Poster #44

Integrating Youth Voice: Lessons Learned from Hawai`i's System of Care

By: Amanda Mundon, MSW, Tia Roberts Hartsock, MSW, MSCJA, Corinna Sosa, LMSW, Erica Yamauchi

Abstract:

Hawai`i's youth System of Care has worked to implement youth voice for over 15 years. With the support of federal initiatives, partnering with nonprofits, strengthening youth advocacy and integrating national technical assistance, there are many lessons learned on what elements are helpful to engage system professionals, youth, families and peer supports. Utilizing cultural approaches can create space for voice and choice and have been successful elements in Hawai`i.

Tia L.R. Hartsock, MSW, MSCJA

Tia L.R. Hartsock is a trainer, independent consultant, researcher and evaluator for non-profits, state departments and federal agencies. Additionally, she’s the Project Director of a federal Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) initiative at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, in Hawaii’s Department of Health. Tia is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Hawaii’s School of Social Work. She received her Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration from Chaminade University and her Master’s in Social Work at University of Hawaii. She is a SAMHSA certified trainer on Trauma-Informed Care and in July 2021, was selected as the Chair of the statewide Trauma-Informed Care Task Force to implement Act 209. Ms. Hartsock has been working to improve the child and adult serving systems in mental health and criminal justice in Hawaii for over 20 years.