Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health

Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health

Family Involvement Resources

 

DECEMBER 2002

Resources provided by the field for individuals working in the field regarding activities within agencies involved in the system of care for children with mental health needs and their families

http://www.ncmhjj.com This is the website for the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice. This Center has several grant projects that are designed to address the issue of the number of youth entering juvenile justice facilities who have mental health needs. Through funding from the Office of juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Center is working with three communities - Lake Charles, LA; Austin, TX; and Yakima, WA - to develop a comprehensive model for delivering a broad array of mental health services at all stages of the juvenile justice system. In addition, the Center received a grant from the MacArthur Foundation to guide and influence policy and system change surrounding this issue. These projects are in Connecticut, Arizona, and Georgia.

http://www.nccp.org This is the website for Columbia University's National Center for Children in Poverty. This Center focuses on issues pertinent to children and families living in poverty. The website includes publications that are appropriate for individuals interested in learning more about early intervention, prevention, and other relevant work that has been done in communities to improve the lives of children and families. Several documents written by Jane Knitzer, Ph.D., relating to the promotion of mental health in young children as a prevention strategy to prevent mental illness are accessible on this website.

Other helpful resources:

http://www.sdhfp.org This is the website for the Heartbeat Family Partnership in San Diego, CA. Its Federation of Families chapter has created a book, Transition to Adulthood Services for Youth: A Resource Manual. Project Heart Beat describes this document as follows: "Provides an overview of indicators for achieving successful adult life outcomes, a description of high-risk Transition Age Youth, a brief review of public services available to Transition Age Youth, and a discussion of a few of the many model programs being created in California."

http://www.cimh.org/downloads/ConfidentialityManual.pdf This link from the California Institute of Mental Health directs you to a document, "Confidentiality: A Manual for the Exchange of Information in a California Integrated Children's Services Program." It covers issues relating to confidentiality in a system of care that incorporates multiple systems and providers.

http://www.childrensdefense.org This is the website for the Children's Defense Fund, a nationally recognized child, youth, and family advocacy organization. The Children's Defense Fund provides essential information to national, state, and community stakeholders on key issues that impact the lives of children and their families.


NOVEMBER 2002

Resources provided by a family leader for individuals interested in learning about policy issues relating to children and families

http://skyways.lib.ks.us/ksleg/KLRD/accenttobacco.pdf This website explains the way in which the Kansas legislature created a Kansas Children's Cabinet to make recommendations to the Governor on issues relating to children and families. In addition, the State approved the allocation of tobacco settlement revenue to provide services to children and families. This was called the Kansas Endowment for Youth. This website includes a budget detailing how the funds have been allocated. The Kansas Bill involved is #2944.

http://www.bazelon.org/newvisionofpublicmentalhealth.html This website from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law addresses a potential policy that States could use to address mental health needs of individuals prior to their situation becomes a crisis. The Center proposes a model law that could be used as a template for advocates to assist in making system reform a reality.

http://www.acdl.com/legalnews.html This website for the Arizona Council for Disability Law provides information about a landmark lawsuit filed in Arizona on behalf of children who need mental health services. The Agreement and Settlement are available in pdf format on the site and provide information on how Arizona is addressing the needs of children and families. According to the website, "The agreement is founded on a set of principles that stress treating children and families with respect and promoting collaboration among agencies."

http://www.cssp.org This website for the Center for the Study of Social Policy has a link to their publications that include information on the following topics: · Children and Families · Family Preservation · Financing Children and Family Service Reforms · Economic Status of Minorities


OCTOBER 2002

Provided by a project director for individuals interested in learning about Medicaid, Medicaid Waivers, Title IV-E Waivers and other types of financing for children with mental health needs and their families

http://www.familyvoices.org/ This website is created by and for families of children with special needs. It highlights various aspects of the system from policy to practice and is a helpful website for individuals interested in learning more about various types of financing, including waiver programs.

http://www.aphsa.org/cornerstone/default.asp This website for the American Public Human Services Association provides information about the Title IV-E Waiver program. This revenue stream is allocated to child welfare systems and is often used to purchase services and supports to children with mental health needs. Many states that are recipients of the federal Center for Mental Health Services Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program grant have implemented Title IV-E Waivers.

