Clinical Supervisor Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center
Children in rural communities who experience abuse and neglect face additional barriers to mental health services, including provider shortages, geographic isolation, stigma, and cultural challenges. This workshop will examine the intersection of rural mental health disparities and crimes against children, highlighting the impact of trauma and the unique challenges faced by professionals working in children's advocacy centers (CACs). Participants will explore research-backed statistics, barriers to care, and the role of rural culture in help-seeking behaviors. The session will also provide practical strategies for CAC professionals and mental health providers, including trauma-informed approaches, advocacy efforts to improve access to services, and the use of telehealth in rural settings. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to enhance support for child survivors in underserved areas.
Learning Objectives:
Identify barriers to mental health care for abused children in rural areas, including provider shortages, geographic isolation, stigma, and cultural influences.
Analyze rural mental health disparities and crimes against children using research-backed statistics and challenges faced by CAC professionals.
Apply trauma-informed strategies and advocacy efforts to improve access to mental health services for child survivors in rural areas
