Family Strengthening
12
The grade when teens are most likely to withdraw socially*
37%
of TTUSD 11th Graders use alcohol or drugs*
42%
of TTUSD 11th graders report chronic sadness or hopelessness*
*2022-2023 California Community Health Survey
Youth Voices Shape Our Future
The Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee (CCTT), a program of TTCF, hosted the 20th Annual Youth Forum in partnership with Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD). The Forum is shaped and attended by junior and senior TTUSD students. Eleventh grade is a pivotal moment in youth, often representing the last meaningful opportunity to support students in interventions, as many students withdraw just before senior year begins.
Forty-two percent of TTUSD 11th graders reported chronic sadness or hopelessness, and 37% reported current alcohol or drug use, according to the 2022-2023 California Healthy Kid Survey. The forum amplified the voices of young people who spoke about the myriad ways that mental health and local resources affect their daily lives. CCTT partners will use this feedback to refine strategies, programs, and services as part of our Behavioral Health Roadmap. Learn more in our blog.
[Students] reflected on the power of their voice, and they appreciated the rare experience of adults simply listening—without providing advice, interrupting, or taking over the conversation[…] When we uplift youth voices and take their perspectives and insights seriously, we build a stronger, more inclusive community where all generations work together for meaningful change.
Maddie Leh
Facilitator of the Youth Forum, Academic Year Program Manager with Adventure Risk Challenge
Child Abuse Prevention Month: A Call To Action
The Community Collaborative initially began as the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition (CAPC) more than 30 years ago. CCTT eventually evolved to encapsulate a broader mission of family strengthening and continues to work closely with CAPC. This includes hosting CAPC each year during Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness about child abuse and prevention efforts.
Child abuse and childhood domestic violence—when children witness violence in the home—have long-term negative impacts on children, families, and communities. Approximately 30-50% of families in which either form of violence is occurring also experience the other, according to the Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Children who experience domestic violence are 7.4 times more likely to attempt suicide and 50% more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. This data underscores the urgent need for proactive prevention through community investment in child and family well-being. Every year, CCTT partners review community data to identify gaps in our safety net and collaborate on how to improve service integration across our region. Learn how you can help prevent child abuse in our blog.
Creating a safe, nurturing and caring environment for children in our community takes a village. It’s a continued practice of collaboration, support, innovation, and seeking new opportunities to create Community Pathways where all children feel supported and safe from abuse and neglect. We are not giving up on our kiddos. Be the One—join our efforts.
Beatriz Schaffert
Program Coordinator with Tahoe Truckee Child Abuse Prevention Council
Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health Matters
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To learn more about our community impact and how you can partner with us to make a difference, contact Stacy Caldwell at stacy@ttcf.net.