This website also provides information on what the evaluation of the Waiver program indicates so far for the following states: Ohio, Oregon, North Carolina, Maine, Indiana, Delaware, and Connecticut. http://www.aphsa.org/cornerstone/abstracts.asp

http://cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/waivers/waivermap.asp This website for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provides a clickable map for identifying which Medicaid Waiver programs are in place across the country. Information detailing waiver programs and what they do is also available on this site.

http://www.cimh.org/downloads/Blended_Funding_Manual.pdf This link from the California Institute of Mental Health directs you to a document, Blended Funding Manual. This manual covers issues relating to implementing blended funding within a system of care for children with mental health needs and their families.


SEPTEMBER 2002 

Blamed and Shamed. (2001). Alexandria, VA: Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health and Keys for Networking, Inc.

This report presents the findings of a 2-year project that summarizes the experiences with youth with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems and their families. From 1997 to 1999, 150 people were interviewed from nine states and the District of Columbia representing a cross-section of youth and families. Recommendations obtained promote positive change and address key information and service needs.

***

Offering Technical Assistance to Native Families: Clues From a Focus Group. (2000). Alexandria, VA: Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health in collaboration with The National Child Welfare Association and B-C Family Productions.

This document addresses culturally specific technical assistance needs of Native Families. It includes information about advocacy and organizing and general guidance about providing technical assistance to diverse populations of people. The basic tenet of the review concludes that Native American parents benefit from technical assistance tailored toward their unique cultural needs. (See Providing Technical Assistance to Native Americans: Literature Review, NICWA, 2000, page 1.) This document addresses assumptions, trust, individual support, and more.

***

New Study Finds Social Risk Factors for Violent Behavior. (2000). American Journal of Public Health. Retrieved from: http://community-2.webtv.net/@HH!80!A2!2134BF518044/stigmanet/STIGMAHOMEPAGE/#dukestudy.

Researcher Marvin Swartz addresses findings of a just-published study led by Jeffrey Swanson of the Duke University Medical Center. Researchers analyzed 802 individuals diagnosed with "severe" mental illnesses in four eastern seaboard states from New Hampshire to North Carolina. The press release states, "People with severe mental illnesses are highly unlikely to become violent toward others unless they have additional risk factors combined with their psychiatric disorder." The Duke study found three environmental risk factors that, when combined, increase the likelihood of violence. People who have been victims of violence during childhood, live in neighborhoods where violence is common, and have substance abuse problems were 10 times likelier to report assaulting someone than others in the study. To request the published article, contact:

Jeffrey Swanson, Ph.D. Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Duke University Medical Center Box 3071 Brightleaf Square - Suite 23-A 905 West Main St.reet Durham, NC 27710

***

Steinberg, A. G. & Gadomski, A. W. (1999). Children's Mental Health: The Changing Interface Between Primary and Specialty Care. Philadelphia, PA: Children's Mental Health Alliance Project.

This report delineates areas in which research on effective therapies is needed; suggests new relationships among primary care physicians, specialists, social workers, and teachers; and questions the effects of managed care on treatment recommendations. The project was funded by the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (formerly the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The surveys indicate that two-thirds of children with psychiatric disorders are not receiving specialist care, resulting in under-recognition of mental health problems and unmet needs among children in primary care settings.

***

Casey Family Programs and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2001). Key Guide Points for Partnering With Families. Washington, DC: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

This journal captures guide points arranged in three groups. It provides considerations for an organization in its advance planning for partnering with families and includes considerations for the initial meetings or early encounters and long-term considerations for working together.


AUGUST 2002 

Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading Change. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. This book focuses on an 8-stage change process that covers everything from creating a guiding coalition to anchoring new approaches in the culture. Kotter believes the waste and anguish of the past decade is avoidable and in his inspirational and practical way, he helps us see where good people often derail. Everything in this book transfers to our system of care work.

