The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67406

Gabriela Morataya-Jones, Educational and Community Initiatives, WestEd, 801 N. Parkcenter Drive, Suite 110, Santa Ana, CA 92705, 714-972-5904, gjones@wested.org, Cecilia Mutia, MA, Office of Educational and Community Initiatives, WestEd, 801 N. Parkcenter Drive, Suite 110, Santa Ana, CA 92705, and Charity Cason, MS, Educational & Community Initiatives, WestEd, 801 N. Parkcenter Drive, Suite 110, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Creciendo Saludable is an elementary school-based student assistance program designed to prevent and/or delay the development of health and behavior problems in Latino school age youth. Creciendo Saludable has utilized Life Skills Coaching as a model for school based student support groups. The program is located in a neighborhood that exhibits all of the risk factors common to many urban communities across the country: low levels of education, high population density, high levels of gang activity, and extremely high levels of poverty. Among the unique barriers facing this population are immigration status and language. Life Skills groups are structured to address the various challenges facing this population in their school and home environments. In addition to building necessary skill sets, Life Skills groups facilitate a student's access to community mental health services through a collaborative partnership with school personnel and local mental health providers. To date 300 students have participated in Life Skills groups. This paper will examine the barriers and accomplishments of this collaborative model within the school setting and explore implications for future implementation.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Identify Life Skills coaching groups appropriate in an elementary school setting
• 2.Define strategies to increase Latino students access to mental health care
• 3.Apply collaborative solutions that address barriers to a mental health continuum of care for Latino students

Keywords: Child/Adolescent Mental Health, Latino Mental Health

Related Web page: wested.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: WestEd, Educational and Community Initiatives
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employer