Educators, community advocates, and members of local service organizations convened in Little Rock to hear a panel discussion on the increasing challenges faced by at-risk youth and families.
Some of the area service providers attending the event were meeting each other for the first time and discussed how to better collaborate. The meeting aimed to identify gaps in available resources and establish collaborative solutions.
The panel discussion focused on poverty, trauma, mental health, and the need for community-wide support systems.
Several leaders, including licensed counselor Christina Hopson-Allen of Arkansas Relationship Counseling Center, shared statistics and insights on the mental health challenges facing young people in the community. Data from the CDC reveals that children below the poverty line are significantly more likely to experience mental and behavioral health issues. A primary driver is trauma, which can stem from abuse, neglect, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as witnessing violence, family instability, and poverty.
"Hurt people hurt people. If we want to break this cycle, we have to address the trauma and teach resilience—not just to children but to the whole family," she said.
Hopson-Allen noted that, according to the CDC, 35 million children in the U.S. have experienced at least one form of trauma, a statistic she described as "staggering."
The meeting also addressed unique challenges faced by communities of color, particularly black and Latino youth, who are disproportionately affected by trauma and mental health disorders.
"And children living in poverty are twice as likely to experience mental health problems compared to their more affluent peers. We're not just talking about sadness or anger; we're talking about severe issues stemming from their circumstances," noted Hopson-Allen.
It was also noted that cultural and language barriers often prevent Latino families from accessing support services, compounding challenges.
"We must remember that culture is a big factor. We can’t have a cookie-cutter approach for everyone; it’s about listening and adapting to each family’s unique situation," said panelist Clara Taylor from Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.
Several educators from area school districts, including Brandy Amberg with the North Little Rock School District and Kale Thomas with the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, described their roles in assisting students who come from unstable family environments. They emphasized the importance of emotional support for students struggling with trauma and family instability.
Rob Smith, the Senior Mentor Coordinator of Step Ministries, explained the critical role mentorship plays in supporting students. He shared the story of a 13-year-old mentee who lost his life due to community violence. Smith described the loss as heartbreaking, reinforcing the urgent need for sustained support and mentorship.
"The inability to be a child and to have a childhood like some of us experienced is quickly evaporating. We need to make space for kids to be kids again, free from overwhelming adult responsibilities," he said.
The meeting highlighted several obstacles preventing effective support for at-risk youth, including inadequate transportation and a lack of trauma-informed programs in schools. Participants discussed the shortage of public transportation, noting that many families struggle to reach the services they need. Clara Taylor emphasized the importance of consistent follow-up for families seeking assistance, noting that “getting a family to fill out an application isn’t enough.”
"Transportation is a huge issue. Without reliable access, people can’t get to the programs that are meant to help them. It’s a gap we need to fill to truly support these families," added Taylor.
During a Q-and-A session, a school counselor asked what she could do with a student who was 17 years old and had been kicked out of their home. Attendees suggested area services that might help, though it was noted that the student may unfortunately not qualify for several of the assistance programs.
The meeting concluded with a call to action, encouraging community members to advocate for policy changes and to increase collaboration across sectors. Attendees discussed plans for follow-up meetings to explore solutions to transportation barriers, mentorship expansion, and addressing trauma within schools.
"The more people on a care team, the more support a family receives. It’s a collaborative effort, and every extra connection makes a difference in moving families toward stability," said Deanna Walderns, who oversees the 100 Families Initiative in Pulaski County, which providers software to service providers so they can better collaborate.
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