Kotter, J. P. (2001). The Heart of Change. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. If you read the previous book which addresses the cynacism, pain and fear we face in implementing large-scale change, you will truly enjoy this new book by Kotter where he gets to the heart of change and how it actually happens. He tackles our fundamental question: How do you go beyond simply getting your message across to truly changing people's behavior? The book is based on 100 organization's in the midst of large-scale change.

***

Newstrom, J. & Scannell, E. (1998). The Big Book of Team Building Games. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. For the trainers of trainers, those who are looking for activities that utilize a learner's tactile and kinesthetic capacity, this book is full of ideas on trust-building activities, team spirit exercises, how to raise sagging morale, promote cooperation and improve communication. Each of the games is fast, creative, and easy-to-lead with valuable tips on how to select activities for particular situations.

***

Buckingham, M. & Coffman, C. (1999). First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. Here is a book on improving performance that is based on extensive empirical evidence. It focuses on specific actions managers can take to make their organizations better. It challenges basic beliefs of great management with powerful evidence and compelling argument. It will help you create engaged employees and high-performance work units and change the way you develop your managers.

***

LaGreca, A. (2002), Helping America Cope. Retrieved from: http://www.7-dippity.com/bom/bm_index.jsp Dr. LaGreca has done studies following Hurricane Andrew with over 1,000 children in three public elementary schools over the course of one school year. She learned that many children were affected, although adults who cared for them were unaware of this. She learned that the "event" is not over right away but rather leads to a series of stressors that can affect children greatly, and some had significant problems that persisted for a long time. These ideas and more are incorporated in a manual to help children cope. There is a new "Anniversary" Edition following 9/11. Call Carolyn Nava @ 202-295-6902 for access and information.


JULY 2002 

Fox, M. (1985). Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge. LaJolla, CA: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (Hardback); Roy, UT: Scott Foresman (Pearson K-12) (Paperback).

This delightful gem of a children's book is about a small boy named Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge who tries to discover the meaning of 'memory' so he can restore that of an elderly friend. I highly recommend this book if your family is a 'sandwich generation' - lucky enough to have young children and even younger grandparents!

***

211-A National Initiative to Link People with Community Services (2002 Update). Retrieved from http://www.crisiscenter.com/cvolops.htm.

The following states (many are our grant communities) now partner to create 211 Connects: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia and Wisconsin and perhaps the last few are already also on board. The web site above is provided to access the Tampa Bay, Florida site as a sample of what can be done in all our grant communities to facilitate crisis intervention for families and their children.

***

National Conference for Community and Justice (2002). Faith Leaders on Intergroup Relations: Perspectives and Challenges. New York, NY: NCCJ.

This publication is the second in a series of monographs by the National Conference for Community and Justice designed to broaden our knowledge and overall understanding of intergroup relations in the United States. This series furthers our work in building communities of justice by deepening our understanding of the range of issues related to the ways in which we interact. [To order call: 212-545-1300] Price: $3.95.

***

Institute for Health Policy, Brandies University. (1998) Substance Abuse: The Nation's Number One Health Problem, Key Indicators for Policy. Princeton, MA: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Although some "old values" are reflected in this work, the major conclusions reflect the magnitude of the substance abuse problem and the progress being made thus for families and their children. The goal of this work is to reduce the personal, social and economic harm caused by substance abuse to families and children. The publication covers the context of substance abuse, patterns of use, the consequences of use, and what is being done to combat the problem.

***

Edelman, M.W. (2000). Guide my Feet: Prayers and Meditations for Our Children. New York, NY: Harper Collins (paper back)

This book is featured in our Families Matter! Column of this month's Newsletter and is provided as an invaluable resource to family members at a suggestion of a family member who found the book in "the moment of deepest despair." Its 5-star rating from the general public supports this family member's evaluation!


JUNE 2002

National Conference for Community & Justice (2002). Denouncing racism: A resource guide of faith-based principles. Retrieved May, 2002, from www.nccj.org.

This document, easily downloaded from the above web address, addresses how the concept of being actively anti-racist is documented in most faiths' spiritual practices and policies. This unprecedented compilation of faith and spiritually based principles articulates the moral responsibility of each person of faith to denounce racism. Coupled with policy statements of many denominations, they provide a foundation as to why we all must work together in combating the divisiveness of racism.

