Category Archives: Society

The Latest news about what is effecting Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Lack of Funding Spells Doom for At-Risk Population of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

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In its 2021 federal budget, the Trump administration included extreme funding cuts to programs helping disabled citizens including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

These individuals lean on the support of others to be able to participate in average activities, including things like cooking, getting dressed, and participating in work or social activities. When we see funding cuts, people with disabilities are at high risk of slipping through the cracks.


CLEARWATER, Fla. (PRWEB)

In its 2021 federal budget, the Trump administration included extreme funding cuts to programs helping disabled citizens including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This disaster in funding will not only cut the quality and length of services provided to those with IDD, but it could also place them in a position to lose everything they have. Individuals with IDD rely on consistent caregiver interactions to achieve quality of life goals while completing activities of daily living; if funding for these programs is cut, these people will suffer significant setbacks that could even lead to homelessness. “These individuals lean very heavily on the support of others to be able to participate in average activities, including things like cooking, getting dressed, and participating in work or social activities. When we see funding cuts, people with disabilities are at high risk of slipping through the cracks,” says Dr. Craig Escudé, President of Health Risk Screening.

As the current administration prepares to leave the White House, legislators have proposed several last-minute Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) funding cuts that would leave individuals with IDD without proper care. Today, almost half of all SSDI recipients under 50 years old have intellectual disabilities, and 75% of those over age 50 live with physical or intellectual impairments.(1) The latest proposals would slash funding for Social Security disability benefits by $2.6 billion over the next decade—plus, they would require millions of current beneficiaries to navigate through red tape to re-prove their disability status every two years.(2) The budget cuts will affect a variety of services provided to those living with IDD, such as state councils and university centers focused on developmental disabilities, access to qualified therapists and caregivers, and many protection and advocacy programs.(3) Centers serving individuals with IDD may be forced to turn these people away, and even medical professionals working with these particular individuals may lose their jobs due to lack of funding.

In the early 1980s, the Reagan administration enacted similar measures in what has become known as the “Reagan disability purge”. Beneficiaries living with conditions like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and even end-stage cancer were informed they were no longer considered disabled, and, as a result, millions lost their disability benefits.(4) Tragically, thousands committed suicide, and thousands more lost access to programs and services that helped them live as normally as possible in society.(4) History would repeat itself if Trump’s proposed cuts move forward. People living with IDD may lose access to monetary benefits, housing, professional caregiving services, and more.

Already, many agencies who support people with IDD aren’t able to provide a basic level of support and services because they cannot pay for enough staff members and other necessities. Additionally, many centers are shifting focus away from budget constraints to providing the COVID-19 vaccine to high-risk individuals, many of whom have intellectual disabilities.

People who live with IDD do best with routines involving support from people who understand them and know them personally, including how they communicate things like pain or discomfort. These support givers know how to watch for the early signs of medical illness, which may vary greatly from individuals without IDD. Legislators could greatly benefit by personally visiting centers for people with IDD to inform themselves about the challenges and struggles these people face on a daily basis while witnessing the high level of support and attention paid to each person.

Dr. Escudé says, “Funding cuts may force people with IDD to lose support from people who know them well or have to change their living arrangements completely. This will increase the risk of serious health conditions being unnoticed which can lead to unneeded suffering and even death. I call on legislators and those in power to visit programs and hold hearings to learn from people with disabilities and their supporters what is truly at risk before cutting funding.”

About Health Risk Screening, Inc.:

Health Risk Screening, Inc.’s roots began in 1992. HRS is an industry leader in training courses, webinars, and materials to help at-risk populations. HRS’s focus is on developing tools and training for the person-centered support of these vulnerable populations. Through the education of government agencies and service providers, HRS aims to improve lives. One such tool is the Health Risk Screening Tool, of which HRS is the sole developer, producer, and distributor. The web-based HRST is the most widely used and validated health risk screening instrument for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With unrelenting focus, HRS works to fulfill its mission of improving the health and quality of life for people faced with these types of vulnerabilities. For more information, visit http://www.hrstonline.com.

1. “Chart Book: Social Security Disability Insurance.” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 22 Sept. 2020, cbpp.org/research/social-security/chart-book-social-security-disability-insurance.

