Some children and youth become involved with the juvenile justice system because they are accused of committing a delinquent or criminal act. Other youth come into contact with the system for status offenses—actions that are illegal only because of a youth’s age—such as truancy, underage drinking, and running away from home. Not all of these […] Continue reading → 
Many families with a loved one in prison or jail experience economic hardship, especially if the incarcerated person was a primary wage-earner of the household. You have to grieve the loss of that person in your day-to-day life, as well as deal with any extra struggles his or her loss brings. In addition, you have […] Continue reading → 
“The act of providing help to others during difficult times may be beneficial to the provider as well as the recipient. It is empowering for children and adolescents to help others.” –American Psychological Association People naturally seek out others for solace and support during difficult times. Especially children who are still discovering their emotions and how to […] Continue reading → 
In the United States, Memorial Day is a federal holiday, held on the last Monday in May in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. […] Continue reading → 
Animals have proven to be able to assist people in overcoming grief, which has led to a recent rise in the use of therapy animals; although animal-assisted therapy theory has been around since World War II. Emotional Support Animal vs Working Service Animal An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or Comfort Animal is an animal that, by its […] Continue reading → 
Death and dying is a universal human experience, yet human beings’ beliefs, feelings, and practices in regard to this experience vary widely between different religions and cultures. Maybe you have a friend that is has just lost a loved one and you want to be culturally sensitive during this difficult time. For people from diverse cultures, […] Continue reading → 
Many substance abusers and addicts believe that the only one they are hurting is themselves. Though substance abuse and addiction heavily impacts the life of the abuser, it also negatively affects the lives of everyone around them, especially close friends, family, and children. Significant family conflict develops if the abuser or addict is stealing goods […] Continue reading → 
Experiences of separation and loss are fundamental to all members of those involved in adoption. The child has lost their bond with their birth parents or other caregivers (e.g., grandparents, foster parents). There is often a loss of self for the child, who wonders “Why did they give me up?” Separation from siblings, extended kin, friends, […] Continue reading → 
In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) added PTSD to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) nosologic classification scheme (2). Although controversial when first introduced, the PTSD diagnosis has filled an important gap in psychiatric theory and practice. Since 1980 questions that remain about PTSD include: Are there […] Continue reading → 
It can be easier to find articles and resources for how to cope with a paralysis diagnosis than it is to find ones on how the diagnosis affects the lives of the friends and family of someone that is paralyzed. It is incredibly difficult to watch someone you love go from being active and healthy, to struggling to find themselves with […] Continue reading →