System of Care: Children, Youth and Families

Course overview

The session will focus on the System of Care framework in the development of tribal, regional, and statewide services for children, youth, young adults with complex behavioral health needs and their families. The framework is rooted in values of services and supports being community-based, youth and family driven, and culturally and linguistically responsive. The session will build foundational knowledge about the history of system of care, philosophies, and best practices by learning about implementation from other states and communities. The discussions will include a critical lens on our child-serving systems and the need to develop cross-system partnerships to meet the needs of children and families across the state. The session will include information about the North Dakota System of Care grant and opportunities for regional and state-wide collaboration and implementation. Learning Objectives: After this workshop, participants will be able to: Understand the System of Care framework and key values and principles that guide children, adolescent, and family-based service implementation. To consider the prevalence of serious emotional disturbances (SED) in children and youth and discuss critical services for a comprehensive behavioral health continuum. To learn what other states and communities have done to implement system of care values within their child-serving systems. To develop a shared understanding of the connection between the system of care framework and mental health equity across the state. Learn about the North Dakota System of Care Grant initiative and areas of focus related to infrastructure development and service implementation through 2026. Learn about opportunities for engagement in critical systems work for those with lived experience, behavioral health professionals, agency administrators, and others in child-serving roles.