2. Vallas, Rebecca. “Trump Administration Cuts to Social Security Disability Benefits among the Cruelest.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 29 Jan. 2020, usatoday.com/story/opinion/todaysdebate/2020/01/27/trump-administration-cuts-disability-benefits-among-cruelest-editorials-debates/4592737002/.

3. “Trump Budget Calls For Cuts To Disability Programs.” Disability Scoop, 13 Feb. 2020, disabilityscoop.com/2020/02/13/trump-budget-calls-for-cuts-to-disability-programs/27812/.

4. Eberle, Marie. “Is The Next ‘Disability Purge’ Underway?” Medium, Feministly, 28 Jan. 2020, medium.com/feministly/is-the-next-disability-purge-underway-c963de53f842.

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Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

New Lexington K-12 Autism School Set to Open in Laveen, Arizona in 2021

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MESA, Ariz. (PRWEB)

Lexington Life Academy announced its new campus in 2021 in Laveen, Arizona. The largest school amongst all Lexington schools, this new campus will be led by the same principle as the Phoenix-Maryvale campus, Daniel Hermosillo, and will incorporate all the enriching programs Lexington is known to provide. It also will bring much needed services to an underserved community.

From early intervention to independent living, Lexington Life Academy provides educational services to individuals with autism to promote choice, dignity, and independence. Lexington provides distinguishable and reputable education using therapeutic and consulting services in evidence-based practice.

Through transformative services in their autism school, behavior department, transition programs, therapy clinic, extracurricular activities, DDD services, and adult education programs, they can help those they serve to develop the skills to reach their full potential.

“Taking a holistic approach to each individual attending their programs, each of the Maryvale campus’s distinct departments works as a team for the education and treatments of individuals with autism,” said Hermosillo. “This holistic approach will also be introduced at the South Mountain campus.”

Offering a wide variety of up-to-date educational programs that meet our students’ individualized needs, we also maintain the Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards’ integrity. All students are assessed in our curriculum. Teachers progress, monitor, and track daily data to ensure your child is meeting their academic needs.

The academic program covers the rolling subject areas:

  • Language Arts Literacy

  • Mathematics

  • Social Studies

  • Science

  • Social Skills

Lexington South Mountain will also provide Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) services such as:

  • Adult Program – Day Treatment Adult (DTA)

  • After School Programming Day Treatment Training (DTT)

  • Summer Camp and Break Camps (DTS(T))

  • Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

  • Training and Therapies

  • Speech and Language Services

  • Transportation

Visit http://www.LexingtonServices.com or follow us @LexingtonServices for the latest updates.

About Lexington

Lexington has always been rooted in passion and service. Harrison Rogers founded Lexington with the simple goal of improving the quality of life for his sister. Driven by his vision of a venue for her to learn and excel through understanding her autism, Harrison created a place for people who learn differently. Lexington was created with the goal of providing better quality of life for individuals “So They Can” and we continue to operate based upon that goal today.

Lexington continues to expand the ways in which we empower individuals with special needs to thrive and reach their goals. We have added new locations and new services, but Lexington remains committed to service and quality of life everyday.

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Society: Christianity

Reginald D. Joseph Jr.’s newly released “Husbands Love Your Wives As Christ Loves The Church” unravels the wonderful truth of the impact of friendship in Fellowship

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Husbands Love Your Wives As Christ Loves The Church: Clarity My Letter To The Church”: a compelling letter for the church and for households that inspire unity and present the beauty of strengthening and sustaining healthy relationships. “Husbands Love Your Wives As Christ Loves The Church: Clarity My Letter To The Church” is the creation of published author Reginald D. Joseph Jr., a devoted son, honorable brother and friend, dedicated father, and loyal husband.

Joseph Jr. shares, “In this heroic tale of Love, courage, commitment, and awaken through brotherhood, this Manuscript shows how communication cannot exist without understanding, and power isn’t achieved without knowledge.

“Remarkably so, at 33 years of age Reginald Joseph Jr. with this book, embodies the essence of fellowship in the church, the marriage, our friendships, and more importantly ourselves, by using theology, psychology, and sports references to send the readers on a Christ awakening note journey.

