This Family's Shocking Revelation About Youth Mental Health Will Leave You Speechless—Are Your Kids At Risk?

As the holiday season approaches, many families face the unique challenges of mental and behavioral health, particularly for children. In Fort Mill, South Carolina, a national nonprofit organization called Youth Villages is stepping up to offer support and solutions for parents seeking to collaborate with their children on these critical issues.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in five children between the ages of 3 and 17 is diagnosed with a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition. This statistic highlights the urgent need for effective support systems for families, especially during emotionally charged times like the holidays.

Youth Villages focuses on creating long-term change by working closely with families across the Carolinas. During the holiday season, they intensify their efforts to connect with families, providing essential resources and guidance. Their Intercept program, specifically designed to assist families in their own homes, aims to keep children out of out-of-home placements or reunify those who have been placed in the system. Drew Laurens, the state manager for Youth Villages in South Carolina, emphasizes the importance of children remaining in their natural environments for healthy development. He notes, “Whether it’s educationally, staying out of the prison system or anything — if they have grown up in the community, in the household or the natural environment they’ve been in.”

One such family benefiting from Youth Villages' services is that of 16-year-old Kelis Clinton and her mother, Kurestin White. Kelis began working with Youth Villages specialist Iesha Faulkner over the summer after experiencing distress from losing her older sister. White shared, “Around this time is when you know her sister passed away and it was depression, anxiety, and everything.” Since then, Kelis has learned new coping skills and has started to open up about her feelings. White expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, “I know I cry. You know, but I cry in private and she just busts out, and you know it bothers me, but I have to be strong for them.”

Faulkner, whose own experience with a social worker in high school inspired her career, understands the challenges that young people face. “Sometimes young adults feel like they just have to give up and they don’t know a way out, and I knew I had to be a person that helped them see the change,” she remarked. This commitment to helping others navigate their difficulties reflects the mission of Youth Villages.

Kurestin White has observed a significant shift in her daughter’s behavior since starting sessions with Faulkner. She expressed her confidence in the bond formed between them, stating, “It’s hard to gain trust, you know. So, she came right in and gained her trust, and they had conversations that I don’t probably know about, you know, and that’s okay with me because at least she’s telling somebody.” This sentiment underscores the importance of having a trusted adult outside the family for children grappling with complex emotions.

As we navigate the complexities of mental health, especially during times that can exacerbate feelings of loss and anxiety, initiatives like those from Youth Villages offer essential lifelines to families. The organization demonstrates a commitment not only to addressing immediate needs but also to fostering long-term resilience among children and their families. As Iesha Faulkner poignantly puts it, “It’s not how the story begins, it’s up to you to how you choose to finish it.”