Foster Care Training

There is a continued need to assure that youth in foster care receive equal access and quality health and mental health care services. This is true when it comes to those at risk for schizophrenia and related disorders. This training will cover best practices and referrals when supporting foster youth experiencing psychosis. Schizophrenia usually strikes in adolescence and can last a lifetime. Recent research shows that early identification, interventions and treatment of psychosis may reduce deterioration and improve lifelong outcomes. The prodromal phase, in relation to psychosis is the “period preceding the onset of the first psychotic episode, when there is increasing symptomatic presentation and functional deterioration” (NIMH). Results of early intervention trials that seek to improve identification of prodromal phase psychosis have also indicated that treatment during this period, before the onset of full psychosis, may prevent severe outcomes, improve youths’ mental health and cut long term service costs.

This training will give an overview of psychosis, prodromal phase symptoms and symptoms of schizophrenia. Family dynamics and how PREP offers support to youth, their caregivers and their family will be described. How and when to refer and to consult in support of early intervention will be reviewed.