“Based on true events, he writes a love letter to the church and to marriages around the world using personal experiences and entendres to convince a body of believers of their true superpower in strength in numbers, and unity.

“With his platform, Reginald writes out his thesis sermon to the masses, and provides a business plan for the community/ communities to save a sleeping nation.

“Highlighting hometown heroes; in this first, of a two book series confronting the new age.

“This book is a must have.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Reginald D. Joseph Jr.’s new book is an insightful manuscript written to reveal to every single reader through notes and written entendres the hard truths and provide helpful recommendations that will help everyone and influence destiny.

View a synopsis of “Husbands Love Your Wives As Christ Loves The Church: Clarity My Letter To The Church” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Husbands Love Your Wives As Christ Loves The Church: Clarity My Letter To The Church” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Husbands Love Your Wives As Christ Loves The Church: Clarity My Letter To The Church,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Christianity

New Book Makes the Case for Setting the Spiritual Clock In A Secular World

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You learn a great deal about people – and what they cherish – by looking at their checkbooks and calendars. I wrote the book to help foster a sense of wonder in…the sacred rather than secular calendar in our secular age.


PORTLAND, Ore. (PRWEB)

Dr. Paul Louis Metzger, author of multiple academic and general interest titles, encourages Christians to make sure sacred time rather than secular permeates our imaginations. Metzger’s latest book – available at 40% off until the end of January 2021 – Setting the Spiritual Clock: Sacred Time Breaking Through the Secular Eclipse serves as a handbook for pastors, worship leaders, and faithful Christians of all traditions who seek to shape their personal and corporate devotional experience in view of the biblical story and church year rather than the secular calendar.

Setting the Spiritual Clock describes how various Christian traditions mark their calendars to reflect the biblical and ecclesial narrative and enhance public worship. Such efforts safeguard against secularization’s encroachment in the church’s life. The book serves as a guide and traveling companion for the liturgical year, which circles the glorious Son as he breaks through the secular eclipse.

Written expressly for those interested in how sacred time can direct their daily lives, author Paul Louis Metzger states that “You learn a great deal about people – and what they cherish – by looking at their checkbooks and calendars. I wrote the book to help foster a sense of wonder in view of the biblical and ecclesial story spanning the centuries so that the sacred rather than secular calendar captures Christians’ imaginations in our secular age.”

In showing her keen appreciation for the multifaceted nature of this volume, Professor Kristen Deede Johnson of Western Theological Seminary states: “This is a gem of a book. A gem because it is rare: part devotion, part reflective essay, a combination of deep biblical and theological wisdom, wise conversation partners, and cultural engagement. And also a gem because its content deserves to be mined and treasured as we seek to follow Jesus in this complex cultural and political moment. Constructively building on other recent efforts to retrieve the liturgical calendar as a part of the re-formation of our Christian imaginations, faithful engagement with this book will surely help its readers orient their lives around the Son in this secular, pluralistic age.”

Professor Peter Casarella of Duke Divinity School addresses the volume’s evangelical and ecumenical breadth in his endorsement: “Paul Louis Metzger has once again demonstrated an amicable and coherent way that evangelical fervor can be married to Catholic timekeeping. Setting the Spiritual Clock is a handbook to a liturgical life receptive to profoundly ecumenical insights. Christian unity seems much more palpable in the light of its lucid but simple provocations.”

Setting the Spiritual Clock is published by Wipf and Stock Publishers who are known for bringing academic subjects into the general audience. “As a typical Pacific Northwesterner and participant in the Portland culture,” says Paul Louis Metzger, “The book is a bit of a hybrid, kind of like my Toyota Prius: evangelical and ecumenical, academic and practical, theological and spiritually formational, ecclesial and societal in scope. My hope is that it will appeal to a broad range of readers – be they ministry workers and those seeking a different point of view on their spiritual journey – it is accessible to all.”

