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Ruth Ellis Center Hosts Family Support Training

BY BTL STAFF

DEARBORN – Compelling research on LGBTQ youth, young adults and families from the Family Acceptance Project has found that family acceptance helps promote well-being and protects against risk, while family rejection is related to serious health and mental health concerns. This includes suicidal behavior, depression, illegal drug use and HIV.
In addition, family conflict related to sexual orientation and gender identity can lead to homelessness and removal and ejection from the home. That's why the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park is inviting health and mental health providers who work in schools and colleges, as well as those who provide family and out-of-home services, to learn more about vital work to increase support to LGBTQ youth and their families.
Dr. Caitlin Ryan and her team at San Francisco State University have developed the first research-based family support approach to help prevent risk, promote well-being and positive adjustment for LGBTQ children, youth and young adults in the context of their families, cultures and faith communities.
Dr. Ryan will provide a one-day training, "The Critical Role of Family Support in Preventing Risk and Promoting Well-Being for LGBT Children and Youth," on Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. to teach providers about her efforts to decrease family rejection, and increase family acceptance, support and connection between children and youth who identify as LGBTQ, their families and caregivers to prevent risk and promote well-being. This event is hosted by REC with the support of the Virtual Center for Excellence.
"The impact of this work is at the heart of the Ruth Ellis Center's mission and we have been privileged to work with Dr. Ryan, in particular, on our Family Preservation program through Family Group Decision Making which focuses on safety with LGBTQ youth while increasing the likelihood they can stay with their parents or primary caregiver in the home," REC Executive Director Jerry Peterson said.
Ryan is a clinical social worker who has worked on LGBT health and mental health for more than 40 years, with a focus on LGBT children and adolescents. The Family Acceptance Project's family support model was designed to be used in all systems – in families, primary care, behavioral health and mental health services, school-based services, out-of-home services and pastoral care.
"We hope you will join us for this day of interactive learning geared toward providers at every level, in various systems of care, all invested in the safety and well-being of LGBTQ youth," Peterson said.
Pre-registration online is required for the training at the Fairlane Club, 5000 Fairlane Woods Drive in Dearborn. There is no fee and continuing education credits are available. For questions about this training, contact Carolyn at [email protected] or call 734-785-7705, ext 7271.

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