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May 2015
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Childhood trauma—ranging from parental divorce, to witnessing domestic violence, to experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse—has a profound impact on development and mental health.
Sadly, close to 35 million children in the U.S.* have experienced at least one childhood trauma by the time they turn 18.
Children affected by trauma miss more days of school on average and many go on to develop mental, behavioral, and physical illnesses. Growing up in a chaotic, unstable environment creates barriers to success that are hard for a child to overcome.
Recognizing the need to address complex stress and trauma, Edgewood operates mental and behavioral health programs for children, youth, and families.
*(Stevens, Jane Ellen, “Nearly 35 million U.S. children have experienced one or more types of childhood trauma”. ACEs Too High: 2013)
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In the spring, Edgewood opened a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU).
This is the only facility of its kind in San Francisco that provides a positive alternative to a child’s emergency room visit. Youth in crisis referred to the San Francisco Department of Health’s Child Crisis Service now come directly to Edgewood for an initial assessment for up to 24 hours. The result is life-changing.
A six-year-old girl named Mary (name changed to protect her privacy) is just one of many kids we have recently helped. Mary, along with her brother and two other relatives, are being cared for by her grandmother because her parents are unable to do so. The young girl reported that her older brother was abusive to her at home and she was missing school on a regular basis. In conversations with the school counselor, Mary seemed anxious and made statements about wanting to hurt herself—a red flag for help.
Concerned for her safety and well being, Mary's school counselor made a referral for help, and within 24 hours, Mary received the support and assessments she needed at Edgewood's CSU. Additionally, her grandmother was connected to Edgewood's Kinship Support Network which helps grandparents and other relatives with the support, information, and other resources they need to care for their families. Now, with the right resources in place, Mary has a safe and stable home environment.
Thanks to your support, we can reach children like Mary who are in crisis. Since launching last July, the CSU has served over 250 children and youth with almost 100 percent of them able to go home after stabilization and receive ongoing support services instead of psychiatric hospitalization.
Your donation will help us reach even more children in need.
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Thank You Edgewood Auxiliary!
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There's a new study out that suggests a link between sleep and young children's mental health.
In a study of 1,000 toddlers, researchers found that those with sleep disorders at age 4 stood a greater chance for mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, by age 6. They also discovered that children with mental health problems at age 4 were at an increased risk for sleep disorders at age 6.
The findings were published recently in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.
Read the Article>>
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The number of kids aged 6 to 17 receiving treatment for mental health issues has risen 50 percent in the past 20 years, according to research published in the May 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
While that's good news for many, the reality in San Francisco is that only 20 percent of youth with a mental health condition actually access treatment due mostly to stigma and lack of understanding about mental health.
As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness month, we invite you to take and share this mental health quiz any time and see if your child is in need of extra support.
Take the Quiz>>
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We want to thank the Edgewood Auxiliary for hosting another fabulous Edgewood Fair event!
More than 500 guests decked out in their finest Kentucky Derby attire attended the 49th Annual Edgewood Fair – Derby Days soirée on May 5-6 at the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio in San Francisco.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Katherine Feinstein (ret.) was the headliner for the sell-out luncheon program. In all, the two-day event raised over $370,000 and will help us provide vital services such as residential care, parenting courses, youth mentoring, and expressive arts programming.
Read More and Watch Slideshow >>
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