The publisher is making available a 40% off discount on the book. The offer is good until the end of January. To receive the discount, buyers can purchase from the publisher and provide the code of “ADVENT20” over the phone (541) 344-1528; via email at orders@wipfandstock.com; or online at https://wipfandstock.com/9781725258709/setting-the-spiritual-clock/

About The Author

Dr. Paul Louis Metzger is Professor of Christian Theology and Theology of Culture at Multnomah University and Seminary, as well as the Founder and Director of The Institute for Cultural Engagement: New Wine, New Wineskins. Dr. Metzger is also the Editor of New Wine’s journal Cultural Encounters: A Journal for the Theology of Culture. He has authored and edited eleven books and is currently writing a theological ethics volume. Integrating theology and spirituality with cultural sensitivity stands at the center of Dr. Metzger’s ministry vision. He has a keen interest in the art of Katsushika Hokusai and Georges Rouault, the writings of John Steinbeck and Martin Luther King, Jr., and the music of Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, The Doors, and Nirvana. Dr. Metzger is a member of the Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, NJ, and served in the past as Senior Mission Scholar in Residence at the Overseas Ministries Study Center, New Haven, CT, as well as a theological advisor for the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s “Science for Seminaries” program (through the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion).

About Wipf and Stock Publishers

Wipf and Stock Publishers is widely recognized for reintroducing classic academic works in theology, biblical studies and church history, and for textbook reprinting which serves hundreds of authors, professors, bookstores, and institutions throughout the academic school year.

About Multnomah University

Founded in 1936, Multnomah University is a private non-denominational Christian university in Portland, Oregon. The university consists of a college, seminary, graduate school, and online distance-learning program, the university offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as professional certifications and endorsements. https://www.multnomah.edu

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Society: Christianity

Author Cheri Jones’ newly released “Angel Wings” is the moving tale of a seven-year-old boy who transformed the lives of thousands of people around the world

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Angel Wings”: a moving and poignant memoir about a young boy’s courageous battle with cystic fibrosis. “Angel Wings” is the creation of published author, Cheri Jones, a retiree who had a thirty-eight-year career in primarily administrative settings and also served as secretary to a Board of Fire Commissioners and elected school board member for her local school district.

Jones writes: “My hope is that Conner’s story will provide hope, comfort, and some interesting and usable information to others who are raising a child with an incurable disease.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Cheri Jones’ new book is the heartrendingly tragic but also inspiring and consoling tale of a seven-year-old boy who, despite battling an incurable disease and leaving this Earth far before his time, managed to impact upon more lives and touch more hearts than most would deem possible in several lifetimes, let alone seven years.

Told with touching honesty and bravery, Jones’ book also challenges readers who have suffered or may suffer the devastation of the loss of a loved one to find solace and comfort in the blessing bestowed upon them by that loved one’s presence in their lives, however short.

View a synopsis of “Angel Wings” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Angel Wings” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Angel Wings”, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Christianity

Michael James Reed’s newly released “Come Out of Her, My People” is a contemporary handbook filled with biblical information and doctrinal insights

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Come Out of Her, My People”: a fundamental account that will lead the readers to know and see the way, the truth, and the life. “Come Out of Her, My People” is the creation of published author Michael James Reed, a retired navy who realized the difference between walking after the flesh and walking after the spirit when he met the Lord after his Naval retirement.

Reed writes, “Michael James Reed gives all glory to the Lord in this passionate plea to all people of his former religion, Roman Catholicism, to come to the knowledge of God’s Word over what he demonstrates is the word of men, Roman catechism. Although Michael targets Roman Catholics, ‘Come out of Her, My People’ is truly essential reading for Evangelicals as well due to its wealth of biblical information and doctrinal insight. The Protestant churches of the world have been beguiled into accepting many of Rome’s errors, and ‘Come Out’ is a stark reminder to all who consider themselves biblical to not be unequally yoked to such an institution. Ultimately, Michael has done a masterful job of lifting the veil of Christianity that the pagan Church of Rome has been hiding under since the Edict of Milan in AD 313. He has also exposed one of Rome’s leading apologists, Karl Keating, as a false teacher who gave demonstrably false information to his readers in order to lead them away from biblical truth. Furthermore, Michael’s stunning, new revelations of Mystery Babylon give new light to that false end-time church all Christians should be aware of. Michael asks all Roman Catholics to search the Scriptures for themselves in order to truly know their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For the name of Jesus is above every other name and the only name by which we are to be saved. From the man or woman on the street to the most highly esteemed theologian, all who read this book will come away with at least some new knowledge of God. Michael has put his heart into this work to bring the knowledge of Jesus Christ to his people, Roman Catholics, and warn them of the road on which they are traveling.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Michael James Reed’s new book is an eye-opening reminder for the readers to travel the road with humility in order to reach the final destination God has provided for them.