Head Start Bulletin No. 73. (2002). Child mental health. Retrieved 2002 from http://www2.acf.dhhs.gov/programs.

Parents find a pull-out in English and Spanish on Helping Children and Adults cope with Trauma in the Community; Como Ayudar a los Ninos y a los Adultos a Enfrentar Sucesos Traumatizantes en la Comunidad. Some additional articles focus on strategies for behavior management for children with special needs, working with Native American fathers, and mental health in the migrant community.

Zero to Three Volume 22 No. 5. (April/May 2002). Agents of change in foster care. Retrieved from www.zerotothree.org and click on Zero to Three Journals.

This publication provides valuable information, including the latest on model programs, best practices, current research and clinical findings, public policy, and the publisher's latest publications and videos on children and families during their first three years of life.

Bugni, A. (1999). Moose racks, bear tracks and other Alaska kidsnacks. Seattle, WA: Sasquatch Books or books@SasquatchBooks.com.

These hot summer days made picking this month's Children's Selection a joy! Get cool just leafing through the assortment of kid-tested and kid-approved snack recipes designed for your young and enthusiastic cook! There are delightful illustrations of Alaska scenes and critters. Who knows? Perhaps some of the youngsters in our Alaska grant community have already had to chance to eat Kayaks, or Muskox Morsels or Tundra Turf! Available for $8.95.

Juvenile Justice (Volume VI, Number 1). Investing in girls: A 21st century strategy. Retrieved October, 1999, from http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/ojjdp/178254.pdf.

If you are interested in a specific newer resource regarding girls in the juvenile justice system, you will find this article useful as it addresses the need to halt the intergenerational cycle of family fragmentation (and reduce crime). The author, Leslie Acoca, Director of the Women and Girls Institute, National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD), has served as the principle investigator on two major studies profiling girls in the juvenile justice system. The Institute conducts research and develops programs and training curricula that reduce the entry and reentry of young women into the juvenile and criminal justice systems.


MAY 2002

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2002). Connection: A newsletter linking Services Research and Health Policy Publication). Retrieved May, 2002, from www.academyhealth.org.

Families recognize that their children with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders have needs unique from all other populations. This newsletter is dedicated to commentaries on recent trends, advances in treatment research and practice, treatment facilities that offer programs for adolescents, and recommendations for ensuring quality treatment for adolescents.

***

Center for Mental Health Services. (1999). Annual Report to Congress on the Evaluation of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program, Executive Summary, 1999. Atlanta, GA: ORC Macro.

This document continues to explore critical issues that have become increasingly important since the initial design of the Phase I evaluation in 1994 and as systems of care persist in embracing expanding roles for families and reflect on the importance of evaluation that is responsive to emerging issues.

***

Silver, J., Amster, B., & Haecker, T. (1999). Young Children and Foster Care: A Guide for Professionals. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co. or www.brookespublishing.com.

It is with great enthusiasm that we recommend this seminal publication for both professionals and family members. In a field where little has existed for so long, this book is a breath of fresh air as it describes in great detail many innovative community-based programs improving children's lives. It focuses on infants and young children from birth to age 5 and produces multidisciplinary discussions of the needs of families and their children involved in the child welfare system. If you want to learn about the "child welfare system" from a broad group of strengths-based professionals, this is a must-read that families will celebrate!

***

Gladwell, M. (2000). The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.

This is a fascinating read by a writer for the "New Yorker" on why major changes in our society so often happen suddenly and unexpectedly. The author presents particular personality types who are natural pollinators of new ideas and trends, as well as a road map to change with a profound knowledge -- ".that one imaginative person applying a well-placed lever can move the world."

***

Swope, S., & Root, B. (1989). The Araboolies of Liberty Street. Canada: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd. [N.B. First published by Clarkson N. Potter, Inc. (1989); first Sunburst edition, 2001.]

This is a zany and delightful book about the kids of Liberty Street who join forces to help the Araboolies, an irrepressible extended family of multicolored vagabonds with rollicking, nonconformist behavior. The kids dream up poetic justice for the mean General Pinch who orders the Araboolies to move because they look and act different. This children's selection has a great message about bullies and is brought to life through full-color paintings bursting with energy!


