MHA Develops Outdoor Classroom Inspired by Child Advocate

Mental Health America of Dutchess County is transforming an outdoor space into a safe and welcoming place for children and their families.

Volunteers at MHA have been trained for an innovative program that has been providing a non-biased approach to advancing the well-being of children and families in the Hudson Valley for 22 years. The CASA program places advocates in the Family Court system who can stand up for children and families by providing sworn testimony about factual interactions they've had. The goal of this program is to provide a loving home for children and guardians within the community.

There are many challenges facing children in the welfare system and CASA of Dutchess County is making great strides to advocate for these children, leveling the playing field and giving them much-needed support while working to obtain a permanent home.

MHA has expanded CASA to become a part of the North Side Collaborative Coalition for the Pershing Avenue Garden. Ellen's Place and Outdoor Classroom is inspired by the late educator and child rights advocate, Dr. Ellen Lynn Hall. Hall was the founder of an early learning center in Colorado that's respected worldwide for its innovative approach to education and the author of Seen and Heard: Children's Rights in Early Childhood Education. The child advocate believed that all children have the right to be taken seriously and have their voices heard not only in families but also schools and communities.

MHA CASA at Ellen’s Place and Outdoor Classroom is planning to serve over 300 children and their families by creating a safe and welcoming space that focuses on "fine-tuning the key development skills children need from infant-youth to early adolescence."

You can find out more about CASA and Ellen's Place at MHA's website.