View a synopsis of “Come Out of Her, My People” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Come Out of Her, My People” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Come Out of Her, My People,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Christianity

Ariel Isabella’s newly released “Carry Isabella” is a heart-tugging novel about the author’s moments of faith and divinely inspired pregnancy

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“Carry Isabella”: a vivid account that unveils the author’s faith-driven relationship with the Lord and her blessing of pregnancy. “Carry Isabella” is the creation of published author Ariel Isabella.

Ariel Isabella shares, “When I looked up, I was startled by a vision that invaded all of my view. From out of the sun, I watched a line of people walking across the sky toward me. They were covered with sunlight and seemed to be of the sunlight.

“The first person to appear from within the sunlight was a man. Following behind him was a woman who had a large load in her arms as she walked. The person to follow her was a greater Man. He held an even greater load in His arms.

“As I looked at this third person, The Lord spoke into my heart and said, ‘You are carrying a load, but while you carry this load, I will carry you. You are pregnant. Now go and carry Isabella to her parents.’

“Following that man from within the sun, many people were walking. Some of them held things like instruments, and some held tools and equipment while marching. And in this large group, there were others who seemed to be dancing while following in this great formation.

“The vision came to an end, and I became aware of myself lying on my sheet again. I was in awe at what I had seen and began thinking about what The Lord had spoken to my heart, as I was absolutely sure of His communication with me in that moment. Though every piece of the vision was yet to be interpreted to me, I knew I was pregnant, and I was sure that that baby girl growing inside of me was to be named Isabella.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Ariel Isabella’s new book imparts the author’s wisdom and the manifestation of blessing through pregnancy that stems from a lifetime of divine providence and unyielding stewardship in God.

This book is also filled with thought-provoking visions of the divine that bear the Lord’s will and graciousness amid the toils and uncertainty in life.

View the synopsis of “Carry Isabella” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Carry Isabella” at traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Carry Isabella,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Christianity

Steve Watson and Huey Jiron team up to bring the newly released “The Character Coach’s Playbook”, an inspiring and highly original guide for sports coaches

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)

“The Character Coach’s Playbook”: an inspiring and motivational guide to more holistic and effective coaching techniques and practices. “The Character Coach’s Playbook” is the creation of published authors, Steve Watson and Huey Jiron.

Steve Watson is a resident of Colorado who played professional football for and latterly served on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos. Steve now encourages his community by speaking to athletes, coaches, and parents about growing in personal character.

Huey Jiron is a speaker who has traveled the world, proclaiming the message of mentorship through sports. Huey, who holds two master’s degrees, played for the Arkansas Razorbacks before serving in the US Navy. As a disabled veteran, he coached for ten years, then scouted for MLB.

The authors write: “With millions of athletes playing today, it is time to coach the coaches about coaching. Very few (Little League through high school) coaches have any training in the arena of character development. Every great coach from Lombardi to Bowden and Osborne to Wooden understood the importance of personal character. This book is a practical guide that assists and trains coaches in this most important endeavor. The playbook sets out weekly characteristics to explain and emphasize throughout their practices so that they develop the inner being, as well as the outer being. Instead of focusing all coaching efforts on the short-lived life of playing, learn to coach for a quality of life.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Steve Watson with Huey Jiron’s new book is game-changing exploration of highly effective, holistic, and cutting-edge methods that sports coaches might employ to train their players.

Packed with insider wisdom, slews of thought-provoking insight, and practical, actionable tips in every chapter, this book is less a guide, per se, and more a tool that can be utilized by coaches and athletes alike to maximize their potential and attain new highs in their lives both on and off the field.

View a synopsis of “The Character Coach’s Playbook” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “The Character Coach’s Playbook” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “The Character Coach’s Playbook”, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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Society: Christianity

Author Wm. D. Braley’s new book “His Stenographer” is a collection of essays and anecdotes drawn from his life experiences and his own relationship with God

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MT. GILEAD, N.C. (PRWEB)

Wm. D. Braley, a lifelong writer and poet who draws inspiration from his faith, has published his new book “His Stenographer”: a faith-based work for Christian readers.

