A Renewal, Welcoming 2021

The year 2020 with all of its challenges has come to an end. We look back and realize we became flexible, appreciative of our families and friends and more generous in our nature. The SRD Ranch continued to receive calls from families whose children were experiencing frustration, depression and extreme anxiety. Accommodations were made to provide individual counseling and as guidelines became more defined, smaller groups of youth returned to volunteer with the herd. Support groups were created to meet the needs of Grandparents Parenting and Teens suffering from grief and loss.
A November report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that, “Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental-health related ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental-health related visits for children 5-11 and 12-17 year increased approximately 24% and 31%, respectively.” Children who routinely received their mental-health support through clinics, community agencies and schools were no longer able to access these services as changes were made in reductions and adapting to the quarantine requirements. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6945a3.htm
It is important as we move into the new year that parents continue to monitor their child’s behavior for signs of excessive paranoia, worry or anxiety, long lasting sadness or irritability, extreme changes in moods, social withdrawal or dramatic changes in eating or sleeping patterns. As a child goes through their own struggles, it’s imperative for the family to receive assistance as well. There are many organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley to reach out to for support and assessment. https://srdstraighteningreins.org; https://bethedifferencescv.org
The SRD Straightening Reins Foundation and the herd wishes you and your family a peaceful and optimistic New Year. We hope that you will visit us in 2021.