prevention and intervention plan. This is a map to ensure that we “treat” each other and especially the person we support in the way that they most need to build upon their human capacity to reduce crises and traumatic outcomes. 
 
While the START model is more than this acronym can address, we thought it would be nice to learn about our history, how we got here, through the development of our name.
PERMA Tip
This segment will offer short, digestible tips related to the five building blocks that enable flourishing – Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA). It will also include resources you can use and share.
 
Today’s PERMA Tip: The P in PERMA stands for Positive Emotions. Although we can’t expect to be happy all the time, we need to make sure to experience positive emotions such as pleasure, happiness, peace, and joy as often as possible. We at CSS challenge you to fill your life with things that bring you joy. Consider focusing on and spending time in important relationships, work, hobbies, and physical  movement to increase your overall wellbeing. Right now, you can do one of these activities to insert a moment of positive emotions in your day; choose one that resonates with you: journal 3 blessings; practice mindfulness in your next activity; practice a loving-kindness meditation; reframe a recent negative event you experienced; or simply hold good posture. Thanks, and keep smiling!
Upcoming Professional Development
MHIDD Course for Mobile Crisis Responders 
Registration is open for Next Course Beginning on September 7, 2021
 
This live 6-week online course offers the expert training and support needed to develop expertise in providing effective crisis supports to people with intellectual/developmental disability and mental health needs (MH/IDD). Topics address best practices in crisis assessment, response strategies, and disposition recommendations. Registration fee is $149 per person.

“I appreciated the case study and being able to apply what we learned into our jobs.  It was very informative and it already helped me in my job.” - Course Participant
 
Click Here to Learn More and Register

MHIDD Course for Care Coordinators & Case Managers 
Registration is open for Next Course Beginning on October 11, 2021

This live 6-week online course is designed to improve knowledge for care coordinators and case managers to successfully support children and adults with IDD and mental health service needs and their families. Speakers will include family members and people with lived experiences along with experts in the field. Dr. Joan B. Beasley will demonstrate how the information provided can be applied to improve the ability of care coordinators/case managers to identify service and support needs, and monitor outcomes for individuals and their families. Registration fee is $299 per person. 

 

“The format is flawless and helps facilitate a learning experience in a non-traditional way” - Course Participant
 
Click Here to Learn More and Register

MHIDD Course for Direct Support Professionals 
Registration is open for Next Course Beginning on November 2, 2021

This live, 6-session course gives Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to provide individuals with IDD and mental health service needs (IDD-MH) positive, person-centered, strengths and wellness-based supports and services. The course facilitators will demonstrate how the information reviewed during session can be applied in the day-to-day support of people with IDD-MH. Registration fee is $149 per person. 

"This course offers the content I need to do my job and the many facets of one’s life we must always consider." - Course Participant
 
Click Here to Learn More and Register
Share Good News. We welcome START programs to share their good news - this could be a START team member accomplishment, kudos to an entire START team, an update about a well-received training delivered in your community, or any other news worth celebrating! Your good news updates will be shared as part of future editions of CSS News & Views.
Click Here to Share Good News
Learn More About START
Have a healthy and happy week,

The Center for START Services

 
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Copyright © 2021 National Center for START Services(R), All rights reserved.


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Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire