The American Academy of Pediatrics provides helpful resources and tips for families to have these important conversations.

Racism is harmful to our communities.

The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) shares the University’s commitment to addressing the injustice of racism and promoting equity and inclusion for all.  

Racism can create toxic stress in children, teens and families that negatively affects their health and development, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

During these stressful and tumultuous times, families may struggle with how to discuss the issues of race and discrimination with their children.

AAP and HealthyChildren.org, the official parenting website of the AAP, provide the following resources and tips to help your family determine what is age and developmentally appropriate for your child:

• American Academy of Pediatrics Condemns Racism, Offers Advice for Families for How to Talk to Their Children
  
• Talking to Children About Racial Bias
  
• Talking to Children About Racism: The Time is Now
  
• Childhood Exposure to Violence
  
• Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events

• How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times
  
• Teaching Children Cultural and Racial Pride

• Recommended Reading: Books to Build Character and Teach Your Child Important Values
  
• AAP’s Policy Statement on Racism and Its Impact on Child and Adolescent Health  

Newsletter for the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes DSCC’s efforts to help families.

The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is honored to be included in the latest edition of “Illinois Pediatrician.”

“Illinois Pediatrician” is the print and electronic newsletter for the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP). The winter 2019 edition features an article by Molly Hofmann, DSCC’s Associate Director of Care Coordination.

The article explains how our staff uses a comprehensive assessment to help our care coordination teams develop a person-centered plan for each of our families.

The person-centered plan is guided by the participant and family’s needs, wants, dreams and desires. It includes their desired outcomes/goals, strengths and needs. It also outlines the steps to achieve these goals and the barriers and risk factors with plans to minimize them.

You can read the article at http://illinoisaap.org/wp-content/uploads/37-1_Winter_Newsletter_ICAAP1218_FINAL_REV-1-25-19.pdf.

The newsletter also includes great articles about the 14th annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference. DSCC is one of the conference’s co-sponsors.

A big thank you to ICAAP for sharing our efforts to drive positive change in the lives of our participants and families!