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Youth Eastside Services Lifeline Online
December 2011
 
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Stopping Sexual Abuse in Children 

What every adult should know

  

The continuing Penn State sexual abuse scandal sheds light on the importance of adults taking responsibility for reporting suspicions about child abuse to the proper authorities. Most adults are unsure about what they see or where to report it. At YES we encourage adults to trust their gut. If something doesn't feel right, report it even if you don't have solid proof. You may be offering one piece of a puzzle that helps avoid future tragedies, like the ones in recent news stories. For more information on preventing, identifying and reporting sexual abuse, click here.

 

2011 Holiday banner large  

When a child needs help,

                                  it can't come soon enough!

 

Help ensure all kids and families get the help they need

At YES, we give our best to respond quickly to young people facing challenges out of their control, regardless of a family's ability to pay. Many people don't realize that YES is the only provider on the Eastside who offers a sliding scale that goes down to zero. Through the first 11 months of 2011 the need for uncompensated services has increased by more than 40%, with nearly 700 clients accessing this support.

 

Your year-end gift to the YES Lifeline Fund is critical because it helps ensure that kids and their families get the help they need. Your donation means that youth struggling with emotional distress, molestation, physical violence or substance abuse are seen by a caring and qualified counselor as soon as possible, often within just a few days.

 

Click here to make a year-end gift today.

 

 

  

In the News   

Important information you want to know 

 

Adult drinking influences children: With holiday parties here, it's good to remember your kids are watching. Studies show that teens who believe their parents are against drinking and drugs will be less likely to try them. Likewise, parents who drink often or heavily are more likely to have children with alcohol problems. Keep an eye on teens and have an adult supervising alcohol at holiday parties. For more information on how parental attitudes influence teens, click here. 

 

Youth conceal alcohol in candy: Soaking gummy candy in vodka is a new trend among teens. The candy absorbs the vodka, making it easy to conceal for sports games, school or other public places. It can be dangerous because teens don't realize how much alcohol they are consuming. To learn more about this trend, click here. 

   
During the holidays we have an opportunity to spend more time with our children and extended family. Trust your instincts if you witness significant emotional changes in how your child or teen reacts to celebrations, gift giving or visitors. Loss of interest in traditions might be a sign of a normal developmental stage---- or, if accompanied by sleep disturbances, changes in appetite and/or withdrawal from social contact could be a sign that help is needed. Now and throughout the year, YES is here to help kids and their familes with family strife, the effects of substance abuse, depression or other emotional struggles. No question is too small or insignificant, especially when it involves your child.

 

From all of us at YES, I send our wishes for warmth, comfort and joy---- today and in the year to come.

  

Sincerely,
  
Patti Skelton-McGougan 
Executive Director