APRIL  2002 

REFERENCES THAT INFORM ALL CULTURES 

Watkins Ali, C.A. (1999). Survival & Liberation: Pastoral Theology in African American Context. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press.

 It is always a pleasure to cite a new publication from one of our own in the field. This month's selection is by the Project Manager of the Colorado Cornerstone grant community. Carroll A. Watkins Ali creates a major shift from the seminal work of Seward Hiltner, considered by many the founding father of pastoral theology. She informs all cultures by asserting the primary focus is the, ".contextual cultural experience." This book is compassionate, challenges social justice, and combines psychology with spiritually informed clinical practice. It is a must-read!

Gonzalez, R. (1992). After Aztlan: Latino Poets of the Nineties. Boston, MA: David R. Godine Publishers.

After Aztlan first crossed my path several years ago when a friend gave it to me to read to my youngest child. At the time, it was the first comprehensive poetry anthology of Latino poets who write primarily in English. April is National Poetry Month so it is fitting that we celebrate the richness of these many Latino, Mestizo, and Puerto Rican poets. They reflect every crucial aspect of their culture: their heritage, their drive for political and social equality, and their continuing struggle for cultural recognition. In the universal language of poetry, families are able to confront the past and learn how ancestors survived to pass on lessons to our next generation of children.

Say, A. (1999). Tea with Milk. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Co. "My father called my mother May, but to everyone else she was Masako.

At home they spoke English to each other and Japanese to me. Sometimes my mother wore a kimono, but she never got used to sitting on the floor for very long." This month's children's selection, Tea with Milk, is a stunning portrait of the charming formality of Japan, capturing the struggle between two cultures as May strives to live out her own life. She meets and marries a young man who grew up with English foster parents and together they find their true home in a country they adopt together. This book is exquisitely illustrated to convey the depth of Allen Say's tribute to his parents and their path of personal discovery.

Hair, Penda D. (2001). Louder than Words: Lawyers, Communities and the Struggle for Justice. New York, NY: The Rockefeller Foundation.

This publication addresses racism by examining the civil rights field over many years. It reaffirms the need for far-reaching strategies that build alliances, encourage the participation of multiple stakeholders, and strengthen the democratic process required to make changes that address the fundamental causes of racism. Advocates and newcomers alike are connecting with community organizations to seek accountability from public institutions. They bridge political and racial lines to sustain social and economic fairness. This publication is replete with key lessons learned, overviews and broader implications for our work.

Goodman, A. (2001). Why Bad Ads Happen to Good Causes and How to Ensure They Won't Happen to Yours.

This is a report about how readers processed and responded to information from approximately 200 print public interest ads published between 1990 and 2000. The book covers both content and design features of these ads and proposes seven guideposts about what works and what, all too often, doesn't. You can download the full report at: http://www.rwjf.org/app/rw_publications_and_
links/rw_pub_why_bad_ads.html
.


MARCH 2002

Title: Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care (2002).

 A report based on the findings from The Commonwealth Fund's 2001 Health Care Quality Survey. This report is 562 pages in length and provides an outstanding review of the burdens our families of color have faced over several centuries. Stubbornly resistant to change, this issue's time has come, and this reading is a must for all advocates committed to diminishing racial and ethnic disparities. The summary of contents begins with a deep literature review, includes systemic strategies for interventions and cross-cultural education in the health professions, and focuses on differences in interpersonal aspects of healthcare that may contribute to these disparities. To read, order, or download the report go to: http://www.cmwf.org/publist/publist2.asp?CategoryID=11.

Title: Recommendations for Juvenile Justice Reform: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform (2001).

 This Task Force's mission is to improve the juvenile justice system so that it will become responsive to children and adolescents with mental disorders. Framed in system of care core values and principles, it is a tool for anyone who pursues reform through advocacy, legislative, professional, community-based, and fiscal policy strategies. It focuses on the vast differences between children and adolescents and adults and addresses court procedures that are not user-friendly to children and youth, often lack a developmental context, and can undermine the intention of the juvenile court. Each chapter offers a series of recommendations that serve as a basis of reform in multiple areas of juvenile justice. Available through the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-3007 or by calling 202-966-7300.

