Ventura's battle against childhood trauma is getting a boost with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office teaming up with Children's advocacy group Childhood Matters, in a move to bolster support for young victims' mental health. According to a recent announcement on the district attorney’s website, the partnership aims to pool resources in Ventura, California, offering on-site services at the Family Justice Center to tackle the ripe issue head-on.
The collaboration is poised to create a comprehensive hub of mental health services dedicated to healing and supporting affected kids and their families, District Attorney Erik Nasarenko expressed optimism about the new partnership saying, “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Childhood Matters,” and believes this initiative falls in line with their shared goal to nurture a supportive community for families facing adversity. Services ready to roll out include workshops, counseling, parenting support groups as well as safe spaces for young minds to process their emotions and participate in mental wellness activities which, are sorely needed in the face of rising mental health concerns among youth.
A vital component of the new mental health center is the assistance provided by Childhood Matters located at 2982 Martha Drive, which will host a variety of offerings including mental health workshops, affordable counseling, and parenting support initiatives aiming to give families the tools to confront mental health challenges effectively. Founder of Childhood Matters, Shaleena Tareen, mentioned her gratitude stating, “We are filled with heartfelt gratitude to the District Attorney’s Office and Family Justice Center for their unwavering support and provision of space,” with a goal to help every child flourish in a supportive environment.
Moreover, spreading its roots into the educational system, Childhood Matters is in preliminary talks with local schools to offer practicum opportunities for upcoming marriage and family therapist students, the organization looks forward to a fruitful affiliation, particularly with California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. The establishment indicated a vision of community-wide mental health elevation events designed to engage a broader segment of the populace, reduce stigma, and expand understanding around the sensitive subject of mental health for the young. An official launch date for the Childhood Matters hub within the Family Justice Center is yet to be slated, as anticipation in the Ventura community builds.
