Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2020

Degree Type

Capstone - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Instructor/Advisor

Audrey Falk

Second Advisor

Melissa Nemon

Abstract

The social, structural and environmental characteristics of neighborhoods can have a significant impact on the social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive development of children and adolescents. The Center for Disease Control reports every 1 out of 5 children (22%) living below 100% of the federal poverty level have a mental, behavioral and/or developmental disorder (CDC, 2019). Through the utilization of ecological frameworks and a “place” based framework called The Social Determinates of Health, research was conducted to examine the link between neighborhoods and health outcomes in children and adolescents. These findings were then shared through a workshop with the target audience being board members, donors, executive directors and employees of youth serving community organizations, as well as educators and school district administration. The goal of the workshop was to demonstrate the link between neighborhoods and mental health and provide resources and tools to better support the youth and communities in which these organizations and educational institutions serve. Tools and resources; such as, Asset Based Community Development and Asset Mapping were shared to change the conversation to looking at complex communities through an asset lens versus deficit. This shift in mindset can break down barriers of stigma and encourage a proactive approach to supporting the healthy social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive development of children and adolescents.

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