Title: Ensuring the Healthy Development of Foster Children: A Guide for Judges, Advocates and Child Welfare Professionals (2002).

 This publication comes out of New York State's Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children, established to address the issues of "children whose lives and life chances are affected by.courts." Designed by judges, advocates, physicians, social workers, legislators, and state and local officials, this booklet reflects on how every court proceeding presents an opportunity to address the health needs of all children using a checklist consistent with national health standards, Medicaid law through Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) provisions, and (local) mandates. Its simple format of Questions and Commentary provide easy reading. It is recommended for all parents of young children. Available through New York State Permanent Commission on Justice for Children, 140 Grand Street, Suite 404, White Plains, NY 10601 or by calling 914-948-7568.

Title: The Ties that Bind: Parental Substance Abuse & Kinship Care (2001).

This compassionately written book helps the reader plant seeds of sobriety, health and strength each day as a parent moves forward through the recovery process. You will find information and ideas on understanding substance abuse and how it affects child development and family life; helping a child and yourself deal with sadness, sense of loss and anger toward a parent who is substance abusing; helping, teaching and disciplining a child whose behavior and habits have been affected by a parent's substance abuse; reducing the stress on a child and on your family life in dealing with a child's parent who is substance abusing; and, increasing the likelihood that the child will grow up strong and healthy, without alcohol or drug problems. This guide contains many stories from families. Available through Phoenix House Children of Alcoholics Foundation, 164 W. 74th Street, New York, NY 10023 or www.coaf.org or by calling 212-595-5810.

Title: Flournoy, V. and Pinkney, J. (1985). The Patchwork Quilt is this month's children's book selection. 

It discusses how Tanya's grandmother becomes ill and how Tanya doesn't know how to help her. With the help of Mama, and the whole family, Tanya sets to work to complete Grandma's masterpiece herself. It captures all the trust and sharing between a young girl and the grandmother she treasures as real life goes on around them. The Patchwork Quilt is the Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Available at bookstores, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, A Division of Penguin USA, 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014.

 


FEBRUARY 2002

Recommended Reading: Teen Heroism, Diversity, Inclusion, Community Planning and Leading People 

Title: Nai-Lin Chang, H. & Bruner, C. (1998). Valuing diversity and practicing inclusion: Core aspects of collaborative work. Volume 1: Community Collaboration Series. Des Moines, IA: National Center for Service Integration (NCSI).

The author launches this work by defining key concepts such as race, racism, language, culture and ethnicity. One suggestion is made that an effective diversity-based practice will make the best use of the collective and varied experiences, histories, and voices within a community -- not merely the "same old player" or those with traditional positional power and authority. Also suggested is that rather than being static, the culture of a given group is constantly evolving in response to its environment. Individuals and families are often members of more than one cultural group at the same time. Contact Information: http://www.cfpciowa.org/order.shtml or mail address: Flemming Building, 218 6th Avenue, Suite 1021, Des Moines, Iowa.

Title: Okubo, D. (2000). The community visioning and strategic planning handbook. Denver, CO: The National Civic League Press.

Seldom is vision practically integrated into strategic planning as thoroughly and effectively as this handbook which offers a variety of tools and strategies to assist collaborative coordinators. It highlights (a) effective community outreach, (b) skills for effectively defining the current realities of a community, (c) assessing existing civic infrastructure and capacity, (d) celebrating and incorporating diverse perspectives and (e) linking development of community vision to key performance areas and action planning. There is an excellent epilogue article contained in this handbook entitled, "Renewing your Community." Contact Information: www.ncl.org. Cost: $23.00.

Title: Rosen, Robert H. Transforming Business from the Inside Out: Leading People.

