Update from ACT for Youth
Youth Development Research, Resources, Opportunities
May 2021
Featured Resources
For Youth-Serving Organizations:
Supervisor's PYD Toolkit!
ACT for Youth has promoted a positive youth development (PYD) approach since our founding in 2000. We have worked closely with youth-serving organizations, developing training resources and strategies for community collaboration and youth engagement.

Over the years, we have learned that if a new approach is to be adopted and sustained, new policies, practices, and support at the organizational level -- not just the program level -- are essential. Supervisors play a critical role in establishing innovative approaches.

In the new Supervisor's PYD Toolkit, we have gathered tools and resources to support supervisors in establishing and sustaining a positive youth development approach in their organizations.
Research and Resources
HHS Announces Prohibition on Sex Discrimination

HHS: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the Office for Civil Rights will interpret and enforce Section 1557 and Title IX’s prohibitions on discrimination based on sex to include: (1) discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination on the basis of gender identity. Section 1557 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in covered health programs or activities.

Changes in Use of Emergency Contraceptive Pills in the United States from 2008-2015

Use of emergency contraceptive (EC) pills in the United States more than doubled after several options became available over the counter, according to a new study from Guttmacher researchers. The study also finds that between 2008 and 2015, fewer women used a prescription to get EC pills and fewer women accessed their pills from a clinic or health facility.
‘I Just Feel Like Myself’: A Nonbinary Child in Their Own Words

This article from WBUR shares the story of a non-binary child and their family in their own words as they navigate complicated social and emotional experiences.
Recovery Lab: Lessons from the Pandemic and Implications for the Future

This report shares the experience of planning and implementing the Recovery Lab initiative meant to support students' academic and social-emotional needs during COVID-19, not only to document the approach and results, but also to establish key lessons learned in terms of both practice and policy.
How Educators Can Help Kids Heal After the Pandemic

KHN: This pandemic has been stressful for millions of children. Some have lost a loved one to covid, and many families have lost jobs, their homes and even reliable access to food. If that stress isn’t buffered by caring adults, it can have lifelong consequences. But there’s some good news for kids: Educators across the country say their top priority right now isn’t doubling down content — it’s helping students manage pandemic-driven stress.
Ten Strategies for Creating Inclusive Health Care Environments for LGBTQIA+ People

Creating welcoming, inclusive, and affirming health care environments is critical for increasing access to care for LGBTQIA+ people. This guide presents ten strategies every health care organization can do to become more affirming and welcoming for LGBTQIA+ patients and staff and sets a foundation for comprehensive organizational change.
Professional Development
NASBE-Child Trends Symposia on Suicide Prevention, Session 1: Review of Policy, CDC Guidance, and Research

Join NASBE and Child Trends for a webinar presentation and panel discussion with experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on the latest data, research, and guidance for state leaders to consider as they improve their youth suicide prevention plans.

Date: May 27, 3:00 PM EST
Grants
OJJDP FY 2021 Strategies To Support Children Exposed to Violence
OJJDP: Nearly two-thirds of children in the United States have been exposed to violence in their homes, schools, or communities. Violence in the community can prevent children from feeling safe in their own schools and neighborhoods. This solicitation provides funding for communities to develop and provide support services for children exposed to violence as well as training and technical assistance to child and family-serving organizations to help them better recognize and help families at risk for violence.

Deadline: July 6, 2021
This newsletter was developed with funding provided by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Women, Infant and Adolescent Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the ACT for Youth Center for Community Action and do not necessarily represent the views of the New York State Department of Health.