CONNECT Trainings
The Connecticut Network of Care Transformation (CONNECT) is a (federally funded) statewide children’s mental health initiative helping families access services through an integrated network of care. CHDI serves as the coordinating center.
CONNECT trainings have addressed health equity and cultural competence, as well as family engagement and empowerment in children's mental health.
- Cultural Competence and Health Equity: A six-month "CONNECT with CLAS" learning community began in January 2017 with the goal of improving 12 children's behavioral health agencies' adherence to the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS). To date, over 80 agency staff members have attended workshops and survey assessment data has been collected with over 800 providers. Agencies are provided support to customize a health equity plan for implementation.
- Family Engagement and Empowerment: The CONNECT initiative hosted a train-the-trainer session on "Persuasive Storytelling: Discovering the Power of Your Personal Story" in January 2017 at Beacon Health Options. The training is designed to help families use their personal stories to advocate for children's mental health issues. The training was adapted for Connecticut's youth and families and rolled out statewide during the summer 2017. Jeana Bracey, Project Director for CONNECT, distributed certificates to trainees and is pictured here with Beresford Wilson, Assistant Director of FAVOR, a statewide family advocacy for children's mental and behavioral health.