Rosen demonstrates how most successful leaders have a profound understanding of themselves, of the motivations of people around them, and of the external challenges they face. Leading people is hard work perhaps made easier through his eight principles of leadership: vision, trust, participation, learning, diversity, creativity, integrity and community. Rosen understands emotional volatility, vulnerability, mistrust, cynicism and the tension that simmers between leaders and followers. This book is a must-read for those searching for a blueprint to mobilize people. [Available in bookstores - cost: $24.95]

Title: Kennedy, J. and McCarthy, C. (1998). Bridging Worlds: Understanding and Facilitating Adolescent Recovery from the Trauma of Abuse.

This book focuses the attention of the reader on the real teenager. It provides a paradigm shift from seeing an abused child as a victim to recognizing the heroism in that teen's coping. This is recommended reading for parents and foster parents -- anyone seeking a beacon of light free of dehumanizing jargon. To quote David I. Berland, M.D., ".to shift an approach to a traumatized teen from pity to awe is a significant accomplishment" for these authors who have facilitated and defined. [Available in bookstores in paperback.]

Title: Edelman, Marian Wright (1992). The measure of our success: A letter to my children and yours.

This is a book that should be revisited periodically and thus its place on this month's recommended reading. It is a book for every parent, touching and compelling, with a compassionate message. Her 25 lessons for life will renew you and remind you that "you are never alone." [Available in bookstores in paperback; cost $10.]


JANUARY 2002


Recommended Reading: Grassroots Development, Results-Based Accountability, Leadership

Title: Getting to the Grassroots: Neighborhood organizing and mobilization. Volume 6: Community Collaboration Series. DeMoines, IA: National Center for Service Integration.

 One of a number of monographs in a series committed to providing key principles of building successful community collaborations, it discusses professional bias that excludes families, consumers and neighborhood leadership; importance of developing skills in grassroots organizing oriented to neighborhoods. A key section discusses social capital, techniques for mapping community strengths and potential structures for power sharing with local stakeholders. Access information: http://www.cfpciowa.org/order.shtml Cost: $12 Mailing information: Flemming Building, 218 6th Avenue, Suite 1021, Des Moines, Iowa

Title: Bruner, C. (1998). Defining the Prize: From agreed-upon outcomes to results-based accountability. Volume 2: Community Collaboration Series. Des Moines, IA: National Center for Service Integration.

 A critical resource for community collaborators to build a system of measuring outcomes. Discusses ways to use data and outcomes to guide reforms, concise useful overview of differences between outcomes, indicators, and performance measures. The author provides a 5-step approach to results-based accountability; a former state legislator, he draws relationships between these activities and producing statements of impact on community outcomes. Access information: http://www.cfpciowa.org/order.shtml Cost: $12 Mailing information: Flemming Building, 218 6th Avenue, Suite 1021, Des Moines, Iowa

Title: Chryslip, D. and Larson, C. (1994). Collaborative Leadership: How citizens and civic leaders can make a difference. New York: Jossey Bass [ISBN 078790036] 

As American society has becomes more diverse and public issues more complex, traditional community problem-solving methods come up short. Working together today requires a profound shift in our conception of leadership. Drawing on extensive research, the authors describe how to design, initiate and sustain a constructive, collaborative process. Identifies the qualities leaders must have in this new practice environment. [Available in bookstores - approximate cost $30]

Title: Hesselbein, F., Goldsmith, M. and Bckhard, R. (Editors). (1997). The Drucker Foundation: The Leader of the Future [ISBN 0787909351]

 This book nourishes the reader spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally as it addresses turning the organizational pyramid upside down; the primary skill of partnering; how to develop principle-based organizational cultures through a thought-provoking collection of essays. It discusses the future quality of businesses, organizations and communities through the eyes and experience of diverse leadership thinkers -- academics, consultants and practitioners. [Available in bookstores - cost $18]

Title: Mackoff, B. and Wenet, G. The Inner Work of Leaders: Leadership as a habit of mind. (2001). American Management Association: New York.

This book helps the reader understand the role of self in leadership; how to offset recurring unfocused feelings that adversely affect leadership performance. It helps one examine his or her own life, the influence of family, the guidance of teachers, and the force of momentous events and translate that information into "habits of mind" to persevere in the face of obstacles and instill commitment and confidence in others. [Available in bookstores - cost $24.95]