The author writes, “This book is listed as fiction. You have the choice to read for entertainment, encouragement, inspiration, or curiosity. It is, however, my belief and prayer that some part of this book will change your perception of being a Christ follower. So for whatever reason you choose, read the book!”

Published by Page Publishing, Wm. D. Braley’s engrossing book is an excellent choice for avid Christian readers.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “His Stenographer” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing understands that authors need to be free to create – not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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Society: Social Services

Alternative Family Services wins the Council on Accreditation’s 2020 Innovative Practices Award

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NEW YORK (PRWEB)

The Council on Accreditation (COA) would like to congratulate Alternative Family Services (AFS), a Resource Family Agency and mental health service provider serving Northern California, as winner of the 2020 Innovative Practices Award for its “Enhanced Visitation Model: Foster Care” program.

The Innovative Practices Award identifies, documents, and celebrates examples of successful approaches to management and service delivery practices adopted by our accredited organizations. Too often great ideas are kept in-house, without recognizing their potential to create change beyond. The purpose of the Innovative Practices Award is to amplify the effect of one great idea by elevating it to the national stage and offering it as a resource for direct service providers, leadership, researchers, and advocates across the full spectrum of human services.

This year, innovation is more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged every sector of our society, but it has presented special obstacles for the human and social services field. 2020 has also reinforced the urgent need for better equity, diversity, and inclusion. With that in mind, COA requested that Innovative Practices Award submissions address one or both topics.

This year’s evaluation process began with a preliminary round of submissions in which applicants provided a one-page synopsis of their innovative practice. Four finalists were selected to move forward and submitted their full case studies, which were reviewed by a team of expert judges. The community got to weigh in, as well, with hundreds of public votes making up 5% of each submission’s final score.

You can view the case study of the Enhanced Visitation Model at coanet.org/afsenhancedvisitationmodel/.

ABOUT THE ENHANCED VISITATION MODEL

Visitation frequency between parent and child is one of the strongest predictors of successful family reunification within the foster care system. The initial response to the COVID pandemic for many agencies and institutions charged with overseeing family visitation was to restrict face to face services. Even as government and private agencies have begun to reinstitute face-to-face visitation, it is clear that the pandemic will ebb and flow. If visitation is going to be available to all families, some families will need to practice social distancing or utilize virtual technologies during visitation in order to contain contagion and meet foster parent fears and demands for safety. Families involved in the foster care system are often distrustful of how resources are allocated and rules are applied. When restrictions are placed upon parents’ right to visit their child, it is imperative that the process be transparent and equitable. To accomplish its purpose, the visitation experience must also be positive and encourage healthy interaction.

AFS’ Enhanced Visitation Model incorporates risk assessment and visit planning tools to assist staff in developing transparent and equitable visitation plans for all families. They have coupled this with replicable visitation activities or venues that can safely provide a continuum of healthy visit experiences regardless of risk level. Three levels of visitation service delivery address the special needs of families required to adhere to community, social distancing, or quarantine requirements. AFS’ Enhanced Visitation Model is designed to inspire clients and parents to play and communicate freely while minimizing the potential for client and family re-traumatization that can be caused by difficult to enforce rules and restrictive visitation environments. Their Enhanced Visitation Model is intentionally easy to replicate. They hope their model inspires and encourages family visitation providers to address the challenges of the COVID19 environment with innovative and creative visitation practices for all the families they serve.

Learn more about Alternative Family Services at afs4kids.org.

ABOUT COA

Founded in 1977, the Council on Accreditation (COA) is an independent, nonprofit, international, accreditor of community-based behavioral health and social service organizations. Designed to meet the needs of the varied human services field, COA accredits over 47 different service areas and over 125 types of programs. COA has separate Accreditation Programs for private organizations, public agencies, Canadian organizations, military programs, and child and youth development programs (including out-of-school time and early childhood education).

Currently, COA accredits or is in the process of accrediting over 1,600 organizations or programs that serve more than 7 million individuals and families each year. Learn more at coanet.org.

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